Daijiworld Media Network- Goa
Goa, Nov 1: Noted Konkani poet and recipient of Goa State Cultural Award, Yusuf A Sheikh has advocated Padma Award for Tomazinho Cardozo for his noteworthy contribution in several spheres of life in Goa.
In a press note, Sheikh said, “There is no other person in Goa who can attract superlative of being so much multifaceted with so notable achievements in social, cultural, journalistic, educational, literary and other spheres of life than Thomazinho Cardozo. Regarded by many on the forefront of cultural activities and also by several Goan literary luminaries as ‘Akhand Goenkar’, Tomazinho has established himself as a man of letters with publishing poetry books both in Roman and Devnagri script. He has written and published dramas and established as a playwright. Not only scripted but he has distinguished himself as a director, producer and actor. He is on record of having presided over one of the ‘adhiveshans’ of Akhil Bharatiya Konkani Lekhak Parishad’ organized at Mapusa-Goa. He has not only written poetry but distinguished himself as a lyricist and came to lime light as a singer of admirable merit. He organized folk music groups and led ‘Mando’ troupes. Besides, Konkani language, he has contributed numerous articles in English as a columnist in leading newspapers in Goa. He was declared ‘Goan of the Year-2011’ by the Federation All Goa Social, Cultural & Literary organizations”.
Significantly, he has an edifice of a ‘Rashtra bhakt’, and has produced and presented musical documentaries before invited audience on patriotic themes.
A noted theatre loving person, who headed Theatre Academy of Goa, Tomazinho Cardozo did a laudable research work on this unique theatre art form of Goa. In teaching profession for over 35 years as a school teacher and headmaster, he stressed on discipline in student community. Liked and loved by people, he attracted distinction of getting elected repeatedly and remained a sarpanch for 30 years.
Beside cultural fronts, he has been a member of jury on numerous occasions including selection of artists for Goa State Cultural Awards. With unflinching interest in social, cultural and literary activities, Tomazinho Cardozo is presently the editor of Konkani periodical ‘Amcho Awaz’ and also the president of the World Konkani Organization ‘Jagatik Konknni Songhtton’.
His prestigious stature as an ex-speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly is known to all and his participation in Speaker’s conferences in India and abroad enriched him with power of management of the august House. Obviously this high stature and highly talented personality with innumerable contributions attract attention for Padma awards, possibly Padma Vibhushan.
Yusuf Sheikh has urged Goa governor and Goa Chief Minister to make recommendation to the appropriate authority in New Delhi.