Panaji’s Kala Academy which is virtually the only auditorium in the entire Tiswadi Taluka to hold our Konkani Tiatrs has very sadly been inaccessible for the last many months. But the very same Kala Academy is now one of the venues for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) being held from 20th November. Does not one smell a rat? It is no secret that Konkani Tiatrs are not palatable to the eyes and ears of the ruling politicians who cannot bear that vivid critic and flak for their follies by our very talented stage artists.
And by the way how does the Chief Minister after inspecting Kala Academy certify that it is fit to hold IFFI. Is Pramod Sawant not an Ayurvedic practitioner or is he now also a civil cum structural engineer? All we know is his craving in recent years to acquire huge real estate properties. Less said the better on his rags to riches tale.
Let us hope that our very upright Arts & Culture Minister Govind Gaude will ensure that after IFFI, the doors of Kala Academy will re-open for holding Konkani Tiatrs and other Goa centric entertainment. Our Konkani dramas and traditional folklore is all that remains of our once grandiose Goem, Goenkar and Goenkarponn. Let us not lay these final remnants also to rest.
Mahatma Gandhi once wisely said ‘A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people’. It is imperative that our tiatrs, dramas and traditional folklore which are a reflection of our peoples’ hearts and souls are proficiently portrayed on stage. This talent and pride must be encouraged and supported at every level and greater importance than even IFFI.
