THOMAS FERNANDES
Q. Do you cherish any childhood memories?
– While I was studying in the boarding at Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Navelim, from standard 6th to 10th, I enjoyed there the most with a lot of friends. We lived like a family there. I still cherish those memories.
Q. How did Michael Lobo come into your life?
– Michael and I are both cousins and knew each other since childhood. We liked each other, and were ultimately united in holy matrimony.
Q. Who encouraged you to join politics?
– It was entirely because of my husband Michael Lobo. He had contested elections to the village Panchayat of Parra and had lost, but for the following election, the ward was reserved for ladies so he plunged me into the fray and I won. Second time, I was elected unopposed and this is the third time I have won the elections from the same ward. This is my second term as the Sarpanch. What I am today in politics, it is only because of my husband Michael Lobo. As Sarpanch, I was able to make Parra garbage free, give a facelift to the village of Parra with daily garbage collection including Sunday plastic waste collection besides other developmental works.
Q. Do you impose your views on your MLA husband Michael Lobo and does he agree?
– As far as I am concerned and in the interest of village of Parra, I do impose my say and eventually come to an amicable solution as two minds don’t really agree at all times.
Q. Did you have any interest in sports?
– Honestly, I was not so keen in sports but excelled in academics. I was the top ranker in school and college but never took active part in sports as there was not much encouragement for sports then. However, I very much encourage my children for sports.
My son Daniel plays football and has joined Sporting Clube de Goa while my daughter enjoys playing badminton.
Q. Any specific message to the women?
– Whatever you do, do it from your heart and soul as we get only one life to achieve our goals and success.
Q. Which role is difficult to manage- parenting or politician?
– I somehow manage both the roles equally well. While the children are out to school, I attend to people’s work at the office of village Panchayat of Parra, and evening is fully devoted to children.
