Goan priest, NGO bag bravery awards
The 18th Godfrey Phillips Bravery Awards were presented on September 29 for the zone of Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Goa.
Goa featured under two categories, with late Fr Thomas Fernandes being awarded under the Physical bravery category while a Goan NGO, Gomantak Lokseva Trust’s Mahilashram was awarded under the social bravery category, according to a press note.
Fr Thomas Fernandes sacrificed his life to save two young men from drowning at Galgibaga, Canacona on May 9, 2010 when a group of parish youth had gone swimming and started drowning due to strong currents.
Thirty eight-year old Fernandes hailed from Colva and his mother and brother were present in Mumbai on his behalf, at the Awards ceremony.
Gomantak Lokseva Trust’s Mahilashram opened its doors in 2001 and has been instrumental in transforming the lives of many helpless and destitute women. “We assist these with food, shelter and other facilities to help them overcome their difficulties and traumas. They are provided vocational training to arm them and help them become self sufficient and are encouraged to pursue their interests and hobbies,” explained Sherayu Jog, an administrator at the Ashram who accepted the award in Mumbai.