(rptg, with correction in para two)

Panaji, June 8 (UNI) A successful businessman to a competent and outspoken politician with oratorial and organisational skills, Digambar Vasant Kamat is liked by one and all.

Mr Kamat was sworn in today as the 17th Chief Minister of Goa, heading the Congress-led four-member coalition government.

The 53-year-old newly-elected Chief Minister had always accepted a heap of humiliations with a characteristic smile as was evident when he faced ''vituperative'' campaign of the BJP during 2005 byelections after he quit the party as the ''second lieutenant'' to the then Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Born on March 8, 1954 and graduated in science stream with business acumen, Mr Kamat first contested on Congress ticket from Margao in 1989 for the Goa Assembly but lost to an Independent.

He later joined the BJP and contested successfully in 1994, 1999 and 2002 and held different portfolios, including power, mining and art and cuture, besides heading different legislature committees.

Disenchanted with the BJP regime, he quit the party along wih four other Ministers and joined the Congress to win the byelections from Margao in early 2005 after the ouster of the Parrikar government.

He continued to be the Minister for power, mines, art and culture in the Pratapsinh Rane government till now.

His performance in the Assembly was the ''most convincing'' as he went to the House only after a thorough homework. He was barely found wanting for information.

Though a businessman, he started his public life as a municipal councillor during 1985-91. He was a real estate promoter also.

Mr Kamat strove for the overall development of Margao constituency, which he represents.

He was responsible for streamlining the power department and strengthening distribution network besides laying underground cable system to provide Goa with stable and quality power under the multi-crore Accelerated Power Development Programme of the Centre to promote tourism.

He is in favour of setting up of Goa's own power plant to avoid dependence on other states for its 400 MW power requirement. He has planned to go in for mini-hydel projects.

He was founder member of Damodar Education Society; Secretary, Model Education Society; Member and Trustee, Margao Ambulance Trust; Member, Advisory Committee for Parshuram Girijan Samaj; Founder, President of Samrat Club, Margao.

In 1973, he was treasurer, Margao Cricket Club, President, Sparkling Stars Association, Margao; Founder and President of Rotary Club, Margao.

He was re-elected President in 1973 and Member, Goa, Daman and Diu State Council of Sports 1976-78, besides serving as Honorary Secretary, Goa Badminton Association.

During 1980-83, he was Vice-President, Goa Badminton Association and its President during 1999-2000.

During 1991-1996, Kamat was Member, Executive Committee, National Council of State Agricultural Marketing Board (New Delhi) and its Vice-Chairman during 1992-1994.

In 1994-96, he was awarded the COSAMB - award for enriching human life and outstanding performance and contribution to the Agricultural Marketing in the State and the Country by National Council of State Agricultural Marketing Board, New Delhi.

He was also awarded the Bakshi Jivabadada Kerkar State Award by the government of Goa. He was Member, Southern Planning and Development Authority.

During 1986-89, Mr Kamat was Councillor, Margao Municipal Council and Member, State Consumer Protection Council during 1993-96.

UNI