PWD Minister Digambar Kamat with the three Konkani stage artists after their felicitation by the Tiatr Academy of Goa at the Ravindra bhavan, Margao on Thursday. Santosh Mirajkar
Terming Tiatr as a vibrant form of art, an art reflecting the ills plaguing the society, PWD Minister Digambar Kamat on Thursday said tiatrists should continue to play their role of showcasing the ills plaguing the society without fear or favour.
He said it is the responsibility of the tiatr fraternity to bring good and bad things happening in the society through the art form. “Don’t be afraid of anyone. Continue your good work”, he said, while addressing a programme organised by the Tiatr Academy of Goa to felicitate veteran tiatr artist C’Silva on his 90th birthday, besides Menino-de-bandar and fastest music and song composer Edwin D’Costa at the Ravindra bhavan, Margao on Thursday.
Saying that he too had faced criticism from tiatrists, especially during the language agitation, Kamat said he had never maintained bitterness against the tiatr fraternity. “Because, I believe that tiart is a vibrant form of art, which showcases what is happening in the society. It is the responsibility of the tiatrist to show the good as well as the bad things in the society without any fear”, he said.
Recalling his contribution to tiatr during his stint as Chief Minister of Goa and during his tenure as Art and Culture Minister, Kamat said he was instrumental in forming the Tiatr Academy of Goa despite pressure from some quarters. “I believe that Tiatr is an oldest form of art and it is the responsibility of the government to protect and give encouragement to the art. When Ravindra Bhavan, Margao was built, I decided after consultations with the tiatr fraternity to name the auditorium as Pai Tiatrist hall. Again, reservations were expressed in some quarters over the decision, but I was convinced that the auditorium should be named after the Pai Taitrist”, he said.
Complimenting veteran tiatr artist C D’Silva on his 90th birthday, Kamat described the artist as a down to earth personality, despite his achievement on the tiatr platform. He also complimented Menino de Bandar and Edwin D’Costa for their rich contributions to Tiatr.
The PWD Minister congratulated TAG President Anthony Barbosa and his team for undertaking activities, including the move to seek UNESCO status for tiatr.
In his address, C D ‘Silva thanked the Tiatr Academy of Goa for its gesture of felicitating him on his 90th birthday.
TAG President Anthony Barbosa said the Academy decided to felicitate C D’Silva, Menino de Bandar and Edwin D’Costa for their contributions to tiatr and Konkani.
