TGLife
The second edition of Abolianchem Fest will be held at the Nirmala Institute of Education, Panaji on February 9 and a video as well as theme song for the fest was released. This year’s theme for the festival is ‘the coconut tree’ and its socio-cultural and economic importance. The entire fest is weaved around this theme. The Abolianchem fest is aimed at reviving the age old socio-cultural ethos by celebrating Goa’s music, dance, food, sports, art, crafts and theatre of the bygone era. The objective of the festival is to document, generate knowledge about our environmental and socio-cultural resources, as well as sharing for a substantial living for the present and future generation.
Cultural activist Marius Fernandes who initiated the fest last year and who is currently in England, expressed his happiness that the people of Goa have appreciated the concept of Abolianchem fest and the Nirmala Institute has taken initiative to carry on the celebrations this year too, in his absence.“It makes me happy to know that Goa is slowly taking pride in her traditions and culture and trying to revive them through festivals. It is to introduce this cultural richness to the new generation that such festivals should be taken forward,” said Marius on a telephonic conversation with TGLife.
The panel members Dr Rita Paes, director of the Nirmala Institute of Education, Dr Delia Antao, officiating principal of the Nirmala Institute of Education, Vida Sequeira, associate professor (BEd.), Alisha D’Cunha, lecturer (DElEd), Ms Annette Joseph, lecturer (MA Wellness Counselling) and student representatives of the BEd and DElEd sections.
Highlighting the purpose of the fest Dr Rita Paes stated that it is for the younger generation to know about Goa and her culture and develop love for their State. “There is need to inculcate a sense of responsibility among the students towards saving our land which is being rapidly degraded in the name of development,” said Paes.
Inviting the people of Goa to participate in the fest, Dr Delia Antao appealed to them to learn more about Goan traditions. “Keep the Goan spirit and culture alive and share it with people of non-Goan origin residing in Goa,” said Antao who also highlighted the zero waste management planned during the fest. “There would be no plastic waste generated and requested support of the public for the same,” she stated.
Giving insight on the ongoing preparations for the fest, Vida Sequeira invited the people of Goa to join the Institute. Alisha D’Cunha highlighted the usefulness of the coconut and the need to maintain our kitchen gardens with local vegetables and fruits. Annette Joseph briefed on the various medicinal plants available in Goa, saying “The fest is a small step to rekindle the Goanness in the hearts of the people.”
