Mario Miranda Honoured with 'Orden de Isabel La Catolica' Written by NT Network Tuesday, 10 November 2009 00:04
King Ferdinand VII of Spain created the civil honour of 'Orden de Isabel La Catolica' in 1815 in honour of Queen Isabella to reward those who were held in high esteem by the Spanish. And it is indeed a moment of honour for Goa, as one of its illustrious sons, the veteran cartoonist, Mario Miranda has been bestowed with the honour, in recognition of his contribution towards strengthening ties between India and Spain. "Flattered". That is the one word that sums the feelings of its recipient, who becomes the only Indian to have received this prestigious honour. Tell Mario that he is the only Indian to receive it and in his unassuming manner he says, "I did not know about that." A globetrotting gene probably has been the force behind Mario's motley travels to foreign lands that has sometimes been an inspiration to his vivid depiction of life and culture. Long trips to Spain, Mario puts the number at 3 to 4, were sufficient for an alert mind such as his to learn in depth about the Spanish culture and life. The lack of knowledge about the Spanish language never proved a barrier. "I know Portuguese," says Mario, explaining that the knowledge of Portuguese, which is quite close to Spanish, became a plus point. Habiba Miranda, Mario's wife informs that things took off from the time when a Spanish gentleman liked a mural painted by Mario displayed at the Ramada in Goa. "He wanted to know more about the artist and his other works," she says. For now, the medal with the inscription 'A La Lealtad Acrisolada', which means 'To proven loyalty' is witness to the recognition of the artist's works, while the honour is for the entire nation and especially for all Goans. http://www.navhindtimes.in/buzz/4884-mario-miranda-honoured-with-orden-de-isabel-la-catolica
