There is something disconnect in the awards and selection. Dr Oscar Rebello is the man of the year though I did not hear or see anything substantial in his work unlike yesteryears). His speech is the refection of most Goans thinking so to speak but few cares of the dangers. Sesa Goa Ltd is awarded for corporate social responsibility. The company responsible of environmental degradation being honored by Dempo Group. corporate social responsibility now also means destruction of environment and natural habitat.
***************************************************************************************************** Indian classical vocalist of Jaipur Gharana, Smt Kishori Amonkar, who was presented with the Lifetime Achiever Award it was an emotional moment. Recognition of her invaluable contribution to the field of music by her 'mother state' was dearer than all the awards won in the past. The award was presented to her by the Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat and the celebrated Goan nuclear scientist, Dr Anil Kakodkar. The leader of the opposition, Mr Manohar Parrikar; the chairman of Dempo Group of Companies, Mr Srinivas Dempo; the publisher of 'Viva Goa', Mr Kedar Dhume; the executive director of Bank of India, Mr N Sheshadri; the executive director of Navhind Papers and Publications, Ms Pallavi Dempo and the editor of 'The Navhind Times', Mr Arun Sinha were present on the occasion. 'The Navhind Times Viva Goa' Goan Achievers' Awards were also presented in eight different categories to Goan achievers namely Clinton Vaz (Environment), Prof Suresh Amonkar (Education), Sanya Cotta (Music, art and culture), Talasha Prabhu (Sports), Sethu Trust (NGO for social empowerment) as received by Dr Nandita D'Souza, Sesa Goa Ltd (corporate social responsibility) as received by the managing director of the company Mr P K Mukherjee, Dr Asha Sawardekar (Woman of the year) and Dr Oscar Rebello (Man of the year). Dr Nandita D'Souza, in her acceptance speech said that the strength of Sethu is the future of our children, while Dr Oscar Rebello, after receiving the award said that if major problems like forest denudation, water pollution, illegal mining and drug menace are resolved, then Goa would be able to retain its identity, cultural ethos and business prospects. Mr Srinivas Dempo, in his welcome speech stated that the Goan public opinion has found the best in various walks of life, and these achievers are being honoured with the 'The Navhind Times Viva Goa' Lifetime Achievers Awards. Maintaining that the 'Jewels of Goa' are being honoured through their popularity and authority in social life, Mr Dempo said that the Goa Institute of Management has been a partner in the entire excise for developing the procedure to select true blue achievers. He also described Kishori Amonkar as an epitome of Indian classical music, and a fitting personality for 'The Navhind Times Viva Goa' Lifetime Achiever Award. The Chief Secretary, Mr S K Srivastava, the Tourism Minister, Mr Nilkanth Halarnkar, some of the members of the jury including Mr Cesar Menezes, Ms Neelatai Dempo and members of the Dempo family were also present on the occasion. http://www.navhindtimes.in/goa-news/lifetime-achievement-award-kishori-amonkar http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyYlG4arY1A God help Goa from Goans! Agnelo
