Simon C. Fernandes

Simon Cypriano Fernandes (10 October 1909 – 27 August 1983), popularly known as Dr. Simon C. Fernandes, was an Indian medical practitioner, journalist, playwright, theatre director, theatre critic, freedom fighter, pianist, orator, and politician who served as the mayor of Bombay from April to May 1957 in Bombay State. A long-time councilman, he served as a councillor of the Dhobi Talao constituency for over two decades, having been first elected in 1948 till 1973. Apart from his political career, Fernandes was known for his contributions as a journalist in post-independence India and as a playwright of Konkani tiatrs staged in Bombay, British India and Portuguese Goa.

Early life Simon Cypriano Fernandes was born on 10 October 1909 in the town of Calangute, Goa which at the time was located within the Portuguese colonial territory of Portuguese India, part of Portuguese Empire (now located in India). Prior to 1958, Fernandes completed his medical training and earned the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) degree, though the precise year of this achievement is unclear from the available information.

Career Fernandes was a 20th-century medical practitioner and journalist based in Bombay, British India. In addition to his work as a doctor, Fernandes held editorial roles at two Bombay-based publications - The Goan Tribune, an English-language newspaper, and The Goa Times, a Konkani-language newspaper. Fernandes made significant contributions to the development of Konkani theater, known as tiatr. He was responsible for creating and overseeing several tiatr shows, which involved adapting works from English playwright William Shakespeare into the Konkani language. The shows took place in Bombay and Portuguese Goa, highlighting the skills of popular tiatr performers. Fernandes Konkani translations included works such as Venice Xaracho Vepari (The Merchant of Venice), Zoit Khorkhos Ostorechem (The Taming of the Shrew), Romeo and Juliet, among others.

Fernandes was known for his contributions to Konkani literature through the creation of a variety of religious plays, including works like Pontius Pilate and Bernadette of Lourdes, among others. Additionally, he authored original Konkani tiatrs, with his play Poskem (Adopted) becoming a classic in the genre. Beyond his creative output, Fernandes made significant contributions to the advancement of Konkani theater by actively engaging in critical analysis and commentary on tiatr productions in his newspaper writings. In addition to his career in media, Fernandes was involved in local politics in Bombay. In 1948, he secured his initial election to the Bombay Municipal Corporation, representing the Dhobi Talao constituency. Fernandes would go on to serve continuously as a municipal councilor for the next 25 years, until 1973. During his tenure, he held several leadership positions, including serving as the mayor of Bombay for a period of 39 days from 4 April to 13 May 1957. Fernandes also chaired the Improvements Committee and participated in several statutory and special committees of the municipal corporation during his tenure.

Beyond his work in journalism and politics, Fernandes was a supporter of the Konkani language and Goan cultural heritage. In 1982, he had the honor of welcoming and introducing the chief guest at an event reviewing the progress of a Konkani-language institute. The institute's president, A. J. Souza-Roy, noted the widespread migration of Goans to cities and regions across the world during this period. Fernandes himself was recognized as being among the select few playwrights who carried on the legacy of the popular Konkani theater artist J. P. Souzalin. Fernandes contributed significantly to the diverse realms of Goan artistic innovation within the artistic community of Bombay. Throughout his multifaceted career, Fernandes made contributions to the public life and cultural fabric of Bombay, leaving an impact on the city's Goan community and beyond. Fernandes was married to Helena, and together they had two sons late Joseph, a medical practitioner, and Ivor, a retired individual. After Helena Fernandes' death in 2008, a property she had owned in Penha de Franca, Goa prior to 1976 was distributed among Ivor, his spouse, and Joseph' children.

"Voilo Wado" was the property that was owned by Helena, the wife of Fernandes. In September 2022, plans were announced for a new building project called Arc Supremous to be constructed on this property. The Voilo Wado property was previously sold in August 2021 for . The sale proceeds were divided among Ivor and his children. The property was purchased by Arc Builders, a partnership firm based in Porvorim, Goa and owned by Shabbir Shaikh and Dolcy. Fernandes held a career as a medical practitioner in addition to other professional pursuits. He and his family resided at the Cooper Building in the Dhobi Talao area of Bombay. Fernandes was also involved in theater and politics, and was known for his charitable work. Fernandes died on 27 August 1983, aged 73 in Bombay.