CM Praises PJAG for Promoting Photojournalism; Calls for Visual Documentation of Goa’s Transformation

Goa Khabar: Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant on Wednesday praised the Photo Journalists Association Goa (PJAG) for its excellent work in promoting and supporting photojournalists and photographers in the State during the World Photography Day celebration organised by PJAG in association with Department of Art and Culture, Government of Goa.

Speaking at a function organised by PJAG to mark World Photography Day and the 19th anniversary of the association, Dr Sawant said photographs speak more than words and play an important role in documenting history and society.

He urged Goan photojournalists to take the initiative of documenting the transformation of Goa over the years through photographs. “Goa has transformed significantly, particularly in terms of infrastructure, since 2012. Photojournalists should undertake a ‘Then and Now’ photo project to visually showcase this transformation,” he said.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the growth in the State’s budget over the years. He said when he presented the State Budget for the first time, it was around ₹19,000 crore, while the previous year’s budget had reached around ₹30,000 crore. He said the increase reflected the State’s development and added that the government was committed to considering and approving genuine demands of the public, including those of journalists.

Dr Sawant also appreciated the photographs displayed at the PJAG photo exhibition, which featured the work of PJAG members and other press photographers. He said such exhibitions were important in showcasing Goa’s history, development, culture and important events through the eyes of photographers.

During the function, the Chief Minister felicitated veteran photojournalist Nandesh Kambli and senior photographer Anil B. Naik (Canacona) for their contribution to the field of photography and photojournalism.

He also presented prizes to the winners of the PJAG State-Level Photo Contest organised in the School Level Category on the theme “Smiles” and the General Category on the theme “Beautiful Religious Structures.”

 Photo Contest Winners

School Category – Theme: “Smiles”

1st Prize: Deetya Tari, Std. VIII, Sharada Mandir School, Kadamba, Old Goa

2nd Prize: Dylan Azavedo, Std. VII, St. Britto High School, Mapusa

3rd Prize: Sanika Durgadas Naik, Sharada English High School, Durbhat

1st Consolation: Shreshth Naik, Class V-D, Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, Panaji

2nd Consolation: Tanvi N. Prabhu, Std. X, Gurudas P. Gauns Memorial High School, Sanquelim

General Category – Theme: “Beautiful Religious Structures”

1st Prize: Sidhesh Shetgaonkar, Sancoale-Cortalim

2nd Prize: Dipesh Naik, Mardol, Ponda

3rd Prize: Chetan Gawas

1st Consolation:Dr Ugam Tari, Tariwada, Marcel

2nd Consolation: Elria Fernandes

Director of Information and Publicity Mr. Abhir Hede and Director of Art and Culture Mr Vivek Naik were also present on the occasion.

PJAG President Sandeep Desai and General Secretary Atish Naik shared the stage with the Chief Minister. The programme was compered by Ganesh Shetkar.

The function also highlighted PJAG’s continued efforts to promote photojournalism, recognise the contribution of senior photographers and provide a platform for emerging photographers and school students to showcase their talent.