THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI:
Kala Rakhonn Mandd, a platform advocating for artists' rights, has accused the Goa government and Kala Academy of retaliatory actions against artists who have exposed alleged discrepancies in the renovation work of the Kala Academy complex. The group, comprising members Cecil Rodrigues, Sandesh Prabhudesai, Francis Coelho, Dynanesh Moghe, and Kuldeep Kamat, claims that since they began raising concerns about irregularities in the renovation work, the Kala Academy has been seeking revenge.
One prominent example cited by the group involves artist Rajdeep Naik, who was denied permission to stage his drama Ganv Zala Zanto at Kala Academy on August 16, 2024. Despite submitting a request for the venue on August 2, Naik did not receive a response until August 14, just two days before the scheduled performance. The letter, which arrived on August 18”after the performance”stated that Naik's repeated public criticism of the Kala Academy's facilities via social media was the reason for the denial.
Kala Rakhonn Mandd argues that the issues they have raised, including alleged scams in the renovation process, have already been acknowledged in the Goa Assembly, with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant admitting to some mismanagement. Despite this, the Kala Academy has taken a punitive approach, exemplified by the denial of Naik's performance.
Prabhudesai emphasised that Naik was eventually allowed to stage the play after he directly approached the Kala Academy. However, the group remains concerned about the Academy's discriminatory treatment of local artists, pointing out that artists from outside Goa are often given preferential treatment regarding sound and stage arrangements. Moghe highlighted a recent stand-up comedy event where an outside artist was allowed to bring their own sound equipment, a privilege not extended to local artists.
The group warns that similar issues may arise for other local tiatrists and stage artists, and Kala Rakhonn Mandd is committed to standing in support of Goan artists. They are calling for immediate resolution of these issues and for Goan artists to be treated with the respect they deserve.
