18/09/2014 … The Chief Minister Shri Manohar Parrikar on behalf of people of Goa conferred the prestigious and highest civilian award “Gomant Vibhushan 2013-14 on the living legend and son of the soil Shri Lambert Mascrenhas at a function held at Goa Kala Academy Campal yesterday.
The function was organized by the Directorate of Art and Culture. The Award which comprises of a cash of Rs. 5 lakhs a citation and a memento was presented to Shri Mascarenhas on the occasion.
The function was graced by Former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Shri Pratapsing Rane, Chief Secretary, Shri B.Vijayan, Shri Faizi O Hashmi Secretary Art and Culture and others.
Shri Parrikar while speaking in praise of Shri Mascarenhas said Shri Mascarenhas is a great nationalist who strived to create sense of patriotism through his writings. Being a journalists of great caliber he used his pen as a weapon for the purpose during the post liberation period. He cherished a goal of liberation of motherland and soon after the liberation endeavoured to establish Indian identity among the Goans.
Shri Parrikar further speaking also said Shri Mascarenhas, a man with good character, brave journalists and man of principle strived to bring Goans in the mainstream of nation, he congratulated him and wished him on his 100th birthday.
Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Shri Rajendra Arlekar said Shri Mascarenhas as a freedom fighter had fought for the cause of liberation of Goa. He was exiled from Goa for twelve years due to his involvement in freedom activities. The sacrifice yielded a dream of liberation of this land and thereafter he worked on well defining the Goan identity. He conveyed his best wishes on his 100th birthday.
The Leader of Opposition Shri Pratapsing R. Rane while addressing the gathering said Shri Mascarenhas was a brave journalist, a renowned writer and a true nationalist. He said Shri Mascarenhas through writings has inspired the people to fight for the freedom and uphold the cause Goan identity. He congratulated him on the occasion.
The Minister for Art and Culture Shri Dayanand Mandrekar said Government is happy to confer the award on deserved person a courageous write, journalist, freedom fighter and nationalist to the Shri Mascarenhas. He also conveyed his best wishes to him for completing 100 years of his life.
Shri Arlekar on this occasion released a brochure titled Gomant Vibhushan.
The Chief Secretary Shri B.Vijayan welcomed the gathering, while Shri Faizi O Hashmi Secretary Art and Culture proposed the vote of thanks.
