In salutation to Dr. Prof. Ms.Olinda Pereira, on this day 31st May 2020.
A saintly soul stirred,in peace bid adieu,
Left us orphaned, shocked and blue!
This great Daughter who had pleased the Lord with sincerity,
Was welcomed most heartily into the Lord’s fraternity .
Life began for Ms. Pereira on 15th August 1925
In a holy home at Kankanady,now,Prajna’s site
Brilliant in school, she stood brave and tall,
Both as a student and at her teacher’s call.
Armed with a doctorate in Social work
Dr. Pereira built up a college in professional Social Work;
The School of Social Work saw the light of day;
She battled hard, but won her way.
Dr. Olinda flew to the U.S. and Philippines
Garnered knowledge,ideas to build on her dreams;
Worked as the founder Principal of the college,
Went from home to home to enroll students
less privileged!
As a worthy Daughter of the Heart of Mary
She lived her Magnificat with service, caring;
Alert,attentive to the needs of the times,
Her vision surpassed ordinary human kind!
I met Ms. Pereira when I was sixteen
It was she who found in me a leader green;
Her encouragement and “do well” call
Built me, healed me,lifted me despite my fall!
At every stage of her life, she reached a milestone;
At Roshni Nilaya, Prabhatara,in Africa and Vishwas, back home;
They are incredible reminders of her service and struggle;
Staff ,students and social workers have learnt to multitask and juggle.
What can’t we emulate from a life so fine?
What can’t we learn from one so humane, divine?
Steadfastness in service to the needy with daring;
To move beyond walls, with commitment and caring.
To attempt the impossible, to rise after a fall;
To seek, strive and stay faithful to a call!
Ms. Pereira taught us to smile even in pain,
That efforts sincere, can never go in vain!
Though in stature small, Ms.Pereira was indefatigable!
This mighty visionary with her projects unbeatable!
Ms. Pereira, you went home only after completing your mission;
You bent humbly, before the good Lord’s decision!
Dear Miss Pereira you as our Amma,leave us a legacy,
To remain fixed to our goal in all constancy!
How you survived your struggles, will remain a mystery,
You are a legend, you have created history!
We salute you, for all you have daringly done.
You have run your race,life’s war you’ve won!
You will forever ,our dear Ms. Pereira be
Until we join you in heaven’s fraternity.
This is in celebration of your valued life,
Spanning ninety five years of joy and strife;
Studded with Institute building – missionary ventures,
In India and abroad , crafted with perfection !
You live in these icons of excellence!
Love you !
By Prof Maria D’Costa
(Former HOD of English at Roshni Nilaya)
