Tiatr Academy of Goa’s award ceremony at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Thursday.
Photo Credits: Santosh Mirajkar
MARGAO
Commissioner, NRI Affairs Narendra Sawaikar on Thursday underscored the need for tiatr to play its pre-eminent role in conveying messages on social issues to the people and protect this rich form of art for posterity.
Speaking as chief guest at the award distribution programme organised by Tiatr Academy of Goa in honour of late Rosario Rodrigues, the father of Khell-Tiatr at the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao on Thursday, Sawaikar has further suggested to TAG president Anthony Barbosa to compile a book on the tiatr written by late Rosario Rodrigues on his work, but to preserve his contribution for the new generation. “Tiatr has a rich history of 130 years. Our Goa is known all over the world as a place where people live together in harmony and brotherhood and have unique art and culture. When people visit our State, our people showcase their culture, including nataks, tiatr, etc,” he said.
Referring to the statement made by TAG president Anthony Barbosa that he is being criticised in certain quarters for his appointment as head of the TAG, Sawaikar said he has no double that Anthony would discharge his duties as president of TAG with dedication and commitment. He may not be from the field, but he has a capacity to deliver,” he said, while saying that the government would support Anthony to the hilt to take tiatr forward.
In his address, the TAG president outlined his plans to set up a Tiatr Bhavan during his tenure for the promotion of tiatr. He also unveiled plans to float a group insurance policy for the tiatrists in the coming months. “We have already identified land for the proposed Tiatr Bhavan, which will have a hall to stage tiatr, besides accommodation for the benefit of outstation artists. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has promised full support to set the proposed Tiatr Bhavan. I have also requested the CM to help work out a group insurance scheme for the tiatrists to take care of issues in old age,” he said.
Referring to the criticism over his appointment as TAG president, Anthony said tiatr directors know the role played by him in the promotion of tiatr and to nurture the talent of youngsters in taking tiatr forward.
On the occasion, TAG has honoured noted artists Maria Amelia Socorrinha Fernandes (Soccorinha de Sanguem), Antonio Xavier Fernandes (Anthony de Velim) and Agnelo Joao Fernandes on the occasion.
