From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Sep 19: GCCI held a dual function at its Surendrababu Timblo Hall on Saturday, September 18  – unveiling of a stunningly beautiful mural on the exposed wall of the Chamber building and conferring of the Umesh Mhambre Business Journalist Award 2008.
 
The Chief Minister Digambar Kamat dedicated the mural to the citizens of Panaji by unveiling its miniature painting. He  appreciated  the  Chamber’s  attempt  in  adding to the beauty  of  the  Panaji  City. In  his  speech  he  acknowledged   the  contribution of the  Chamber  in  shaping  the  economy  of  the  State  and  promised  to  fully  act  on    meaningful  inputs  received  from  the  Chamber. 
 
The unveiling of the mural was preceded by a very educative presentation on Urban Revitalisation by Rajiv D’Silva.  He explained the concept of Urban Revitalisation and how beautification of any city would improve the feel good factor of its citizenry while improving the economy of the city.
 
Late Umesh Mhambre Award for the Best Business Journalist 2008, jointly initiated by GCCI and GUJ, was awarded to Jayprakash Kulkarni of Daily Gomantak.
 
Shantaram Naik, MP appreciated the role played by the print media in educating the masses and declared an assistance of Rs 3 lac to upgrade GUJ office.
 
On the occasion, the Chamber felicitated Dr L U Joshi, ex-chairman of GSPCB and A V Palekar, MD GIDC for winning the prestigious Glory of India Award and Rajiv Gandhi Shiromani Award respectively.
 
The Chamber also felicitated Sanjit Rodrigues, Director- Industries, Trade and Commerce, Rajiv D’Silva, Justin Lobo who designed the mural and Vilas Mandrekar who executed the art work.
 
Earlier Cesar Menezes, President of GCCI, welcomed the gathering on behalf of the Chamber and Prakash Kamat, President of GUJ  spoke  on  behalf  of  GUJ. Mr. Ralph de Sousa, Hon. Secretary  of  GCCI  proposed  the  vote  of  thanks.