PANAJI
It has been a couple of years that the mining industry, once called the backbone of Goan economy, has come to a standstill but this has not deterred the CSR activities of Fomento Resources, a company whose primary source of income came from mining activities.”
This was an observation made by Calangute MLA and Deputy Speaker Michael Lobo, who appreciated the efforts of Fomento Resources to continue its CSR initiative - Ashiyana - ‘Tum bhi chalo, hum bhi chale’ - a Mamta Hussain presentation that is being celebrated as Ashiyana Day every year on February 2 for the past 14 years.
Lobo who was speaking as one of the special guests at Kala Academy’s Deenanath Mangeshkar auditorium on Saturday.
He said Fomento has been one of the major players in the mining industry and not less than 200 families in Goa were dependent on it until some time ago.
“In spite of the mining activities coming to a halt due to Supreme Court orders, and the company running into losses, Fomento still has around 350 personnel on its direct pay roll. And this is something one has to take note of and appreciate,” he observed.
Fomento’s contribution to Goa’s economy in all these years cannot be underestimated or neglected, said the deputy speaker, who promised publicly that the Goa government will leave no stone unturned to bring back the past glory and restart mining industry soon after the elections.
“This industry provided jobs and employment many families. We must all be positive and pray that the activity will restart soon,” maintained Lobo.
On the occasion, the MLA made a suggestion to have a permanent art gallery/space for disabled persons to display their art works and even sell these.
“Kala Academy’s young chairman Govind Gaude reminds us of the dynamic leader Vishnu Wagh and his powerful performance. Gaude has successfully filled the gap that Wagh created and as he is also the Art and Culture Minister. My suggestion is to see if some arrangement could be made to offer a permanent space for the special children in Goa to display their art and sell it. Beginning with Kala Academy, such permanent art galleries could be opened at all Ravindra Bhavans too,” suggested Lobo.
