Goa Tiatr Academy becomes a reality

MARGAO - The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat on Monday said that the government would seriously consider the idea of granting industry status to tiatr and added that he would not hesitate to go ahead if the proposal is indeed feasible. He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the Goa Tiatr Academy at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
The CM said tiatrists should feel proud of the Tiatr Academy and added that the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium at the Ravindra Bhavan was dedicated to the Pai Tiatrist Joao Agustin Fernandes.
Mr Kamat said that he received feedback from the president of the Academy, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, that around 2,000 tiatrs are staged every year in the state besides holding shows in various other parts of the country. In Goa itself, around 8 lakh people watch tiatrs and this response is quite huge when compared to the population of the state, the Chief Minister said.
Mr Tomazinho Cardozo, speaking on the occasion, said that there are many challenges before the Academy and added that the Academy could be taken to a national level. He stated that this is the only Academy where the government has given an initial grant of Rs 15 lakh adding that an amount of Rs 1.50 crore has been earmarked by the government which will be used for the office of the Academy and for maintaining books and records, documentation of tiatrs and songs, and in grooming of young boys and girls in tiatrs. He also said efforts would be made to have a museum of tiatrs and include songs of patriotism and national integration.
Master Vaz, a reputed tiatrist, earlier inaugurated the Academy. The Art and Culture director, Mr Prasad Lolyekar also spoke on the occasion. He said that the government would fully support the Academy. Fifteen artists, including tiatrists were felicitated on the occasion for their contribution towards tiatr. The executive council and the general council of the Academy was announced on the occasion. A short entertainment programme was also staged. The Home Minister, Mr Ravi Naik and the NRI Commissioner, Mr Eduardo Faleiro also graced the occasion. The vice president of the Academy, Mr Roseferns proposed the vote of thanks.

(The Navhind Times / 17-02-2009)

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