By Aires Rodrigues
One more 13th October – the return of a fateful date. Four years have passed by since that brutal & cowardly attack on me at Ashok Restaurant, behind Panaji Post office. For many 13 is unlucky, they say, but for me it was a day of miracle – the escape from the jaws of death.
In the over 35 years of social activism, on many occasions, I have had to bear the brunt of various attacks. But the savage assault, on that 13th October night, will be the one to remember, surely for the rest of my life. It is an irony that the attack took place just 10 days after celebrating the anniversary of the Father of Our Nation when we all vowed by Gandhigiri. Soon some opted for Goondagiri.
The manner in which the attack was carried out clearly showed that what was planned was my elimination. But, by God's Grace, I was lucky to escape with only my fingers dented. The masked goons may have been able to 'finger' me, but were not able to dampen my spirits and cow me down. Many litres of my blood may have gushed away but my system was reinforced with a tanker load of courage and strength. That bloody attack on me, if anything else, only toughened my determination to continue the struggle against all injustice, corruption and nepotism. Many would have been relieved if I had vanquished but my time was not up and those who were planning to feast on my mortal remains would have to wait while I still relish some more Chicken and Mutton Xacuti at Ashok's! The execution of the brutal attack was at lightening speed and lasted just over 3 minutes, but by God's grace the medical aid was also rendered very speedily and professionally. The five masked men were out for my neck but had to go back content with denting my shoulders and damaging the fingers of my right hand.
Over the years I have been warned by friends and well-wishers to be careful as the rich and mighty could plan an attack on me. Once in public life, one has to be ready to face such situations bravely and put ones trust and hope in the Almighty. Post attack, friends and well-wishers have been also advising me that I should move securely and also seek a licensed revolver. All this seems unnecessary for the simple reason that death and destiny are beyond our control.
On that 13th October, had it not been for the Almighty's protection, it would have been my death anniversary today. I sought no revenge against those masked men, but only hoped that the deadly weapons used in the failed attack to liquidate me will be used in future for the purpose they were made for – to protect life.
Over the years I've taken up many issues as a result of which I've had to cross swords with one too many. I would, without hesitation admit, that the issues I've highlighted, have hurt and exposed some of the rich and mighty. Every issue I've pursued has been only after an in-depth study and with an open mind. Never with any bias or personal prejudice, and of course never with any personal interest or sense of revenge.
Politicians and people in authority, by virtue of their positions, should be ready for both bouquets and brickbats. They should know that their lives and (mis)deeds are under the public scanner and are more than likely to be exposed at some stage. Freedom to fearlessly fight against social ills is the very hallmark of a true democracy, but unfortunately some of those in power who ride to power on a contrived electorate are unable to withstand such a scrutiny.
I would candidly say that many of my colleagues would never dare to handle some of the issues I've taken up. Goa's alarming levels of corruption and this totally chaotic dysfunctional administration has to be cleansed and let us hope that all the blood shed will not be in vain, but will help initiate this much needed cleansing. The Oct 13th assault will always linger in my mind and forever be engraved in my memory. Everything in life being so uncertain, only the Almighty knows what is in store. In my memoirs that I intend penning soon, there will be, for sure, one chapter on that Oct 13th bloody assault.
