Mangala Wagle
Conferred on Mrs. Mangala Wagle in recognition of her decade long
commitment to uplift the plight, self-esteem and aspirations of street
children
A resident of Palolem, Goa, Mrs. Wagle found her humanism challenged at
the fish market in Panjim during the daily confrontation between angry
fisherwomen and the street children who stole fish from them to survive.
Rather than remain a spectator to the harrowing scene, she vowed to
come to the aid of the children. She envisioned a setting where the
street children would not only have a home but also an opportunity to
become educated and gain social acceptance. Her resolve resulted in the
founding of Hamara School in 1990.
Presently, Hamara School educates almost 100 street kids, most of whom
are children of construction workers or from poor families where the
youngsters have been forced to work. Hamara School’s objective is
deeply rooted in the precept: “Every child has a right to childhood and
every person a right to dream.” The school also strives to initiate and
implement social change by encouraging genuine relationships to develop
between the privileged and the underprivileged.
Clinton Vaz
Conferred on Clinton Vaz in recognition of his committed vision to
safeguard the environment from technology’s proliferating waste and
predetermined contaminants.
Mr. Clinton Vaz is a self employed environmental consultant based in
Benaulim, Goa. After leaving his job as a mechanical engineer in 2004,
he pursued his interest in the environment and has been actively working
with wildlife and environmental protection. He began by assisting
Swedish students with an awareness campaign as well as the formation of
the Benaulim Environment Trust (BET) in 1999. Subsequently, he has
worked on various issues such as river pollution, hospital waste, and
environmental education.
Mr. Vaz has traveled extensively to speak on environmental issues,
including in Delhi, Sweden, Switzerland, Portugal and Nepal. After a
three year project with the Corporation of the City of Panaji, Mr. Vaz
is currently promoting environmental awareness via interactive
presentations in Goan villages. An ecotourism booklet for tourists is
another of his ongoing endeavors.
The Vincent Xavier Verodiano Award was founded and instituted by DOM
MARTIN in memory of his late father, VINCENT XAVIER VERODIANO MARTIN.
The objective of the award is to promote the wellbeing of mankind
through individual advancement in the field of art, music, literature,
science, medicine, humanities or the environment.
The winner is announced on the 20th day of September, and the award is
conferred on the 5th day of November.
The award is bestowed by the Vincent Xavier Verodiano Foundation.
http://dommartin.us/Philantrophy/Verodiano%20Award%20Index.htm
