Margao Ravindra Bhavan Once Again Sidelines Goan Artists : Vishal Pai Cacode

Margao : Former member of the Goa State Cultural Development Committee, Vishal Pai Cacode, has criticised the management of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, alleging that local artists have once again been sidelined during the upcoming inauguration of the renovated Pai Tiatrist Hall and Black Box scheduled for November 5, observed as Rangabhumi Din.

In a statement, Mr. Pai Cacode accused the Ravindra Bhavan Chairman, filmmaker Rajendra Talak, of favouring non-Goan troupes over local performers. He claimed that a Pune-based group has been invited to perform at the inauguration, while Goan theatre groups have been overlooked.

“For several years now, I have raised concerns about the Chairman’s autocratic style of functioning, which has eroded the morale of Goan artists,” Mr. Pai Cacode said. “Despite repeated appeals, neither the Ravindra Bhavan management nor the Department of Art and Culture has intervened to address this discrimination,” he added.

Mr. Pai Cacode alleged that over 70 per cent of the Bhavan’s annual expenditure on cultural programmes is directed towards non-Goan performers. “This diversion of public funds meant for local cultural promotion has deprived Goan artists of opportunities in their own State,” he said.

He further argued that Goa possesses a vibrant performing arts community comprising theatre groups, tiatrists, musicians, and dancers, but claimed that the institution has failed to nurture them. “Instead of empowering Goan talent, Ravindra Bhavan has been reduced to a personal domain lacking transparency and inclusivity,” he said.

Calling for government intervention, Mr. Pai Cacode urged the Art and Culture Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar, to initiate an inquiry into the Bhavan’s financial and administrative practices. He also demanded that at least 85 per cent of the programmes and funding be reserved for Goan artists, with clear and transparent selection criteria for outside collaborations.

He concluded by urging the State government to dissolve the current managing committee and reconstitute it with respected figures from Goa’s cultural fraternity.