Media Release
Pics: Jerald

Doha, Jun 7: Konkani speaking people working and residing in Qatar condoled the death off renowned Konkani litterateur, poet and King of humour literature in Konkani CGS Taccode and offered rich tributes to him at a condolence meet held under the aegis of Mangalore Cultural Association (MCA), Doha Qatar at Indian Culural Centre (ICC) here recently.

CGS Taccode (71) had passed away, after a battling cancer for a prolonged period, on Saturday May 28 at Mangaluru. Born in Taccode, Cyril G Sequeira (CGS) did his earlier education in Taccode, Moodbidri and Bengaluru. CGS who started to write in Konkani at the tender age of 12, went to contribute in a massive way to Konkani literature in the last 6 decades. Though he wrote novels, stories, poems, plays, he would forever be remembered as the King of humour in Konkani. No one before him and no one in near future would be able to surpass CGS’ contribution to humour literature in Konkani.

CGS had a close and emotional bond with Qatar where in first came in the early 80s in search of greener pastures and then again spent over a decade before retiring and leaving Qatar for good in 2009. He was one of the founder members of MCA Qatar and was one of the most loved residents here due to his simple yet witty talks and contribution to the Konkani speaking community. Even after leaving, he did visit Qatar many a times to compere various musical and cultural programmes and finally to receive the prestigious “MCA Kalakar Puraskar” back in 2017. Most of the long-time residents of Qatar do remember their association with CGS and are plunged in sorrow ever since his death.

The condolence meet organized by MCA Qatar began with a introductory note by the compere of the evening Clement Fernandes Taccode. Fr Anand Castelino, the spiritual director of Qatar Konkani-speaking Community led the prayers.

Renowned entrepreneur, philanthropist and long-time associate of CGS Taccode Felix Lobo shared his thoughts on his association with CGS that lasted for almost 40 years. Vivian D’Souza, a long-time Doha resident and a friend of CGS for over 50 years was equally emotional as he recollected his friendship with CGS that started back in Mangalore, continued during their stay in Qatar and remained intact even after CGS left Qatar for good.

MCA president Veena Pais nee Rebimbus for whom CGS was also family friend, in her emotional address opened up about her memories with CGS since her childhood and specially with her illustrious father, the legend, Konkan Kogull Wilfy Rebimbus. MCC president Naveen D’Souza, MCA past president Harry Lobo, long-time Doha resident and a close friend of CGS Hema Fernandes, Reena Castelino, Gladson Almeida and Aloysius D’Souza shared their memories and offered tributes to one of Konkani’s best ever sons CGS Taccode.

The entire evening was meaningfully compered by Clement Fernandes.