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PADMA SHRI FOR NORMA ALVARES
This
Republic Day, our very own Norma Alvares, spunky defendant
of the environment and animal welfare activist in Goa,
was announced as one of the recipients of the Padma
Shri award. The actual award giving ceremony will
take place in New Delhi during February.
 We
remember Norma as the dainty elfin faced History lecturer
at Sophia College, Bombay who stunned us all
by leaving the busy city to settle down in Goa with
Claude Alvares, her journalist - environmentalist
husband. She went on to study law, and is now one of
the State's most famous High Court lawyers, tirelessly
taking up cases against environmental pollution, and
was instrumental in banning the killing of stray dogs,
and the cruel sport of bullfighting in Goa.
During
the mid-nineties, she started the Goa branch of People
for Animals, and by the end of the decade, had set up
the Animal Welfare Board of Goa, using her own
initiative. One of the subjects now close to her heart
is the setting up of a credible and implementable dog
licensing system in Goa.
She
and Claude also started the Goa Foundation to
fight against environmental degradation in Goa, after
the mindless building activity during the nineties threatened
to destroy much of Goa's natural reserves, beaches,
and animal life. The Other India Book House and
the Other India Press is yet another example
of her courage to walk outside the beaten track; this
publishing group encourages authors from the non US-UK
continents, and writers who speak up for the environment.
The
Goa SPCA is particularly grateful for her constant guidance,
and the crucial role she played in introducing us to
the State. The dignity and discipline with which she
handles all the criticism and the irrational accusations
made by a cross section of Goan society is truly an
example to us all - she is the epitome of grace under
pressure, and animal activists are usually under a lot
of pressure!
 Her
unassuming home in the village of Parra has a
menagerie of dogs and cats, ducks and wild geese, and
a grief stricken male turkey whose mate passed away
last year. Norma, in her crisp white cotton saree, curly
grey hair, and pert little trussed up nose, is a true
friend of animals, and an inspiration to all of us.
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