****
It was conceived to be a centre for education and exhibition in music, theatre, dance and other art and cultural activities, but the Kala Bhavan in Sancoale has so far showcased the darker side of politics and anti-social activity.
Now incomplete and abandoned, the proposed art and culture centre has become a stage for anti-social events, with the tinted window panes and other wall panels damaged and some parts of the complex being used to consume alcohol.
“We were happy when we were told that knowledge in art and culture, besides music, theatre and dance, would be imparted at the Kala Bhavan at Sancoale, while the theatre would also be utilised to stage dramas and other entertainment programmes,” informed Xavier Cardozo from Sancoale.
“Though the architectural work has been completed, the interior work is still pending, and it appears that the political ego of the elected representative has become an obstacle,” added Cardozo.
A BJP worker, refusing to reveal his name, said it did not matter to them whether the Bhavan was Godinho's baby and was being completed by Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha.
“All we know is that we are deprived of entertainment, and funds from the public exchequer has been utterly wasted thus far,” remarked the worker.
“We worked hard to get the BJP candidate late Matanhy Saldanha elected, assuming that some development would take place. It is a sorry state of affairs, and the BJP government couldn't even complete the work of the Bhavan, despite claiming that Godinho is closely associated with them,” revealed the worker.
Santan Quadros of Cortalim pointed out that villagers of Sancoale and Cortalim have to travel all the way to Ravindra Bhavans at Baina or Margao to watch tiatrs.
“If the Kala Bhavan was completed, it would have saved a lot of problem faced by people from these twin villages,” he said.
When brought to his notice about the damaged glasses and the area being used by anti-social elements, Dabolim MLA Mauvin Godinho “ who had spearheaded the ambitious project “ shot back saying: “Ask the local MLA. I got an assurance from the Minister concerned that the remaining work would start and the Bhavan would be completed.”
“I made a big noise during two consecutive Assembly sessions regarding this issue, but the legislator concerned made a statement that it was not her priority, as she had other issues to deal with,” said Godinho.
Responding to queries that the Kala Bhavan has been a waste of the public exchequer, Godinho stated: “The Baina Ravindra Bhavan is running 24x7 with no slots available, and if the Kala Bhavan at Sancoale was completed and started by now, some cost would have been recovered.”
Godinho, however, said he would raise the issue of the Kala Bhavan during the monsoon Assembly session. “I will request the government to complete it for the benefit of people of Cortalim and Dabolim constituencies.”
When contacted, Rural Development Minister and Cortalim MLA Alina Saldanha said she too wanted to complete the Bhavan and put it to use.
“The file is pending with the Director of Art and Culture and I am lucky that only the internal part is left to be complete. This will be done during the monsoon,” she said.
“I have noticed the damaged glasses and panels and the matter is already brought to the notice of authorities concerned, who have assured that the broken glasses and panels will be replaced,” added Saldanha.
****
: 2009
12,000 sq mts
Donated by Sancoale Comunidade through Sancoale Panchayat
Rs 30 crore
2012
Dramas and other entertainment programmes, training in theatre, music classes, workshops on cultural and traditional programmes, art and culture programmes.
