Mumbai: Lokmat newspaper hosted the 2ndLokmat Goan of the Year Awards 2017 in Panaji on September 7th 2017. This prestigious award felicitates the remarkable contribution and commendable work undertaken by peoplefrom various works of life in Goa.Shri. Nitin Gadkari Union Minister of Surface Transport & Ganga Rejuvenation was Chief Guest of the event. Also present was Shri. Manohar Parrikar Chief Minister of Goa, Mr. Vijay Darda Chairman,Lokmat Media and Mr. Devendra Darda, Managing Director Lokmat Media. The highlight of the evening was an open and interactive discussion with Shri. Nitin Gadkari by Mr. Atul Kulkarni Senior Asst. Editor, Lokmat Media.
An excerpt of the interview include the following announcement by Shri. NitinGadkari, “Rs. 20,000 crores sanctioned for big ship terminals in Goa and Rs. 18,000 crore has been approved for concretization of Mumbai-Goa four lane highway.As a result of this there will be swelling in number of tourists visiting Goa since Goa is one of the biggest tourism destinations in Goa. Around 89 planes land in Goa daily which highlights the importance of Goa from a tourism perspective. Going ahead, we shall also focus on environmental friendly vehicles in Goa. I congratulate all the winners of today. Lokmat has given expression to hidden talent and this program also highlights the same purpose.”
Vijay Darda, Chairman, Lokmat Media Pvt Limited said, “Lokmat not only brings news but also works in every area for the development of the society. This awards honors and highlights people who have contributed to Goa, true to the spirit of Lokmat. Apart from awards, Lokmat organizes special programs for various segments of society such as youth, women and young girls in Maharashtra & Goa.” He also added, “The union government should now give special status to Goa to increase the income of the state.”
Awardees of LokmatGoan of the Year 2017 –
- ManoharUsgaonkar, Senior Advocate – Lifetime Achievement Award
- ManoharParrikar, Chief Minister of Goa – Lokmat’s Proficient Peoples’ Leader Award
- RohanKhaunte, Revenue Minister of Goa – ‘Young Politician’ Award
- BlaiseCostabir – Industry category
- VyankateshPrabhudesai – Education category
- Mahabaleshwar Sail –Literature category
- SushantTari –Art & Culture category
- AjitMalkarnekar –Agriculture category
- Prasad Lolayekar –IAS officers category
