MARGAO
Auxilium High School, Caranzalem, and G.S. Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa, shone at the Inter-School Dance Competition on Patriotic Songs organised by the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG).
TAG, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir, Ponda, held the competition at Ponda, drawing enthusiastic participation from schools across the state. The event celebrated both patriotism and Goa’s cultural richness.
In the Primary Section (Std I–IV), Auxilium High School, Caranzalem, won first prize, followed by Sarvodaya Educational Society’s Primary School, Curchorem in second, and Deepvihar Primary School, Headland-Sada in third. Supriya S. Velip of Nirakar Primary School, Canacona, was awarded Best Choreographer.
In the Secondary Section (Std V–X), G.S. Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa, took first place. Government High School, Ambaulim, Quepem, won second, while Mahila and Nutan English High School, Margao, came third. Pritam Halankar of G.S. Amonkar Vidya Mandir, Mapusa, received the Best Choreographer award.
Famed tiatrist Domnic Coelho, the Chief Guest, urged students to be honest, respect nature, and stay away from corruption. “We must feel proud to be Indians. We must always remain honest and respect nature,” he said. He also encouraged schools and students to take part in tiatr competitions to preserve Goa’s cultural heritage.
Guest of Honour F.X. Dias, senior tiatrist, praised the students’ enthusiasm and spirited performances.
Marcos Gonsalves, Vice-President of TAG, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the uniqueness of tiatr. “Tiatr has a rich culture which has protected the identity of Goa and Goans. The Tiatr Academy is striving to bring students onto the tiatr stage,” he said, adding that the process to seek a UNESCO heritage tag for tiatr has begun.
Other dignitaries on the dais included Avito Pires de Menezes, Peter Vaz, Simon Rebello, and Jesus Antao. The jury panel comprised Saish Naik, Pratika Marathe, and Ana Maria Aplonia Rebello.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Carlos Fernandes, Member Secretary of TAG, while Rhea Bangalorkar skillfully compared the programme.
