History Hour 29 – “REMO SPEAKS – An Interaction on Goan social issues” by Mr. Remo Fernandes – Thursday, 1st March 2007.

This was an interactive session with Remo Fernandes, during which he put forth and discussed his views on a few Goan issues he felt strongly about. This was an opportunity to meet and converse with Remo who shared his views and spoke about issues that impact Goan society. The stand that Remo took on IFFI (International Films Festival of India in Goa) and more recently on Goa Regional Plan 2011 is well known. In the context of adopting a critical approach towards those in power, Remo had this to say about himself: “I am a rebel kind…criticising governments when they do wrong things and also targeting corrupt politicians and ministers.” (Herald, January 28, 2007, p.1).

Remo Fernandes the creative and internationally famous Group pop singer obtained his degree in architecture from the Sir J.J.College of Architecture, Bombay in 1976. Remo represented India in numerous international festivals of music, and recently at Rio de Janeiro. But the political and social messages, through song and music he composes are clear and forceful: think of messages like anti-drugs, anti-women exploitation, ministerial apathy, etc. He is the leading western music maker of Goa today—his Indo-Western fusion music is stunning—with a vision that music can become a powerful instrument of social changes. He has been the recipient of several national and international awards, the latest being the Padma Shri, a national honour. His  achievements in the field of music to-date are outstanding and Remo does Goa proud.