Dr. S.P. Deshpande
In our life, we come across many people belonging to different walks of life, professions and socio-cultural backgrounds. But rare among them are those who leave an indelible mark on our life – and a permanent void when they are no more.
Victor Albuquerque is one such personality, well-known in Goa for his visionary farsightedness, professional achievements, youthful dynamism and philanthropy. He played a noteworthy role in building modern Goa after its liberation from the Portuguese rule of four and a half centuries.
My first “introduction” to Goa was in the year 1962 – soon after liberation – when, as a post-graduate student at the School of Planning & Architecture, New Delhi, I visited Goa to collect data for my thesis “Regional Study of Goa” and stayed here for about three months. This is when I fell in love with this beautiful land which made me return here, after my post- graduation, to work during 1964-67 as a junior town planner in the newly established department of town and country planning of the Goa government. It was during this period that I first met Victor on a few occasions. He was then working as assistant engineer in the public works department.
But it was only in 1976, when I returned once again to Goa as the first chief town planner that I had several opportunities to meet and know Victor professionally (along with his partner Anil Counto), who had together set up Alcon Constructions. Alcon, in those days, was “a rising sun” on Goa’s horizon with a large number of projects of construction and real estate development in Goa as well as abroad in the Gulf countries.
In a short time span, Alcon had become a leading name in the construction and development industry, thanks to the professional capability, daring enthusiasm and dynamism of this duo.
In 1980, after resigning from my post of chief town planner, I started my own consultancy firm ‘Environmental Planning & Design (EPD) Consultants’, with headquarters in Goa. It was during this period that I came in close professional contact with Alcon and had an opportunity to work as architect and planning and design consultant for a large number of projects in the residential, commercial, tourism and institutional sectors.
In the year 1998, Victor established his own Alcon Victor Group with a special emphasis on the hospitality and healthcare sectors – that too on a socio-corporate basis, bringing in innovative ideas (such as medical tourism, integrating ayurveda and nature cure in the design concept).
I had an opportunity to work with him on various such projects, including extension of the Dona Sylvia Resort (Dona Sylvia Grand as it was called at that time) at Cavelossim, the Apollo Victor Hospital and the Nurses’ Training Centre at Margao, as well as the development of several residential complexes on an eco-friendly basis at a number of locations in Goa.
During this period, I got to know Victor closely. His unique working style was based on single-minded commitment to move ahead – very often against the prevalent currents, his self-confidence and resolve backed by hard work and dedication and his quality of winning over people.
His trendsetting originality and innovative approach to realise his dreams impressed me. It was indeed an enlightening and pleasant experience to work with him. I must admit that I not only enjoyed this all but also learnt a lot, which helped me to grow professionally.
Victor’s rise, from an assistant engineer in the PWD to the chairman of the leading group of companies, covering all major sectors of development, is indeed, a story of endless undefiable efforts of human spirit, aimed at service of society as well as the nation. Victor was, in true sense, not just a Goan but he was truly an Indian, with his wide horizon of national perspective.
But Victor’s success story will not be complete without a special mention of the contribution of Sylvia, his life partner, who has been a constant working partner, an able colleague and an inspiration behind all his pioneering and exemplary actions – may they be of conceiving innovative ideas, daring entry into untrodden territories, dynamism or, of course, philanthropy.
Personally, Victor was more than just a friend to me. He and Sylvia have always rushed to be on my side with help in my “fights” against injustice.
Lastly, I would like to quote a paragraph from my last letter to Victor, written on November 4, 2021, on his 80th birthday, when I had, pointing out his exemplary life journey, suggested to him: “Now is the time for you to share your enlightening unique life experience with your children, grandchildren and also with the future generations of upcoming young men and women, which will inspire and guide them to follow your path. You must, hence, consider writing about it all in the form of your autobiography. You owe this not only to your family but also to Goan society in general, for whom you have dedicated your lifetime.”
One year has passed since we lost dear Victor. But I am sure, even death will not be able to separate this true friend of mine from me as he shall forever be there in my heart till its last beat!
(The writer is a former chief town planner of the government of Goa.)