MARGAO
After refurbishing the stage, sound, and lights, Margao’s premier cultural institution Ravindra Bhavan received another facelift when the defunct water fountains and illumination were finally revived on Thursday.
Installed and inaugurated with much fanfare and refurbished over a decade ago before 2011, after the Ravindra Bhavan, Margao played host to the inaugural 2011 IFFI festival, the water fountains and ornamental lighting, which added artistic beauty to the cultural centre, were soon rendered defunct after the festivities for want of upkeep and maintenance.
The Ravindra Bhavan committee, headed by noted artist and filmmaker Rajendra Talak, has now revived the water fountains and illumination through the government. The project has cost the exchequer Rs 58 lakhs.
Margao MLA Digambar Kamat inaugurated the water fountains and illumination in the presence of Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Rajendra Talak and members of the cultural institutions on Thursday.
After the inauguration, Kamat said he had requested Ravindra Bhavan to send a proposal requesting the government to make a provision for the upkeep and maintenance of the water fountains. “I have got the musical fountain revived at the Ana Fonte garden. The forest department has been requested to make provision for maintenance and upkeep,” he said.
Talak told the media that he had taken a host of measures to revive Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. “The stage has already been renovated. The sound system, as well as the lights, were repaired. Repairs are underway at the Black Box. So many changes will be seen at Ravindra Bhavan,” Talak said.
He said the government had floated a tender to refurbish the Ravindra Bhavan annexe building. “Once completed, the building will be utilised to provide rehearsal facilities and facilities which are not presently available in Margao. The audio studio will also be revived,” Talak added.
