Goa's pioneer industrialist and mining magnate, Shri Vishwasrao D. Chowgule,
passed away peacefully this morning 4th October, 2008 at 0800 hrs at his
residence in Baina Vasco-da-Gama Goa. He was 93 years old (25th August, 1915. )
He leaves behind his three sons and three daughters and grandchildren.. The
cremation will take place at Gadegal Sancoale at the family burial grounds at
1700 hrs this evening.
Beginning life as a tally clerk in the Port town at Mormugao Harbour before the
second World War, the Chowgules' who hail originally from Kolhapur in the State
of Maharastra, began their innings in Goa in early 1916 with late Dattajirao
Nathaji Chowgule his father setting a small trade in Goa.
Late Vishwasrao a nonegenarian who was the Chairman of the Chowgule Group of
Companies was involved in exports, mining shipping, shipbuilding, manufacture
of salt, educational institutions, sports club etc was the last stalwart
among the famous V's that dominated the Goan economy right from pre Liberation
days till date. They included late Vassudev M Salgaoncar, of the Salagaocar
Group of Companies and late Vasantrao S Dempo of the Dempo Group of Companies
all involved in mining and exports. Yet another V was the automobile dealer
Joshi from Vasco-da-Gama.
His contribution to Goa was remarkable, though a non-Goan.
Unfortunately if any national award was conferred on any individual who
contributed to the economy of Goa, that credit ought to have rightly gone to
late Shri Vishwasrao D Chowgule, and none other for he had many firsts to his
credit. The pelletisation plant, the internationally acclaimed "Chowgule
formula" synonymous with the mining and its exports with countries like Japan
etc, the first College in Goa, sports arena first Konkani daily Uzvadd and
Marathi daily Gomantak and many others.
late Shri Chowgule was a strict disciplinarian and was a true statesman
The empire that he leaves behind in the hands of his successor, was
singlehandedly created by him, though his brother late Yeshwantrao D Chowgule
who passed away suddenly three years ago (5.7.2005) assisted him to a good
extent, at a time when the Goa's freedom struggle would have otherwise made it
difficult for persons of non Goan origin to set up such an empire or venture
into mining and its exports.
Since pre-Liberalisation the Chowgules' managed to retain the industry in
private hands till date and performed creditably to the benefit of the States
economy.
In his death the State has lost a pioneer statesman whose pragmatic views and
sound understanding of international economy was astounding considering his
humble education viz a mere matriculate.
All establishments of the Group held condolence meets this morning according to
reports receuved by this writer and then closed as a mark of respect and to
pay homage to the memory of their departed leader.
from the Mormugao end
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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