Warn of a big agitation if KA not restored within 15 days to its original form
By Team Herald
Artists and stalwarts from the background of theatre, music, films and various other backgrounds have pledged to take the agitation to the streets to ensure action against the wrongdoings and to correct what has been already done to the Kala Academy.
The gathering heavily criticised the Government, Art and Culture Department, Minister and the Chief Minister for destroying the old infrastructure and glory of Kala Academy under the garb of renovation. Charles Correa Foundation representatives, Arch. Arminio Rebeiro, Tanvi Kharia, Ex-Speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly Tomazinho Cardozo, Devidas Amonkar were present at the meeting.
Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude attended the awareness meeting surprising all.
Tomazinho Cardozo while speaking at the meeting said that the agitation against the degradation of Kala Academy will strengthen further. He said that the KA has to be given back to artistes in the glory that it held in the past.
Artist Kanta Gaude equated Kala Academy as ‘Pandhari’ of Goan artistes. He has demanded to restore the KA infrastructure to its old glory.
Sai Panandikar has warned that if the Minister doesn’t resign and restore the Kala Academy to its original glory, he will sit on a protest half-naked in the KA. He expressed utter displeasure over the disowning of Charles Correia’s work.
Meenacshi Martins requested the organisers to gather artists with expertise to sit on the KA Council and supervise the works which are to be taken up and to correct what has already been done.
Dilip Prabhudesai requested the gathering to start an agitation while Poet Prakash Naik called on the artistes to demand the resignation of those who are responsible for the mess at the KA.
Sanket Bhandari, a Lighting expert said that the renovation in the KA smacks of corruption right from the carpet that we walk on and has called on the artistes to rise and put more pressure on the Government.
Devidas Amonkar has expressed disgust over the fact that it was the artists that in a way coronated Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude to the chair. Referring to the gathering he said that this is the class and soon mass will join the movement to demand restoration of the KA that artists desire.
RESOLUTIONS TAKEN BY THE GATHERING OF ARTISTS
- To Demand the Goa Government to Produce White Paper on Kala Academy Repairs Conducted with all up to dates.
- Demand/Request for Meeting of Artists with Hon. Cultural Minister.
- Demand/Request for Meeting of Artists with Hon. Chief/PWD Minister and submitting Representation.
- Appeal to Artists Taluka wise to visit the Kala Academy by finalising a fix date.
- To support the various Institution/Individuals in their ventures of Legal battles for restoration of Kala Academy rightfully & Cultural Heritage of the state.
- To open social media accounts on various platforms available, for better and positive communication.
- An appeal to All Artistes Community to express their views on Kala academy Status and be vocal through various means of communication so that voice should reach to the Government.
- To form an State level Association with its taluka level branches, of all artists community to work as shadow council for protection of Art & cultural and to raise the voice in the better interest of the Art and Culture related issues timely.
- Appoint Adhoc Committee with the convenor to initiate the establishment of proposed State Level Cultural Association.
This article was originally posted in O Heraldo on 18 June 2024. Extracted on 19 June 2024 from the original here.