When one entered his mansion it never looked like a typical Christian home. Hindu iconography and well-laid-out artifacts in the living hall would welcome a visitor. An atypical interior gave an impression of the presence of someone with high wisdom and a connoisseur of art and heritage. A rational thinker, late Pervical Noronha was a name synonymous with Portuguese history and heritage, who admired the Indian way of life too, being a pioneer of the Shigmo float parade in the state, though he is known for Carnival float celebrations.
Every visit to the abode of late Percival Noronha whose centerary birth anniversary is being celebrated today, July 26 was a place for thousands of people, be it students, researchers, historians, scientists, officials, or from the media, it was always a enriching experience that brought about a new insights on different subjects and notes from the history pages. With happy go lucky attitude, his great sense of humour and aristocratic hospitality to one and all, for many, Ajenor located at Latin Quarters in Fontainhas, the destination was rarely missed as sensible conversation proceeded over a hot cup of tea or soup served by his ever smiling home assistants, Caitan and Mauxi.
The influence of Portuguese education and administration had made a mark on his personality that had helped him to tune his interests in various subjects and he had developed finesse in whatever assignment he took up, which was accomplished to perfection with almost no scope for error and no non-sense attitude. Perhaps that was the reason he was close confidante of even the first chief minister of Goa, late Bhausaheb Dayanand Bandodkar who confided in his ability. When it came to organising exhibitions and events there was no better person than Pervical Noronha to handle them. Former bureaucrat’s work during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meet (CHOGM) and Pope John Paul II was well recognized internationally.
Pervical, who was known to many as the chronicler of history was the go-to person for anyone who wanted to dig into the colonial past when it came to the Portuguese period, history and heritage in Goa. Having served in various positions during the Portuguese and post-liberation Indian government, it had brought him face-to-face with top politicians and administrators who headed the various departments. He always remembered and spoke highly of his teachers Sir Matmo, Sir Bhandari and Sir Lopes, and not to miss the renowned Goan historian Dr Pandurang Pissurlekar and diplomat Vaman B Sardesai who had great influence on him.
The two organisations he founded in Goa in 1982, post retirement, the Indian Heritage Society (Goa Chapter) and Association of Friends of Astronomy (AFA) (Goa) became the turning point in the way Goans looked at conserving and preserving Goa’s historical and natural heritage, and our very perspective of science of the universe took a giant leap to an unfathomable expanse. Whoever came in contact with him, there was something to learn.
His nephew, Francisco Lume Pereira remembered his uncle often mentions, “Intelligence is not just an ability to store knowledge in memory but the ability to know where to find the knowledge.” Yes, it was always demonstrated whenever he was asked for some information and he would get it from his memory or the repository of a large collection of literature.
Through his concerted correspondence and field work, he highlighted the importance of conserving and preserving our heritage for posterity which we are losing fast in the name of development. Conservation movement gained momentum subsequently with greater awareness because of his initiative.
A lover of heritage, Paola de Sequeira encapsulates with great respect the fond memories she had with one of Goa's foremost historians Pervical Noronha, and she considers herself very fortunate to have enlightened with knowledge, whenever she spent some time with him.
She says, “With his vast knowledge gleaned from books, documents, research, and first-hand experience in the field, he remained celebrated as the ‘Human encyclopedia’ of Amchem Goem. He was an expert on Goa's art and culture, architecture, cuisine, furniture, handicrafts, history, heritage and most things that were Goan. His contribution in creating awareness and understanding of Goa of the past centuries are well documented and he had a strong bond to the land of his ancestors. I count myself among the fortunate one to have gained vast knowledge and his expertise.”
Though he is known as a historian and heritage conservationist, it was his contribution to astronomy that led to a significant interest in learning science and creating scientific temper in students and the masses across the state. With ancient belief systems in vogue, teaching astronomy was never as easy as convincing someone who is rooted in culture and tradition that is devoid of any logic was always an uphill task. It is here, through his effort, the AFA through its members made a significant contribution in creating and imparting scientific knowledge through astronomical programmes.
Former naval officer and ex-chief coordinator of the AFA, Dr Ritish Ambat put his long association with Pervical succinctly, “When I met Percival Noronha in 1992, little did I know then that this chance encounter would lead to a profound and enduring friendship that would shape my life and kindle an unquenchable passion for the stars. He was down-to-earth and welcoming to everyone. I vividly remember the first time I entered his home. He greeted me with a warm smile and opened his doors, not just to his house but to his heart.”
Dr Ritish remembers, “Behind the scenes, Percival had a remarkable team of support staff. The lady who cooked for him, his dedicated chauffeur, and the housekeeping staff, all were groomed by him. Together, they maintained his home like a museum.”
Dr Ritish acknowledges, “Percival Noronha was a guiding light, a mentor, and a dear friend. His passion for promoting amateur astronomy was unique. His legacy continues through the memories he shared, the love he gave, and the observatory he helped us discover. I will forever treasure the time I spent with him and carry his teachings in my heart, gazing at the night sky, and remembering the man who ignited the spark of life within me.”
Though it was a small effort by him and like-minded people who formed the initial team in setting up both these organizations, we have to credit him and his perseverance to bring people together to make it a mass movement. The science of astronomy has gone far across the state and some of the members have made a mark at the international level doing research in astronomy. Goa has become the first state in the country to offer astronomy as a subject at the high school level with efforts in the offing to set up the syllabus for higher secondary students.
“As of now, more than 60 schools across the state are offering the subject of astronomy at the high school level. This was as a result of Pervical Noronha’s initial efforts in popularising astronomy in Goa. Subsequently, it was taken up with the government by Dr Nandkumar Kamat, former vice-president of AFA to start the subject in schools. AFA members clubbed together to create a basic syllabus for the course,” informs Satish Nayak, president of AFA.
Percival was honoured with many international recognitions over the years for his varied work in administration and heritage conservation, which included the United Nations Peace Medal in 1972, Commander of the Order of Prince Henry the Navigator by the Portuguese government 2014 and many others.
State government may have failed to recognise his selfless contribution to art, culture, heritage, science and nature, however, Percival will always remain in the memory of Goans, as there very few parallels when it came to administration and integrity. While the legacy of Percival Noronha lives on, Panjim and Goa are in greater need of such an administrator who had the wisdom and common sense.
A glowing tribute was paid to Percival Noronha by his family, friends and people across the cross-section of society who knew him from very close quarters during a function organised by his family in association with Alliance Francaise, which incidentally has their office in the same house in which he lived all his life. A separate function will be held on July 29 by the Association of Friends of Astronomy to mark his centenary at the Public Astronomical Observatory at Panjim.