THE GOAN NETWORK
PANAJI
The Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) is proud to announce that Velbe Angel Cardozo, an exceptionally talented young Tiatr artiste, has been selected as the recipient of the esteemed ‘Josephine Dias Puroskar – 2025’.
Hailing from Pedda, Benaulim, Velbe Angel Cardozo has been a dynamic presence on the Konkani Tiatr stage since the age of four. Born on August 20, 2011, to Ivo Cardozo and Maria Rodrigues, Velbe is currently a student of Fatima Convent High School, Margao, where she continues to nurture her passion for acting, singing, and playing musical instruments.
Velbe began her journey in the performing arts with singing, later making her acting debut in the Tiatr “Hanv Tuzo- Tum Konnacho” in 2018, directed by Fr. Michael Fernandes. Since then, she has featured in numerous commercial and competition-based Tiatrs including “Anj Boddvo”, “Hanv Goencho Saiba” by Pascoal de Chicalim, “Dis Tho Kedna Udetolo” by Nilesh Mahale, “Zhadda Tengxer”, “Khol Khol Baim and Zagronnachi Rat”, directed by Marcos Gonsalves. Her involvement with school productions like “Machi” and “Tikam” has also seen her win accolades in state-level inter-school Tiatr competitions.
Velbe’s linguistic versatility is notable. In 2024, she won first place in the Portuguese Singing Competition at her school and took part in the English play “3Rangam”, organised by Loyola High School, Margao. She has also appeared in the VCD short film “Thank You Corona”, written by Com. Agostinho and directed by Fabian G Da Costa.
In the 50th Tiatr ‘A’ Group Competition organised by Kala Academy, Margao, Velbe performed in “Zagronnachi Rat”, winning the Best Choral Singing award and a Merit Award for Best Acting (Female).
Notable achievements: Best Child Artist (Female) – Hanv Goencho Saiba, Best Acting (Female) – Khol Khol Baim, Best Choral Song – Zhaddha Tengxer, Winner – Voice of Benaulim 2025 (Junior Category), Runner-Up – Voice of Benaulim 2023 etc.
Velbe has consistently showcased her talent across Goa through kantaram competitions, musical shows, school festivals, and Tiatr competitions. Her performances and songs can also be found on her YouTube channel, where she continues to captivate audiences with her passion and skill.
The Tiatr Academy of Goa is honoured to celebrate and encourage young talent like Velbe, whose dedication to Konkani culture and Tiatr enriches Goa’s vibrant performing arts scene.
The selection of the awardee was carried out by a panel of jury members comprising Fausto V. Da Costa, Ana Maria Apolonia Rebello and Arnaldo Costa.
