MARGAO
The first General Council meeting of newly-constituted Ravindra Bhavan, Margao chaired by Chairman, Rajendra Talak on Thursday unveiled the road map to take the cultural institution forward with a host of amenities for the artists and plans to make the complex a happening place in the field of art and culture.
Approving an annual calendar estimated around Rs 1.10 crore, the General Council deliberated and discussed on plans, primarily focusing on how to get the people to Ravindra Bhavan, and offer budding artists the platform to showcase their talent. He also pointed out that Ravindra Bhavan will soon unveil its plan of action to make the institution financially self-sustaining and independent.
Addressing the media after the first General Council meeting held on Thursday coinciding with the 15th anniversary of the cultural institution, Talak said the new panel has decided to accord top priority to the commencement of canteen facility and fix sanitation issues plaguing the institution.
Saying the General Council has accorded approval for the tender inviting bids to run the canteen facility, Talak said the bids will be opened on August 3, adding that the new contractor will be told to start the canteen by August 10. “We will ensure that the canteen provides quality food to the visitors. Members of the General Council will maintain a close watch on the quality. A new thought process will be adopted in respect of the canteen, a suggestion box will be placed at the canteen for the visitors to suggest points for improvement,” he said.
He added: We want to provide the best canteen facility on the lines of canteens in Mumbai, which will be open not only for visitors to the Ravindra Bhavan, but for the public at large.”
Saying that the RB management is on the job to fix sanitation issues at the toilets, Talak said visitors will soon begin to see the difference. “It has been decided at the General Council not to compromise on the quality of food served at the canteen and stress on cleanliness of the toilets,” he said.
Talak pointed out each of the governing council members and the executive Board will be assigned with clear tasks at the Ravindra Bhavan. “We have all come here to take the Ravindra Bhavan forward. One man cannot do all the things by himself. Accordingly, we will share the responsibilities so that every member is assigned certain tasks for the betterment of the cultural institution,” he said.
Extending his full support to the tiatrists to stage their shows at the Ravindra Bhavan, the General Council has mulled removal of the tiatr boards displayed at the entrance to the Ravindra Bhavan. “Instead, RB will offer publicity for the tiatr show through our websites, not only of shows lined up on a given day, but the entire week’s programme. The tiatr directors can upload the synopsis of the play as well as the trailer, which will be uploaded on the website, including You Tube,” he said.
“We have taken cognizance of the grievances aired by the tiatr fraternity, concerning the stage, lights, toilets, timings, entry and exit, etc. We are committed to resolve these issues one by one,” he added.
Saying he has a plan for income generation, Talak said, “We have drawn up a plan within our framework. If the plan finds favour, Ravindra Bhavan can be financially independent within the next three years.”
