the goan I network
PONDA
Acclaimed neurologist and ace marathon runner Dr Premanand Ramani was on Saturday conferred with the prestigious Gomant Vibhushan, the highest civilian award of the state.
Chief Minster Pramod Sawant, who conferred the award to Dr Ramani at a function organized by the Art and Cultural Department at Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir in Ponda, announced that the Goa government would also nominate Dr Ramani for the Centre’s Padmabhushan award.
Sawant presented Dr Ramani with the Gomant Vibhushan award, a shawl, traditional lamp and cash of Rs 5 lakh.
Lauding Dr Ramani for his service to society and his patients, Sawant said Dr Ramani has been a deserving recipient of the highest civilian award of the State.
“It is indeed a proud moment for every Goan. The king is usually glorified in his kingdom only but Dr Ramani has been acclaimed the world over. Besides fulfilling his role as surgeon, his books have helped people reduce stress. May he continue to render this service to society,” said Dr Sawant.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gawade said education should not be mere knowledge, but use of that knowledge for the benefit of society is real education and added that Dr Ramani had proved this to the world through his work and advised the younger generation to follow in his footsteps.
Responding to the felicitation, Dr Ramani said the honour was not only for himself but also for the people of Goa and the medical field.
He said part of the money from the award would be donated to Dilasa, an organisation providing relief to patients, while another part would be utilised to provide a better life for senior citizens.
On the occasion, Sawant inaugurated a statue of Dr Ramani as a marathon runner. He along with other dignitaries also visited a photo exhibition depicting the life and works of Dr Ramani.
