A Tribute to Menino Peres: A Heartfelt, Punctual, and Visionary Leader
By John Aguiar
The news of the passing of my former senior officer and mentor, Menino Peres, at his residence ‘Shristhal’ in Porvorim, has left a void that is difficult to fill. In his departure, we have lost a generous, cheerful personality and, above all, a dear friend
A Bond Beyond Professionalism
I have known Menino Sir since his days at the periodical Ujwaad. Our professional journey together solidified between 1990 and August 2012, during his tenure at the Department of Information and Publicity. When you work with someone for 40 hours a week, 50 weeks a year, a relationship develops that transcends the typical boss-employee dynamic.
Sir was more than just a boss; he was a guide. I learned immensely from the mistakes I made under his supervision. His witty nature and sense of humor allowed him to maintain a positive and productive atmosphere, even in high-pressure situations.
A Career of Excellence
Menino Peres was a man of many talents and achievements. His journey was remarkable:
Academic Excellence: He held a B.A. in Sociology from Mumbai University and an LL.B. from Goa University. Despite being qualified for law, his passion for journalism led him to pursue a Post-Graduate degree in Journalism and Public Relations.
Literature: He authored two significant books: Goa Roadmap to Growth and Mass Communication.
Public Service: He served as the Goa In-charge for the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Private Secretary to former Minister Vasu Paik Gaonkar and MLA Vishnu Wagh, and Director of the Directorate of Official Language.
Media Veteran: From representing the Konkani daily Ujwaad to working as a news reader for Akashvani Panaji, his contribution to Goan media was vast.
Political Advisor: He had the distinct honor of serving as the Press Advisor to two former Chief Ministers of Goa, Luizinho Faleiro and Francisco Sardinha.
The Man Behind the Designation
What I remember most fondly is his discipline. He believed that the ability to complete work systematically was a gift. He often said, "We have been taught these values by Lord Jesus."
He was a man of action. During emergencies or critical assignments, he wouldn't just give orders; he would often step into the fray himself or send me with full confidence, knowing I would be there for him. He never had to "call" us to attention—his dedication made us want to be present.
I remember a specific instance where a project went slightly off-track due to a mistake. Instead of scolding me, he stayed late into the night, working alongside me to ensure the file was corrected and completed. That was his greatness—he chose to guide rather than criticize.
A Legacy of Humility
Even after his retirement in 2012, Menino Sir remained active, always ready to help anyone in need. While we had our share of intellectual disagreements—as any two people working closely might—our hearts were always in sync.
The title "Man of the Year" awarded to him by Gulab magazine was a testament to his professional standing, but to those of us who knew him, he was simply a great man with a golden heart.
I offer my humble tribute to his sacred memory. Menino Sir, you will be deeply missed.
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