A living legend for his immense contribution to the cause of
Goan journalism, he was also among those journalists who strove hard for Goa’s
liberation. As editor of the Goan Tribune and author of the novel ‘Sorrowing
lies my land’, he found the perfect vehicles to articulate his passion for
freedom. His later novel ‘Heartbreak Passage’ was published in 2009.
His vision and forthrightness stood him in good stead as the joint editor of Goa’s first English newspaper ‘The Navhind Times’ (1963) and later the founder-editor of Goa Today (1966). He belonged to an era when news was considered sacred and journalists were committed to their work. He is indeed the Niz Goenkar who wants to see his land free from the shackles that still bind it today. He was awarded the Gomant Sharada Award – Goa’s highest literary award; a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Goa Senior Journalist’s Association, and now, on his centenary, the Gomant Vibhushan Award 2013-14 by the Directorate of Art and Culture.
His enthusiasm for life has remained undiminished even as he completes a centenary. His daughter, Dr Ameeta Mascarenhas, attributes her father’s longevity to his ability to look at every day with joy at the possibilities it brings.
The doyen of Goan journalism has indeed surpassed his contribution to Goa as a writer, journalist and patriot in a span of 100 years – A man with a mission, his life is well lived and well served!