Happy that Pai was celebrated in his lifetime: Art collector

Panaji, Jan 26 (IANS) One should be happy that Laxman Pai, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan by the central government on Thursday, got recognition in his lifetime, unlike his contemporaries like V.S. Gaitonde and F.N. Souza, said one of Goa's most prominent art collectors Shaistah Thapar on Thursday.

"I feel happy that Laxman Pai got recognition and glory in his lifetime, unlike V.S. Gaitonde and F.N. Souza. He has been one of the greatest artists of his time," said the Thapar, who possesses the largest collection of the Padma Bhushan awardee's paintings.

The works of Pai's contemporaries, Gaitonde and Souza, were celebrated posthumously, after they died in neglect.

Pai was born in South Goa's Margao town and had been arrested several times by the Portuguese colonial forces for participation in Goa's freedom struggle. He later taught at the J.J. Art College and was a part of the Bombay Progressive Artists' Group, before moving to Paris and then conducting solo exhibitions across the globe.

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