When death is encountered in a community, the words of the great English playwright Shakespeare strikes usLife is a stage and we are all actors on it. The success of the play does not depend on how long the character is seen on stage, the success of the play depends on how well the character was played. As the Konkani fraternity prepares to bid a tearful adieu to a illustrious crusader and patriot, we come to terms in accepting the death of Cipriano Lopes with the words of prophet Jonas; God has given.... God has taken away!
Cipriano was born in the picturesque hamlet of Orlim in Salcete on July 21, 1961, to Fabiano Sebastiao Damasciano Lopes and Albertina Josepha Da Silva. Brought up at Dandeavaddo Chinchinim, he grew amidst culture and literature. He was fond of reading; English classics being his subject of interest. After completing his education he worked as a medical representative in a pharmaceutical company, as a clerk in school, then as a sub-editor in a local daily for two years. He was then a duty officer and programme executive of the Panaji kendra of Goa Doordarshan. Besides football, Cipriano was a staunch supporter of the Konkani language and passionate about Goan culture.
As a programme executive at Goa Doordarshan, he gave an opportunity to many young and budding tiatrists, aspirants to sing their songs without much ado. As a vice president of Dalgado Konkani Academy he worked hard to build the academy and reach out to the Romi Konkani populace spread far and wide. He produced several telefilms in Konkani and worked with great pains to see that good programmes were performed in our mother tongue Konkani. Hundreds of singers have recorded thousands of songs in Konkani through his initiative and encouragement.
Cipriano was a silent worker, often working quietly behind the scenes for the success of a programme. There were various times when he would ask that a simple word or phrase be used in Konkani that would be understood by the common man when hosting a programme in the studios of Goa Doordarshan.
Even during his days of ailment in the past few months he displayed his passion for theatre and music as he talked and spent time with those who would visit him.
Cipriano is no longer amidst us but the tremendous work he has done for the promotion of konkani literature, and culture will always keep him in the hearts of the konkani speaking people.
Adeus Lopes Bab, may eternal life be yours!
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