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PEOPLE Awarded Noted Konkani poet and journalist Sanjeev Verenkar was recently awarded the second prize of Rs 5000 at the All India All India Radio (AIR) playwrights competition for his Konkani drama Vastupurushacho Ast Jaantna. Verenkar, who hails from Savoi Verem, is also a Konkani writer and has authored the prize- winning books Bhavzumbar, Mumbar and Maand Osaad Jatna.
Dr Dominic F E Menezes Dr Dominic F E Menezes, has been declared the Doctor of the Millennium and awarded a gold medal from the Association of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. This is in recognition of his commendable work and service in promoting the interests of those who are sick and needy and personifying service above self. Menezes is also the general secretary of the Indian Association of Physical, Medical and Rehabilitation, Panjim, general secretary of the North Goa District Congress Committee and the vice chairman of the Hind Kustha Nivaram Sangh (Leprosy), Goa Chapter. Balaji Gaunekar, chief reporter of Rashtramat and Bhagwant Navelkar, news photographer, were felicitated by the chief minister, Manohar Parrikar, last month, for their meritorious services to their profession. The felicitation was held on the national press day. Retired
Dr. J V Thomas Dr V J Thomas, Director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Services, retired last month on attainment of super-annuation. Having joined the department as a Veterinary officer in 1966, and subsequently promoted to higher posts like Key Village Officer, Project Officer, Joint Director and, since 1994, as Director, Thomas dedicatedly served the Goa administration for thirty-four and a half years. He was instrumental in introducing the Frozen Semen Technology - a cross-breeding programme for upgradation of native cattle by artificial insemination using exotic germ plasm. Thomas will also be remembered for converting the loss making Goa Meat Complex into a profit spinner, for founding the Goa State Veterinary Council and for bringing into force the provisions under the Indian Veterinary Council 1984. In Memoriam
Vasantrao S Dempo With the death of Vasantrao S Dempo, Goa has lost a towering personality who has left indelible footprints on the social, cultural and economic life of Goa. Vasantbab completed a full innings of life achieving all the noble goals he had set for himself in his early career. Although recent illness confined him within the four walls of his house, his omnipresence was felt practically in every gathering where one could have expected him to be present. He was one of the three symbols of 'V' of the industrial world of Goa, the other two being late V M Salgaocar and V D Chowgule. The contribution of this trio, for the economic surgence of Goa can hardly be over emphasized as they transformed the face of Goa with their forays into mining. Even today, despite progressive industrialisation the mining sector continues to be the backbone of Goan economy and the role of Vasantrao Dempo in this regard has been significant. No doubt, the case of Dempo is different from that of other 2 V's in certain respects. Dempo was born in a traditionally aristocratic family, which has played a vital role in the history of Goa. Vasantrao was called upon to carry on the family traditions at a young age. It was his responsibility to ensure that the family name remained intact during the vicissitudes of times. His concern for the protection and promotion of religion and culture, in fact, the identity of the Goan community as a whole, particularly the Hindu community, is well known. His services to the Shri Gokarna Partagali Jeevottam Mutt are well known. The Mutt provided him with opportunity to revive the socio-cultural contacts with people of Goan origin who had migrated. During his two decade long tenure as the President of the Mutt Committee, he was instrumental in holding panchashtabdi celebrations - an event described by him as setting in the precepts of integration after the process of disintegration that went on for 500 years. His services to he cause of socio-cultural activities did not go unrecognised. The Dr T M A Pai Foundation of Manipal honoured him with the Distinguished Achievements Award. He was also named the outstanding Konkani citizen of the country. He was the recipient of Bharatiya Udyog Jyoti Award and NRI Institute honoured him with Pride of India Gold Medal at conference at Bangkok. He was the elected member of the Indian committee of the Lloyds Register of Shipping and was also a member of the Indian technical committee of the American Bureau of Shipping. He was the chairman of the Indo-Portuguese Trade Council as also a member of the India-Japan Business Cooperation Committee as well as member of the standing committee of India-Korea Governing Council of Institute of Markting Management, New Delhi. He was a charter member senior and Paul Harris Fellow, as also the honorary member of the Rotary Club of Panjim, who honoured him with 'The Ambassador of Good-Will Award'. He was honoured by Shiromani Institute who presented him with the Shiromani National Integration Award. Sometime back he was honoured with a citation for his outstanding role in the development of economy of Goa. He was also honoured with the Jawaharlal Nehru International Award for Excellence 1990. He was also honoured by the NRI - Institute London. But, for Vasantbab , it was the 'Vidyadhiraj Award' and 'Padmashri' award that really mattered. For him, community was an extension of family, but his work was not confined to his community alone. He gave equal importance to the development of Goa and the Goans. He took the initiative to establish the Dempo Charities Trust which apart from helping hundreds of students and other individuals and institutions, managed two colleges at Panaji namely Dhempe College of Art and Science and Srinivas Sinai Dempo College of Commerce and Economics. He also established two daily newspapers The Navhind Times in English and Navprabha in Marathi. Though Vasantrao Dempo is no more, the Goan community will continue to remember him for a long time to come. - Chandrakant Keni Questions or Comments? Please write to us at: goatoday@goa-world.com
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