Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Wednesday suggested that the Photo Journalists Association Goa (PJAG) use ‘Goa before 2012 and Goa 2012 after’ as the theme for a future photo contest to document the State’s transformation, particularly in infrastructure, since 2012.
Speaking at the World Photography Day celebration and PJAG’s 19th anniversary, organised in association with the Department of Art and Culture, Sawant said, “When we see old photos years later, we get to see what all has changed. Photos speak everything.”
Sawant cited the Mopa Airport Link Road as an example of how photography could help document development whose scale and significance may not be immediately apparent to the public. “For us, it is just a road but it is one of the best roads in India, with the bridge’s pillar being the highest in the country. People should know about such developments,” he said.
He also referred to the increase in the State budget, saying it had risen from around Rs. 19,000 crore when he presented his first budget to around Rs 30,000 crore the previous year. He said the government would address genuine demands from the public, including those raised by journalists.
The World Photography Day programme also included a PJAG photo exhibition showcasing works by its members, other press photographers and contest winners. Sawant said such exhibitions are important in preserving Goa’s history and culture.
During the function, Sawant felicitated veteran photojournalist Nandesh Kambli of Ribandar and senior photographer Anil B. Naik of Canacona for their contributions to photography and photojournalism.
Kambli began his career with The Herald in 1999 and later worked with Tarun Bharat and The Navhind Times, where he retired as a senior photographer in 2026. He was the founding president of PJAG.
Naik entered professional photography in 1984, working with Rupa Photo Studio in Canacona before starting his own business and later Ashwin Photo Studio at Chaudi.
Sawant also presented prizes to winners of the PJAG State-Level photo contest.
In the school category on the theme ‘Smiles’, Deetya Tari of Sharada Mandir School, Kadamba, Old Goa, won the first prize, Dylan Azavedo of St Britto High School, Mapusa, won the second prize and Sanika Durgadas Naik of Sharada English High School, Durbhat, won the third prize. Shreshth Naik of Sharada Mandir School, Miramar, Panaji, received the first consolation prize, while Tanvi N. Prabhu of Gurudas P. Gauns Memorial High School, Sanquelim, received the second consolation prize.
In the general category, themed ‘Beautiful Religious Structures’, Sidhesh Shetgaonkar of Sancoale-Cortalim won the first prize, Dipesh Naik of Mardol, Ponda, won the second prize and Chetan Gawas won the third prize. Dr Ugam Tari of Tariwada, Marcel, received the first consolation prize, while Elria Fernandes received the second consolation prize.
Director of Information and Publicity, Abhir Hede; director of Art and Culture, Vivek K. Naik; PJAG president, Sandeep Desai; general secretary, Atish Naik and other photojournalists were present.
