Adv Uday Bhembre was conferred this year's Chandrakant Keni Journalism Award at a function held in Margao on Saturday. This award was given at the hands of renowned Industrialist and Fomento Group Chairman Auduth Timblo. Speaking in the occasion, Bhembre
Adv Uday Bhembre was conferred this year's Chandrakant Keni Journalism Award at a function held in Margao on Saturday. This award was given at the hands of renowned Industrialist and Fomento Group Chairman Auduth Timblo.
Speaking in the occasion, Bhembre said, "Democracy is the greatest gift given to ourselves and we must preserve the sanctity of this weapon that gives us might to fight for our rights. But is democracy in safe hands today? Two of the four pillars that it stands on are crumbling and shaking. We have many challenges before us and we must strengthen all the four pillars to save the democracy from crushing."
Goa today, is not what it was when it was liberated sixty years ago, recalled Bhembre and expressed concern about democracy being not in safe hands.
"Today’s politicians change colours like chameleons and there is no strong judiciary to take action against their defections, which is a dangerous trend,” said the veteran writer and Konkani stalwart said.
Recalling his days as a journalist, Bhembre said, “In my 17-year-long career as a journalist, I did not have to face any pressure from my bosses. We were given free hand and that’s the reason we could express our views and opinions without any fear of losing the job. Today, the situation is not the same. Media is either being bought or being pressurised by the political giants and the journalists succumb to such pressures."
Endorsing the view that Goa is becoming extremely volatile, veteran industrialist and philanthropist Timblo also spoke on the subject.
While addressing the gathering Timblo recalled his moments with late Keni and his association with the Marathi newspaper ‘Rashtramat’ that was initiated for fighting the cause of keeping Goa’s independent identity alive.
Pointing out that Goa has a long history and it is because of the painstaking efforts of many unsung warriors that this land is breathing the joy of freedom and exists as an separate State in the country, Timblo asked, “But, is the battle won?”
Stating that the battle is not yet over and there are many crucial issues facing the State, Timblo asked if "we are ready" to take these issues head on.
“We should, because unless we save our dear Goa from being going bankrupt - intellectually, politically, and financially, we have no future,” he warned.
It is to be noted that the award is given to veteran journalist who has contributed for the upliftment of Goa. Bhembre had worked alongside late Chandrakant Keni to secure the independent identity of the State during the 1967 Opinion Poll.
