When Norman Dantas died (on March 21, 1998), environmentalists, social activists
and journalists unanimously agreed that Goan society had lost one of her dearest
and brightest sons. As a journalist of repute, Norman dominated the editorial
scene in Goa for several years through his singular contributions to the transformation
of Goa Today and O Heraldo.
He was rated top-class in his dedication to his journalist’s job.
He wrote with considerable knowledge, skill and finesse, writing out each article in neat
longhand, facts following neatly one after another. They don’t make journalists like
that any more.
Few know however that Norman was first and foremost a social and
environmental activist. He spent his twenties in the rural areas of Maharashtra, working
for the emancipation of the village population there through rural development
organisations. Later, even when he made journalism his profession, he retained a strong
interest in varied social issues.
When he returned to Goa from Maharashtra in the early eighties, he was
so appalled with the environmental destruction he saw around him that he helped found the
Goa Foundation in 1986. Till his untimely death, he persisted with his social and
environmental concerns. They remained with him like some inexhaustible spring of life.
Shortly after his demise, his family members, close friends and the
Trustees of the Goa Foundation decided to honour his memory permanently through an Annual
Memorial Prize to be awarded in his name at an appropriate occasion and ceremony during
the year. It was also decided that the Prize should be in the form of a Cash Award.
The Norman Dantas Memorial Prize Fund has now been set up with an
account at the Union Bank of India (see below, for details). The administration of
the Fund is being managed by a Committee comprising members of the Dantas family and
Trustees of the Goa Foundation.
It has been unanimously decided that the Prize should be awarded to
individuals or organisations who have taken steps to undo some wrong or injustice existing
in Goan society at large, or who are willing to stand up and expose corruption, dishonesty
and deceit wherever it occurs.
Through the Prize, it is intended to reward those who fight for the
conservation of the Goan environment, the enhancement of women’s dignity, the
enforcement of human rights, the welfare of animals and birds, the future of our children
and the dignity of the aged.
If you think it is necessary and wise that we should nurture those
who—instead of just talking—are willing to stick out their necks and do things
fearlessly in the cause of justice, please consider contributing to the Prize Fund.
How to Contribute to the Prize Fund:
* Cheques should be in the name of "Norman Dantas Memorial
Prize" and may be deposited in Savings Bank A/c.no.12314, Union Bank of India,
Fontainhas, Panaji, Goa, India.
Or mailed to The Goa Foundation, Above Mapusa Clinic, Mapusa 403 507,
Goa, India.
* You will receive a receipt for your contribution.
For more information, please contact:
The Norman Dantas Memorial Prize,
C/o. The Goa Foundation,
Above Mapusa Clinic,
Mapusa 403 507, Goa, India.
Tel: 256479/Fax: 263305
email : oib@goatelecom.com
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