In Goa, a museum to honour Mario Miranda, whose work captured ‘true Goan-ness’

“The Department of Museum is already in the process of establishing a state-of-the-art museum at the Old Secretariat Building (Adil Shah Palace). A few galleries in this museum shall be dedicated solely to the late Mario de Miranda,” he said.

Sawant said the government has set up a 14-member committee to establish the museum at the Old Secretariat Building and that the committee would be asked to “establish Mario de Miranda museum/art galleries and oversee the project”.

Opposition leader Alemao said Miranda “became synonymous with Goa”.

“He exhibited his work in over 22 countries. When we think of him, we think of him as witty. He gave the audience their everyday quota of smiles. The first thing that people used to do was to open the newspaper and read cartoons by R K Laxman and Mario de Miranda,” Alemao said.

“Whenever he used to work, the cartoon or the painting had the stamp of Goa and his forte was depicting Goan village life. In each work, he showed true Goenkarponn (Goanness). He did not laugh at the people, he laughed with the people. He spoke for the masses and laughed with the masses. This is something that showcases his calibre as a true Goenkar,” he said.

Alemao also said Miranda’s works must be preserved and passed on to future generations.

Starting his career in an advertising studio, Miranda went on to become a full-time cartoonist and worked with several magazines and newspapers. He died at his ancestral house in Loutolim in South Goa in 2011. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 1988, the Padma Bhushan in 2002 and was conferred the Padma Vibhushan posthumously in 2012.

AAP MLA Venzy Viegas, who supported the motion, said, “We have to look into a museum-cum-training centre where this art can be promoted and taught to more children. This museum would be one of the best in Asia.”

Another AAP legislator, Cruz Silva, said, “Mario Miranda has produced several artworks and inspired many artists. A lot of art lovers and even the common people relate Mario to Goa. Hence, it is important that a museum in his name be opened in Goa.”