PANAJI
Goa’s acclaimed percussionist Carlos Gonsalves has been awarded the Rex Karmaveer Jyoti award in recognition of his services in the music field.
Gonsalves, who has been playing the percussions since college in the 1980s, was presented with the Rex Karmaveer Jyoti award at a function at Faridabad in Delhi NCR on Sunday.
The award is part of the Rex Karmaveer Global Fellowship & Karmaveer Chakra Awards (2023-2024) for civilians given by the international confederation of NGO (iCONGO) in partnership with United Nations.
“It's dream come true and a proud moment for me and Goa. People excelling in different fields and from different parts of India were presented with this prestigious award,” said Gonsalves.
Gonsalves has been widely known for his percussion skills and has performed in different parts of the world. He has also played for FC Goa and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
“My latest project is to take Ghumot to the world. Ghumot is the state instrument of Goa and I am a brand ambassador. Wherever I perform, I make sure to start with a solo playing this beautiful instrument. I take the Ghumot to FC Goa matches, at solo and fusion events,” said Gonsalves.
“I have been honoured by this Rex Karmaveer award for my contribution to music and charity. As part of my charity, me new projects are slum drumming and giving workshops to kids and in schools, specially to differently-abled children.”
With the government having banned monitor lizard skin, Gonsalves said they are trying to find alternative solutions to get skins for Ghumots.
“The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) India is associated with international organisations to try and find an alternate solution. We have started with goat and buffalo skin. It's a temporary solution but we are working on it with the help of forest department, biodiversity board, art and culture department, sound professionals and Ghumot players,” said Gonsalves.
