[OBIT]
Cuncolim, is a multi dimensional ‘town’. Though it retains its old world village charm, it is a town because the government calls it one. Presence of an industrial area is making it more cosmopolitan with influx of a sizeable migrant work force. However, even today if one dimension has to stand out, it ought to be in the ability of the present to live up to the legacy of the past, which centred around a fight against injustice.
Time and strange political currents might appear to have weathered this legacy like even the strongest of rocks getting weathered by natural forces. But even today, if one has to get a glimpse of this legacy in a Cuncolkar, it is at Manny’s tea shop located near the Cuncolim Church whose owner Manny Fernandes merged into eternity on the 9th of this month.
To an outsider, Manny’s would appear as a nondescript tea shop. But to an insider, Manny’s is a nerve centre of ‘what is happening around’.
To many, Manny’s is a daily pilgrimage in search of that one cup of tea with a bun or bhaji - pao and of course with a free dose of what’s cracking in Cuncolim and the world at large. To some, Manny’s is a centre to float their own often silly political narratives depending on political inclinations so that others can sit back, listen, discuss or even debate while a customer comes in to the counter and quickly vanishes with a packet of snacks after exchanging a smile with those around. To many, it is just a hangout to wave out at the familiar faces passing by. And to some of us occasional visitors, Manny’s, is a proof of our existence in this world and solace to all that our names have not found their way in obit columns.
Even in the midst of raging debates ending up in the usual camaraderie, Manny a true Cuncolkar would generally remain a silent but neutral observer unless someone would be dishing out a fake narratives borrowed from some wayward WhatsApp forward.
When illness came without knocking, Manny braved it all in the GMC hospital until heaven opened its door for this ‘good and faithful servant’ whose dedication to the Cuncolim Church had been immense. Even Manny might not have perceived that his tea shop had turned into an institution and its testimony was visible in the presence of mourners at his funeral in such large numbers manifesting a sense of belongingness.
On this 12th day, many Cuncolkars will gather for the ‘shok samaramb’ before Manny’s tea shop opens again. The bereavement goes beyond his family to many like us who have lost a friend.
Now carrying the legacy will not be the job of his son Richard alone. Though he has gained the experience, we the members of the institution will have to support him to do just that.
Cuncolim will miss Manny but his legacy will live on.
