‘Anandmath’ to ring in Ravindra Bhavan’s reopening

Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, is set for its reopening on November 5 after extensive renovation work.

MARGAO
After a five-month break, the stage is finally set for the grand re-opening of the renovated Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, on November 5.
Renovation works on the main auditorium, rechristened as Pai Tiatrist Hall, and the Black Box are all expected to be completed within the October 30 deadline.
The inauguration of the renovated works will be held on the auspicious day of "Rangbhoomi Din" on November 5 at 5 pm at the hands of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat, Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar, and former Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Damodar (Damu) G Naik.
The inauguration of the renovated works at Ravindra Bhavan, dubbed as the cultural hub of South Goa, will be followed by the staging of the Sangeet drama "Anandmath" by Collage Creation, Pune, based on the novel by Rishi Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay.
Addressing the media, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Rajendra Talak, said the renovation works could be completed on time due to the wholehearted cooperation extended by the Chief Minister and PWD Minister, who personally followed up on the works and assured no delays in the execution of the renovation.
Talak complimented all those who were closely associated with the renovation works, including the officials and staff of Ravindra Bhavan, including the housekeeping staff. He also thanked the tiatr artistes for cooperating with Ravindra Bhavan during the ongoing renovation works.
“I had a meeting with the tiatr directors three days ago to discuss the allotment of the Pai Tiatrist Hall for staging shows. We have told the directors that Ravindra Bhavan will not hike the hall rent at least until March 2026. We can review the rent after a discussion with the tiatr fraternity,” he added.
On the play "Anandmath" to be staged on the inauguration day on November 5, Talak said the play is produced by Collage Creation, Pune. “The original writer: Rishi Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay and the association is Vande Mataram Sardh Shati Jayanti Samaroh Samiti,” he said, adding that the play is free for all.

Goan artistes sidelined? Chairman accused of favouring non-Goans
MARGAO: The decision by Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, to stage the play produced by a Pune-based troupe on the day of the inauguration of the renovation works on November 5 has received flak from artiste and former member of the Goa State Cultural Development Committee, Vishal Pai Cacode.
In a statement, Cacode said: “Once again, the dictatorial Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, Rajendra Talak, has chosen to sideline Goan theatre groups and invite a Pune-based troupe to perform during the so-called inauguration of the so-called repaired Pai Tiatrist Hall and Black Box on November 5 — Rangbhoomi Din. This repeated exclusion of Goan talent is not ‘development’; it is outright disrespect to the Goan art fraternity and to the very spirit of Rangbhoomi Din, a day meant to celebrate Goa’s own theatre heritage.”
He added: “For the last several years, I have consistently pointed out that the arrogant and dictatorial working style of Chairman Rajendra Talak has caused irreparable damage to the confidence and morale of Goan artistes. His administration has systematically ignored Goan troupes and individuals while extending red-carpet treatment to non-Goan performers and institutions. Despite repeated appeals, neither the Ravindra Bhavan management nor the Art & Culture Department has intervened to stop this deliberate discrimination.”
Claiming that more than 70 per cent of Ravindra Bhavan Margao’s annual expenditure on programmes is spent on non-Goan artistes and groups, Cacode said this shocking statistic exposes how public funds meant for the promotion of local culture are being diverted to outside performers, leaving Goan theatre, music, and dance groups struggling for opportunities in their own home turf.
“Goa boasts of a vibrant and diverse performing arts community with hundreds of trained artistes, directors, musicians, tiatrists, and youth groups. Instead of empowering them, the present Chairman has converted Ravindra Bhavan into a personal fiefdom, where transparency, inclusivity, and accountability are completely absent. Goan artistes are now forced to watch outsiders occupy the stage that was built through their taxes and meant to nurture their creativity,” said Cacode.
He said it is high time that Art & Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar takes serious note of these repeated irregularities. "A detailed inquiry must be ordered into the financial decisions, programming policies, and selection processes at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. Further, the State must ensure that at least 85 per cent of all programmes and funds are reserved for Goan artistes and institutions, with transparent criteria for any outside collaborations,” he demanded.
“As an artiste, I strongly urge the government to immediately intervene, dissolve the current Ravindra Bhavan Margao Committee, and constitute a new body comprising reputed Goan cultural personalities,” he asserted.