MARGAO: Asserting that Goa would lose its land, Konkani language, culture and Goemkarponn if tiatrists and natakkars are not given its due importance, Goa Forward Chief Vijai Sardesai on Thursday demanded inclusion of performing arts in the school curriculum to protect the rich cultural heritage for posterity.
Addressing the media, Sardesai slammed the Pramod Sawant government for unveiling any stimulus package for the tiatrists and natakkars. On the contrary, these artistes have been brought under the scanner of the government for turning critical to various government decisions, including the Goa Bhumiputra Bill, 2021.
“Our artistes including the Tiatrists and natakkars have become the target of the government. Instead of unveiling any stimulus package, the govt appeared to be finding ways and means to take these artistes to task just because they have been critical to the government”, he said.’
Sardesai said the government should realize that Goa would lose its Konkani language, culture and overall Goemkarponn if the tiatrists and natakkars are not given patronage with a stimulus package. Just imagine a situation when tiatrists and natakkars start migrating out of the state. The government has decided to renovate the Kala Academy by spending Rs 50 crore. What will the government showcase if there are no local artistes performing at the Academy”, he said, wondering whether the Bhumiputras will stage the tiatr in the future.
Demanding stimulus package for these artists, Sardesai said tiatrists and natakars should be considered as Self Help Groups to make them eligible for the benefits.
Lamenting that the state art and culture policy was implemented around 14 years ago, he demanded that the government should include performing arts in the school curriculum to protect and take the local art and culture to future generations. “The new art and culture policy should contain measures to nurture and promote local art and culture. But, this government has no direction, nor policy worth its name to encourage local talent”, he added.
