The ongoing saga of the Ravindra Bhavan in Margao not only exposes the state of our cultural seats but highlights a disconcerting neglect of cultural infrastructure. Two areas — Ravindra Bhavan Margao and Kala Academy Panaji — have witnessed similar scenarios, where artistes have been left disappointed and helpless. While much has been already spoken about Kala Academy, the Margao script runs no different.
Tiatrists have been largely relying on this Margao hall for shows because it offers convenience to tiatr lovers from Salcete and the periphery areas. The recent extension of the auditorium’s closure till June 15, with a subsequent two-month shutdown during July and August, leaves a short window for performances. And, it all depends on the contractor. This window is grossly insufficient, considering that the monsoon months restrict open village shows, which otherwise serve as an option for performers.
There's a lot of planning and resources that go into the making of a tiatr, and an announcement of closure would hurt. Leave aside finances, there are arrangements with artistes and musicians based on the season. A wipeout of the season will have severe consequences which perhaps the Ravindra Bhavan management is not factoring in. The repeated extensions of repair deadlines and the inordinate delays in work completion reflect an apparent disregard for tiatrs and the entire fraternity. The timing, therefore, is not just inconvenient but outright unfair, undermining the community’s efforts to sustain this form of public entertainment.
One may ponder, why are these cultural hubs in such a distraught state. Leaking roofs, malfunctioning sound and lights, auditoriums and green rooms leaking and even parts of the stage dripping with rainwater. The question is why such shoddy workmanship, in areas where we are showcasing our culture, heritage and art. There have been a string of issues -- from the crumbling state of Margao Ravindra Bhavan to the newly constructed Canacona hall where water gushed in during pre-monsoon showers and the controversies surrounding the Kala Academy works. The Kala Academy has been riddled with approximately 20 shortcomings, as documented by fact-finding teams, and remains a symbol of neglect and mismanagement. Similarly, Margao Ravindra Bhavan has faced recurrent issues. Last year, the central air-conditioning system failed, and the roof leaked during rain.
These ongoing infrastructural problems highlight a disturbing trend of the state’s cultural institutions not being maintained with the urgency and seriousness they deserve. Instead of being centres of cultural excellence, they have become symbols of neglect..
The decision to undertake major repairs during the peak performance season — May to July — is shortsighted. It demonstrates a failure to account for the needs of artistes and audiences alike. An alternative, more strategic approach would have been to schedule renovations simultaneously during the July-August closure for International Film Festival of India (IFFI) preparations. This would have allowed tiatrists some space. Tiatr cannot be given such step-motherly treatment, it doesn't deserve this, especially against the backdrop of its rich traditions and history.
The current state of Ravindra Bhavans highlights a need for urgent reform and better planning. The government must recognize that these Bhavans are not just buildings — they are the heartbeats of Goa’s vibrant cultural life. Neglecting them risks impoverishing the state’s artistic landscape and disrespecting the artistes who keep it alive.
