Team Herald
PANJIM: Anthony Rodrigues, fondly known as Babush, the proprietor of Jolly bus services died after a cardiac arrest on Wednesday at Assolna. Tributes and condolences poured in for the bus operator of Goa, who dared to make it big in a challenging industry of bus services.
Working himself up from a ticket selling agency and a local bus owner Babush built Jolly bus services from scratch. Jolly Bus services today has a fleet of 12 vehicles both luxury and sleeper. Jolly was the first name that came to the mind for people, especially the seamen from Goa, especially the coastal villages of Salcete to travel Goa-Mumbai. Currently, Jolly buses run on two of the most popular and frequented Goa-Mumbai and Goa-Bengaluru routes.
Babush became a name synonymous with simplicity, hard work, dedication, integrity, selfless spirit and a man who always wore a smile on his face.
Babush served as an elected member of the Zilla Parishad (ZP) of Velim for one full term and had also contested the Assembly elections from Velim constituency on the Goa Forward Party ticket.
Johnson D’Silva said “As a former ZP member and owner of Jolly Travels, he served the people, especially travellers from Goa to Mumbai, with dedication, integrity, and a selfless spirit. His commitment to service and his non-corrupt approach are truly commendable. May his soul rest in peace, and may his family find strength during this difficult time.”
Goa Forward Party President and Fatorda MLA Vijai Sardesai said, “Saddened by the sudden demise of Anthony Rodrigues popularly known as “Babush”, our Goa Forward Party candidate who contested from Velim in 2017. His contributions to Velim and society are invaluable.”
Armstrong Vaz said, “Anthony’s jolly good ride on earth has come to an end hoping and praying to the good lord to grant eternal rest and may his soul rest in peace. We will miss you and your beaming face and your greetings wherever our paths crossed either at Margao interstate bus stand or at Assolna or occasionally at the Mumbai Bus stand.”