TEAM HERALD
MARGAO: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar was on Saturday awarded the Gulab Man of the year for the year 2013.
The award was presented to the Chief Minister by Serafin Da Costa, mother of late Fr Freddy J Da Costa, in the presence of Gulab Editor Fausto Da Costa at a glittering function organised by Fr Freddy J Da Costa Memorial Trust at the Ravindra Bhavan, here, on Saturday.
In his brief reply, Parrikar said, “I assure you one thing. I remember all the olden days. I will see that your award will be kept with the same esteem.”
Other prominent recipients of the Gulab awards are sportsperson of the year Lenny Rodrigues, writer of the year Marcus Gonsalves, best writer Comedian Agostinho, best director Fr Nevel Gracias, best musician Anthony de Velim, best actor Ulhas Tari, best actress Jessica Vaz, best comedian (male) Luis Bachchan, best comedian (female) Janet, best singer (male) Marcus Vaz and best singer (female) Sonia Sirsat.
In his address, chief guest, former Chief Minister and Congress general secretary Luizinho Faleiro said it is the sacred duty of every Goan to protect and promote Konkani language for posterity.
“Konkani is our cultural heritage. People of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and the North Eastern states of Meghalaya and Nagaland love and protect their languages. We have to love and protect our language,” he said.
Faleiro recalled the sacrifices made by late Fr Freddy J Da Costa in running Gulab, adding “though Fr Freddy is no more with us, his works towards the protection and promotion of Konkani language will always be remembered.”
Referring to the announcement made by Gulab Editor, Fausto Da Costa, that this is the last edition of Gulab awards, Faleiro made an impassioned plea not to discontinue the awards, saying he is willing to chip in the financial help to continue with the tradition.
Fausto also addressed the gathering. Dean of Goa Medical College, Dr V N Jindal was the guest of honour.
The function was attended by MLAs Mickky Pacheco, Caitu Silva, Benjamin Silva, former Minister Filipe Neri Rodrigues and a large number of Konkani tiatr lovers and citizens.
