Tiatrists keeping fingers crossed over Tiatr Academy
*19/12/2008
The state government has decided to set up a tiatr academy with an initial grant of Rs 15 lakh.
This decision has given some recognition to the Goan tiatr, but there is a mixed feeling among tiatrists and many are keeping their fingers crossed over this decision as they are skeptical about its outcome.
Goan tiatr has a history of 116 years. Prior to this the Zagor and Khell were quite popular. This art form was mostly prevailing in North and South Goa respectively.
However, on 27th April 1892, a young 27 year-old lad from Assagao in Bardez, Mr Lucasinho Rebeiro staged a Konkani translation �Italian Bhurgo� of a popular Italian opera at that time.
Though Mr Rebeiro staged this first tiatr�at New Alfred Theatre in Bombay it was�a mere translation.
It was only after Mr Joao Agostinho Fernandes from Margao, known as Pai Tiatrist staged his original script penned down entirely by him� with the name �Sundori Cabelchi� that the Goan Konkani tiatr in its unique art form began its journey.
Various stage artists who surfaced on the Konkani stage from time to time shone not only at the state level but even at the international level. Tiatr was taken to each and every corner of the world by these tiatrists.
It was in 1956 that �khell tiatr or non-stop tiatr came into existence. Like films there is no retake here therefore a stage actor has to be thorough with his or her dialogues as he is to deliver them live on stage in front of an audience.
This art form has been plagued with various difficulties and there was a plea from the tiatrists to the government to declare this as a small scale industry. Some tiatrists are happy that to some extent the present Digambar Kamat-led government has �shown some interest for the betterment of the tiatr but some are quite skeptical about the decision and are keeping their fingers crossed.
It is a welcome step, many say while for others it is something that will be known only when it becomes a reality.
The Goan tiatr has always been getting a raw deal from successive governments inspite of the tiatrists facing a �lot of hardship.
Staging a drama for there hours in our Goan halls which sometimes do not have proper infrastructure and to take these dramas to villages is not a child�s play as big costs are involved. Yet some of these shows sometimes cross a century.
� We are glad that atleast now the government has given some recognition to Goan tiatr by deciding to set up a tiatr academy.�� This is a welcome move and should help the tiatr in the long run,� felt Mr Tomazinho Cardozo pointing out that even youngsters would now get a boost to join tiatr.
He, however, felt that even financially some solace should be given to the tiatrists.
Veteran stage actress and director of TACT � Theatre and Cultural Training Institute that has its centre in Margao and trains youngsters to join tiatr, Ms Sharon Mazarello expressed her happiness as well as her reservation about the move.
�We have been told that a tiatr academy will be formed, but when it will be formed� and in �what way it benefits tiatr is what is left to be seen. We do not want lip service but some concrete action. Promises have always been made to develop tiatr but nothing has happened in reality� she regretted.
Ms Mazarello felt that �only when the tiatr academy is actually formed would it speak of the government�s commitment to the language of Konkani and hoped that the decision would be a reality soon.
She is coincidently involved with her first Konkani film production. Many tiatrists have concurred with the views of Ms Mazarello saying that some years back a Congress Cultural Cell under the leadership of former Navelim MLA Mr Luisinho Faleiro was formed to work for the development of the tiatr and Konkani films but nothing really worked out. Popular �King of Centuries� Mr Roseferns says that he had always been demanding a tiatr academy and a small scale industry status for Konkani tiatr but the latest government move of formation of tiatr academy though a good move was not taken by taking them into confidence.
" We were completely in the dark neither do we know when the academy will actually be formed or who will be its members . Finally it should work for the welfare of Goan tiatr. Therefore what we can do now is only hope that it will serve the right cause".
Monday, December 29, 2008
Konkani Tiatr Academy to be formed in January 2009 !!!
Konkani Tiatr Academy to be formed in Jan: CM
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, DEC 20, 2008
The two-day first Konknni Romi Lipi Sahitya and Sonvskruti Sammelan got underway at the Ravindra Bhavan here on Saturday, with Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat expressing Government’s firm support and commitment to literature and writers in Konkani in Roman script and announced formation of the Konkani Tiatr Academy next month.After inaugurating the two-day sammelan at a glittering function organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi, the Chief Minister it is the duty of the Government to support and encourage writers, artistes pursuing literature and culture in Roman script.
“I sincerely feel that people who write in Romi script need encouragement”, he said and reminded the audience that the Government has officially cleared and completed formalities to set up a Konkani Tiatr Academy.Reassuring that the Government would extend all support to writers and literature in Konkani in Romi script, Kamat said this is one reason behind the Government’s decision to allocate Rs 15 lakh financial grant to Dalgado Konknni Akademi so that writers get the much-needed financial assistance in the field of literature.
Admitting that there was a feeling of injustice amongst Konkani writers in Romi script, the Chief Minister said it is the duty of the Government to support and encourage writers to produce the best literary works. “When many people including office bearers of Dalgado Konkani Akademi came to me with many demands, including the demand to name the AC auditorium hall after Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes, I agreed with the demand”, he said.In his key note address, convenor of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra, Fr Pratap Naik demanded rightful place for Konkani in Romi script on par with Konkani in Devnagiri script. “We do not want any favour from the Government, but our rightful place on par with Devnagiri. Our politicians should give us our rightful place or else the people will take a right decision in the next elections”, he warned.
Saying that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has shown his interest to encourage Konkani in Romi script, Fr Naik said a lot needs to be done by the Chief Minster and reminded Kamat of his assurance to take everyone into confidence to solve the language row.
At the outset, a Konkani entertainment program was staged by Prince Jacob, which was well received by the audience. President of the Sammelan Vincy Quadros welcomed, while President of Dalgado Konkani Akademi Premanand Lotlikar also spoke.
HERALD REPORTER
MARGAO, DEC 20, 2008
The two-day first Konknni Romi Lipi Sahitya and Sonvskruti Sammelan got underway at the Ravindra Bhavan here on Saturday, with Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat expressing Government’s firm support and commitment to literature and writers in Konkani in Roman script and announced formation of the Konkani Tiatr Academy next month.After inaugurating the two-day sammelan at a glittering function organized by Dalgado Konknni Akademi, the Chief Minister it is the duty of the Government to support and encourage writers, artistes pursuing literature and culture in Roman script.
“I sincerely feel that people who write in Romi script need encouragement”, he said and reminded the audience that the Government has officially cleared and completed formalities to set up a Konkani Tiatr Academy.Reassuring that the Government would extend all support to writers and literature in Konkani in Romi script, Kamat said this is one reason behind the Government’s decision to allocate Rs 15 lakh financial grant to Dalgado Konknni Akademi so that writers get the much-needed financial assistance in the field of literature.
Admitting that there was a feeling of injustice amongst Konkani writers in Romi script, the Chief Minister said it is the duty of the Government to support and encourage writers to produce the best literary works. “When many people including office bearers of Dalgado Konkani Akademi came to me with many demands, including the demand to name the AC auditorium hall after Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes, I agreed with the demand”, he said.In his key note address, convenor of Thomas Stephens Konknni Kendra, Fr Pratap Naik demanded rightful place for Konkani in Romi script on par with Konkani in Devnagiri script. “We do not want any favour from the Government, but our rightful place on par with Devnagiri. Our politicians should give us our rightful place or else the people will take a right decision in the next elections”, he warned.
Saying that Chief Minister, Digambar Kamat has shown his interest to encourage Konkani in Romi script, Fr Naik said a lot needs to be done by the Chief Minster and reminded Kamat of his assurance to take everyone into confidence to solve the language row.
At the outset, a Konkani entertainment program was staged by Prince Jacob, which was well received by the audience. President of the Sammelan Vincy Quadros welcomed, while President of Dalgado Konkani Akademi Premanand Lotlikar also spoke.
Making a case for Romi Konkani
Churchill makes a case for Romi Konkani
22 Dec 2008, 0348 hrs IST, TNN/The Times of India
MARGAO: Minister for public works and development (PWD) Churchill Alemao on Sunday made a strong case for the inclusion of Konkani in the Roman script as the official language of the state. "Children of the backward classes like Velips, Kunbis and Gawdas will immensely benefit if Konkani in the Roman script is compulsorily taught to them, at least in the primary classes. This will help them to easily adapt to English medium schools as they would have already been familiar with the script (Roman alphabets)," Alemao said.
The minister was addressing the gathering at the concluding session of the first Romi Konkani culture and literature conference, organized by the Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) at Margao on Sunday. Voicing concern over the "imminent obliteration" of Goa's identity if Roman Konkani is not accorded the official language status, Alemao lamented the growing affinity of the Goans to the English language which he said was harming the interest of their mother-tongue.
Lauding the tiatrists for "striving to keep Roman Konkani alive in the hearts of Goans," Alemao urged the tiatrists fraternity to stay united for the cause of Goa's identity. "If all the tiatrists shed their differences and stay united, it won't be long before Roman Konkani achieves the status of Goa's official language," he stated. Earlier, the DKA adopted various resolutions in support of Konkani in the Roman script. The resolution demanding Konkani in Roman script be accorded official language status along with Devnagri script, ranks high among the list of resolutions adopted.
22 Dec 2008, 0348 hrs IST, TNN/The Times of India
MARGAO: Minister for public works and development (PWD) Churchill Alemao on Sunday made a strong case for the inclusion of Konkani in the Roman script as the official language of the state. "Children of the backward classes like Velips, Kunbis and Gawdas will immensely benefit if Konkani in the Roman script is compulsorily taught to them, at least in the primary classes. This will help them to easily adapt to English medium schools as they would have already been familiar with the script (Roman alphabets)," Alemao said.
The minister was addressing the gathering at the concluding session of the first Romi Konkani culture and literature conference, organized by the Dalgado Konkani Akademi (DKA) at Margao on Sunday. Voicing concern over the "imminent obliteration" of Goa's identity if Roman Konkani is not accorded the official language status, Alemao lamented the growing affinity of the Goans to the English language which he said was harming the interest of their mother-tongue.
Lauding the tiatrists for "striving to keep Roman Konkani alive in the hearts of Goans," Alemao urged the tiatrists fraternity to stay united for the cause of Goa's identity. "If all the tiatrists shed their differences and stay united, it won't be long before Roman Konkani achieves the status of Goa's official language," he stated. Earlier, the DKA adopted various resolutions in support of Konkani in the Roman script. The resolution demanding Konkani in Roman script be accorded official language status along with Devnagri script, ranks high among the list of resolutions adopted.
Konkani & Marathi Newsbulletins on Panaji Doordarshan Kendra?
PANAJI- A delegation of workers of the Goa branch of Shiv Sena, led by the state president of the party, Mr Upendra Gaonkar on Tuesday called on the director of Panaji Doordarshan Kendra, Mr Chandrakant Barve and presented a memorandum demanding a Marathi language news bulletin to be telecast from the centre, along with the Konkani news bulletin, which is proposed to be introduced soon.
The memorandum also demanded that the state Doordarshan centre should give equal weightage to the Marathi programmes, along with the Konkani programmes. It further stated that the Marathi programmes telecast from the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra be given more time, in the future.
The delegation also included deputy chief of the party for Goa, Mr Namdev Naik, South Goa in-charge of the party, Mr Pratap Mhardolkar and others.
24/12/2008
_________________
PANAJI- The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Mr Anand Sharma on Friday announced that the state would soon have Konkani bulletin telecast by the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra, and that he has already directed the chief executive officer of Prasar Bharati, Mr B S Lalli and his team to ensure that the arrangements for the same be made at the earliest.
Mr Sharma, who earlier inaugurated the additional studio facilities at the state Doordarshan centre at a special function, said the introduction of a new state-of�the�art television studio will put the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra at par with any best Doordarshan centre in the country.
The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, the North Goa MP, Mr Shripad Naik, the Rajya Sabha MP, Mr Shantaram Naik, the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh, besides Mr Lalli and the centre director, Mr Chandrakant Barve were present on the occasion.
Mr Sharma said that Doordarshan, with its phenomenal reach as the largest public telecast agency, present programmes in 122 Indian languages and dialects, through 1,400-plus transmitters and 66 studios, with terrestrial coverage of 92 per cent around the country.
�Doordarshan provides information in an unbiased and objective manner without sensationalising the issues, and the viewers, therefore go back to it, in spite of the availability of countless satellite television channels,� he pointed out.
Maintaining that the commercial satellite channels are not interested in telecast of the ongoing silent development revolution in the country, the I&B Minister said that achievements of the country in educational field is not fully registered in the society, and Doordarshan as well as All-India Radio are shouldering the responsibility of disseminating such information to public. He further said that there is also judicious mix of entertainment in the programmes of Doordarshan.
Mr Sharma stated that any national calamity or incidents like the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai need to be conveyed to the public without causing undue panic, or dramatising the incidents, and Doordarshan is perhaps the only channel, which does it with utmost responsibility.
The additional Doordarshan facilities at the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra form an important addition to the vast network of Doordarshan, he acknowledged.
Mr Sharma said that though the workforce at the Doordarshan centres and All-India Radio stations around the country has drastically reduced due to the national policy of the Prasar Bharati of not recruiting staff on regular basis, the ministry of information and broadcasting has made adequate arrangements for hiring staff on casual/ contract basis.
"The necessary funds have been sanctioned for the purpose," Mr Sharma told The Navhind Times, adding that large number of casual/ on-contract quality staff would be hired for both, Doordarshan and AIR, in the near future. He also added that the required workforce would be made available for the soon-to-be set up news section of the Panaji Doordarshan centre.
The Chief Minister, in his speech said that Goa is a prosperous and developing state in the country and the new studio facility at the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra would further help in the development of the state. He hoped that the additional facility would help the local Doordarshan centre to come up with quality programmes.
Mr Shantaram Naik, terming the additional facilities as fulfilment of his dream, said that the progress of the local Doordarshan centre from being a programme generating facility to a full-fledged studio is very impressive. He also observed that Doordarshan is a mirror of the country, in spite of availability of a number of satellite television channels for public consumption.
The North Goa MP observed that the modern facilities would help the local Doordarshan centre to telecast more programmes, displaying the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
Mr Lalli, in his welcome address said the additional facilities will include state-of-the-art studio with full camera sets, switches and digital technology, which would be very beneficial for drama, live shows, dances and so on.
"We will also try to fulfil the long pending demand of the state to have a Konkani news bulletin," he added.
(20/12/2008_
The memorandum also demanded that the state Doordarshan centre should give equal weightage to the Marathi programmes, along with the Konkani programmes. It further stated that the Marathi programmes telecast from the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra be given more time, in the future.
The delegation also included deputy chief of the party for Goa, Mr Namdev Naik, South Goa in-charge of the party, Mr Pratap Mhardolkar and others.
24/12/2008
_________________
PANAJI- The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Mr Anand Sharma on Friday announced that the state would soon have Konkani bulletin telecast by the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra, and that he has already directed the chief executive officer of Prasar Bharati, Mr B S Lalli and his team to ensure that the arrangements for the same be made at the earliest.
Mr Sharma, who earlier inaugurated the additional studio facilities at the state Doordarshan centre at a special function, said the introduction of a new state-of�the�art television studio will put the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra at par with any best Doordarshan centre in the country.
The Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamat, the North Goa MP, Mr Shripad Naik, the Rajya Sabha MP, Mr Shantaram Naik, the Chief Secretary, Mr J P Singh, besides Mr Lalli and the centre director, Mr Chandrakant Barve were present on the occasion.
Mr Sharma said that Doordarshan, with its phenomenal reach as the largest public telecast agency, present programmes in 122 Indian languages and dialects, through 1,400-plus transmitters and 66 studios, with terrestrial coverage of 92 per cent around the country.
�Doordarshan provides information in an unbiased and objective manner without sensationalising the issues, and the viewers, therefore go back to it, in spite of the availability of countless satellite television channels,� he pointed out.
Maintaining that the commercial satellite channels are not interested in telecast of the ongoing silent development revolution in the country, the I&B Minister said that achievements of the country in educational field is not fully registered in the society, and Doordarshan as well as All-India Radio are shouldering the responsibility of disseminating such information to public. He further said that there is also judicious mix of entertainment in the programmes of Doordarshan.
Mr Sharma stated that any national calamity or incidents like the recent terrorist attacks in Mumbai need to be conveyed to the public without causing undue panic, or dramatising the incidents, and Doordarshan is perhaps the only channel, which does it with utmost responsibility.
The additional Doordarshan facilities at the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra form an important addition to the vast network of Doordarshan, he acknowledged.
Mr Sharma said that though the workforce at the Doordarshan centres and All-India Radio stations around the country has drastically reduced due to the national policy of the Prasar Bharati of not recruiting staff on regular basis, the ministry of information and broadcasting has made adequate arrangements for hiring staff on casual/ contract basis.
"The necessary funds have been sanctioned for the purpose," Mr Sharma told The Navhind Times, adding that large number of casual/ on-contract quality staff would be hired for both, Doordarshan and AIR, in the near future. He also added that the required workforce would be made available for the soon-to-be set up news section of the Panaji Doordarshan centre.
The Chief Minister, in his speech said that Goa is a prosperous and developing state in the country and the new studio facility at the Panaji Doordarshan Kendra would further help in the development of the state. He hoped that the additional facility would help the local Doordarshan centre to come up with quality programmes.
Mr Shantaram Naik, terming the additional facilities as fulfilment of his dream, said that the progress of the local Doordarshan centre from being a programme generating facility to a full-fledged studio is very impressive. He also observed that Doordarshan is a mirror of the country, in spite of availability of a number of satellite television channels for public consumption.
The North Goa MP observed that the modern facilities would help the local Doordarshan centre to telecast more programmes, displaying the rich cultural heritage of Goa.
Mr Lalli, in his welcome address said the additional facilities will include state-of-the-art studio with full camera sets, switches and digital technology, which would be very beneficial for drama, live shows, dances and so on.
"We will also try to fulfil the long pending demand of the state to have a Konkani news bulletin," he added.
(20/12/2008_
Konkani Basha Mandal denounces 'communal' overtones
Dec. 24, 2008
MARGAO- The president of Konkani Basha Mandal, Mr Prashant Naik, on Tuesday said that �some communal and castiest overtones expressed by some speakers� at the First Konkani Roman Script Convention organised by Dalgado Konkani Academi at Ravindra Bhavan were aimed at dividing the Konkani movement.
Mr Naik said that the Konkani movement has always cherished the secular and progressive ideals, adding the KBM has always believed and respected the sentiments of people using various scripts like Romi, Kannada, Malayalam and Perso-Arabic in Konkani literature other than in natural script of Konkani that is Devanagari.
Mr Naik said that the KBM has always believed in the unity of the Konkani-speaking people and hence it looks at the first convention of the Konkani Roman Script from the perspective of brotherhood and unity, adding that the utterances of the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, singling out the veteran and respectable Konkani leader, Mr Uday Bhembre, are deplorable.
Mr Naik also said that the�organisers of Romi Konkani Convention did a disservice to the unity of Konkani people by providing platform to such political elements who were in the news for the Member of Parliament Local Area Development scheme �scandal� a few years back, adding that the contribution of Mr Bhembre to Konkani does not require a certificate from �such people�.
He also reminded that Mr Bhembre was an independent MLA during the language agitation, adding that the act was passed by the then Congress government and that the legislative assembly records will show that Mr Bhembre had staged a walk-out along with the then Congress MLA, Mr Luizinho Faleiro, opposing the status accorded to Marathi in the Official Language Act, adding that it must be noted that even in the Constitution of India, while according the official language status to Hindi, the mention of Devanagari�script has been made.
Mr Naik said that the KBM�appeals to all right-thinking Konkani people to �see through the games of people� like Mr Churchill Alemao and Fr Pratap Naik who he said �are out to divide the Konkani movement to pursue their own agenda.
MARGAO- The president of Konkani Basha Mandal, Mr Prashant Naik, on Tuesday said that �some communal and castiest overtones expressed by some speakers� at the First Konkani Roman Script Convention organised by Dalgado Konkani Academi at Ravindra Bhavan were aimed at dividing the Konkani movement.
Mr Naik said that the Konkani movement has always cherished the secular and progressive ideals, adding the KBM has always believed and respected the sentiments of people using various scripts like Romi, Kannada, Malayalam and Perso-Arabic in Konkani literature other than in natural script of Konkani that is Devanagari.
Mr Naik said that the KBM has always believed in the unity of the Konkani-speaking people and hence it looks at the first convention of the Konkani Roman Script from the perspective of brotherhood and unity, adding that the utterances of the PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao, singling out the veteran and respectable Konkani leader, Mr Uday Bhembre, are deplorable.
Mr Naik also said that the�organisers of Romi Konkani Convention did a disservice to the unity of Konkani people by providing platform to such political elements who were in the news for the Member of Parliament Local Area Development scheme �scandal� a few years back, adding that the contribution of Mr Bhembre to Konkani does not require a certificate from �such people�.
He also reminded that Mr Bhembre was an independent MLA during the language agitation, adding that the act was passed by the then Congress government and that the legislative assembly records will show that Mr Bhembre had staged a walk-out along with the then Congress MLA, Mr Luizinho Faleiro, opposing the status accorded to Marathi in the Official Language Act, adding that it must be noted that even in the Constitution of India, while according the official language status to Hindi, the mention of Devanagari�script has been made.
Mr Naik said that the KBM�appeals to all right-thinking Konkani people to �see through the games of people� like Mr Churchill Alemao and Fr Pratap Naik who he said �are out to divide the Konkani movement to pursue their own agenda.
Ravindra Kelekar bags 'Jnanpith Literary Award' for Konkani
Konkani bags Jnanpith, but the language community stands divided
25 Dec 2008, 0414 hrs IST, Raju Nayak, TNN
It was a parody of sorts for Goa's official language Konkani in 2008. While writer Ravindra Kelekar bagged the prestigious Jnanpith literary award, a first for Konkani, the language itself stood divided on script. On November 23, Kelekar, a writer credited with influencing the fight to make Konkani the state's official language, was declared the joint winner of the 42nd Jnanpith Award for the year 2006. However, at the award function at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao the shadow of a divided language fell on the ceremony.
While the Official Language Act recognises Konkani in Devanagiri script, there is a demand that Roman/Romi Konkani be included as well. In his speech at the function, Pundalik Naik, president of the Konkani Academy warned that if the Official Language Act was touched, it would set a bad precedent and the Konkani movement would not keep quiet. To understand the sentiment, one needs to step into history. The language movement, spread over six decades, has seen not just the production of literary works of repute in Konkani but the language's inclusion in the Sahitya Academy, the eighth schedule of the Constitution and the latest, the country's highest literary award. Since 1975, Konkani writers, many of them young, first-time writers, received Sahitya Academy awards. More importantly, Konkani shed its tag of being the literary monopoly of the higher strata of Goan society, mainly the Saraswat Brahmins, as accused by the Marathi protagonists.
"More and more writers from the Bahujan Samaj are coming up who produce literary works of high value. This is proof that the language movement has percolated and continues to strike deep into society," says award-winning writer Dilip Borkar. Pundalik Naik explains that after Goa's liberation in 1961, just like the Dalits in Maharashtra, Goan rural youth came out in large numbers to write in Konkani. "These rural folk had a different cultural background and they had different things to say, the literature was with force and aggressive," he says. "Prakash Vazrikar and Prakash Parienkar coming from remote Sattari taluka are the rarest of all and they have that unique distinct cultural ethos and style, which portrays a different rural life," Naik says.
Volvoi-native Naik, incidentally, himself created a separate rural' writing style when he entered the literary field, which at the time was dominated by urban writers like Chandrakant Keni, Uday Bhembre and Damodar Mauzo. Inevitably, he was the unanimous choice for convenor of the Konkani Prajecho Avaz, the organ that spearheaded the Konkani movement for official status for the language in 1985. Naik's fiery speeches enlightened youngsters, many of who started working for the language. "A plus point for the movement is that after the language agitation many Konkani kendras opened in rural areas and are still working for the language and culture," says writer N Shivdas. Another positive is that at the Goa University "the Konkani department gets the highest number of students in the language faculty," says Chandralekha D'Souza, head, Konkani department. She adds that while many of the students are from rural backgrounds, a number are Catholics "who have no difficulty with the Devanagari script," she says.
The reason for the specific mention of the community, is that those promoting the inclusion of Roman Konkani in the Official Language Act say that most Catholics are not familiar with the Devanagiri script. Naik asserts that not only do "Catholic students answer six papers in Konkani just like the rest of their classmates, writers Jofa Gonsalves, Petsi Pereira, Afusto Barreto and Gudalupe Dias have a distinct style and have attracted readers". "A speciality of these writers is that they don't have any influence of Marathi as they have no elementary training in that language. Their writings are the finest examples of a language's purity," says Naik. "The Konkani movement was secular, above communal and casteist barriers and gave our writers the courage to express themselves.
If the demand by Roman Konkani protagonists is for economic reasons or for (government) posts then the Konkani leadership can redress it suitably. If it is related to promoting Roman Konkani writers, this can be done in a big way too. But, if it is only on religious lines and if it promotes communal divisiveness, we will oppose it firmly," says Naik. Tomazinho Cardozo, noted tiatrist, however, contradicts Naik's view on the divide being communal, "Our country believes in unity in diversity. Goa has similar circumstances where scripts and dialects are for diversity and I feel the only way to unite Goans is by supporting the demand." Vincy Quadros, working president of the first Roman Konkani Meet, considered a soft-liner, says the demand for amendment is not echoed by the entire Catholic community. "Except for some MLAs and some writers there is no larger demand for a change in the Act. The present Act was passed as there was greater demand from all walks of life for the Devanagiri script," Quadros says.
Konkani activist Fr Mouzinho Ataide says the view that Catholics in large numbers support Roman Konkani is "not true". "Though it is claimed that Catholics support the Roman Konkani script nobody has any statistics and no effort has been made to ascertain their opinion," says Ataide.
"If one wants to ascertain opinion they have to talk to students studying in Konkani. We who never learnt Konkani should not comment on Konkani and force our opinion on others," says Fr Ataide.
25 Dec 2008, 0414 hrs IST, Raju Nayak, TNN
It was a parody of sorts for Goa's official language Konkani in 2008. While writer Ravindra Kelekar bagged the prestigious Jnanpith literary award, a first for Konkani, the language itself stood divided on script. On November 23, Kelekar, a writer credited with influencing the fight to make Konkani the state's official language, was declared the joint winner of the 42nd Jnanpith Award for the year 2006. However, at the award function at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao the shadow of a divided language fell on the ceremony.
While the Official Language Act recognises Konkani in Devanagiri script, there is a demand that Roman/Romi Konkani be included as well. In his speech at the function, Pundalik Naik, president of the Konkani Academy warned that if the Official Language Act was touched, it would set a bad precedent and the Konkani movement would not keep quiet. To understand the sentiment, one needs to step into history. The language movement, spread over six decades, has seen not just the production of literary works of repute in Konkani but the language's inclusion in the Sahitya Academy, the eighth schedule of the Constitution and the latest, the country's highest literary award. Since 1975, Konkani writers, many of them young, first-time writers, received Sahitya Academy awards. More importantly, Konkani shed its tag of being the literary monopoly of the higher strata of Goan society, mainly the Saraswat Brahmins, as accused by the Marathi protagonists.
"More and more writers from the Bahujan Samaj are coming up who produce literary works of high value. This is proof that the language movement has percolated and continues to strike deep into society," says award-winning writer Dilip Borkar. Pundalik Naik explains that after Goa's liberation in 1961, just like the Dalits in Maharashtra, Goan rural youth came out in large numbers to write in Konkani. "These rural folk had a different cultural background and they had different things to say, the literature was with force and aggressive," he says. "Prakash Vazrikar and Prakash Parienkar coming from remote Sattari taluka are the rarest of all and they have that unique distinct cultural ethos and style, which portrays a different rural life," Naik says.
Volvoi-native Naik, incidentally, himself created a separate rural' writing style when he entered the literary field, which at the time was dominated by urban writers like Chandrakant Keni, Uday Bhembre and Damodar Mauzo. Inevitably, he was the unanimous choice for convenor of the Konkani Prajecho Avaz, the organ that spearheaded the Konkani movement for official status for the language in 1985. Naik's fiery speeches enlightened youngsters, many of who started working for the language. "A plus point for the movement is that after the language agitation many Konkani kendras opened in rural areas and are still working for the language and culture," says writer N Shivdas. Another positive is that at the Goa University "the Konkani department gets the highest number of students in the language faculty," says Chandralekha D'Souza, head, Konkani department. She adds that while many of the students are from rural backgrounds, a number are Catholics "who have no difficulty with the Devanagari script," she says.
The reason for the specific mention of the community, is that those promoting the inclusion of Roman Konkani in the Official Language Act say that most Catholics are not familiar with the Devanagiri script. Naik asserts that not only do "Catholic students answer six papers in Konkani just like the rest of their classmates, writers Jofa Gonsalves, Petsi Pereira, Afusto Barreto and Gudalupe Dias have a distinct style and have attracted readers". "A speciality of these writers is that they don't have any influence of Marathi as they have no elementary training in that language. Their writings are the finest examples of a language's purity," says Naik. "The Konkani movement was secular, above communal and casteist barriers and gave our writers the courage to express themselves.
If the demand by Roman Konkani protagonists is for economic reasons or for (government) posts then the Konkani leadership can redress it suitably. If it is related to promoting Roman Konkani writers, this can be done in a big way too. But, if it is only on religious lines and if it promotes communal divisiveness, we will oppose it firmly," says Naik. Tomazinho Cardozo, noted tiatrist, however, contradicts Naik's view on the divide being communal, "Our country believes in unity in diversity. Goa has similar circumstances where scripts and dialects are for diversity and I feel the only way to unite Goans is by supporting the demand." Vincy Quadros, working president of the first Roman Konkani Meet, considered a soft-liner, says the demand for amendment is not echoed by the entire Catholic community. "Except for some MLAs and some writers there is no larger demand for a change in the Act. The present Act was passed as there was greater demand from all walks of life for the Devanagiri script," Quadros says.
Konkani activist Fr Mouzinho Ataide says the view that Catholics in large numbers support Roman Konkani is "not true". "Though it is claimed that Catholics support the Roman Konkani script nobody has any statistics and no effort has been made to ascertain their opinion," says Ataide.
"If one wants to ascertain opinion they have to talk to students studying in Konkani. We who never learnt Konkani should not comment on Konkani and force our opinion on others," says Fr Ataide.
Vauraddeancho Ixtt - Platinum Jubilee Celebrations
PANAJI, Dec 27, 2008 :
Vauraddeancho Ixtt, a 75-year-old Konkani weekly, concluded its platinum jubilee celebrations recently at a function in which annual awards
and prizes were handed out, and several personalities felicitated at the Pilar Annexe. V Ixtt, as it is popularly called, has been a voice in the desert, but it has been a voice of hope, Fr Francisco Caldeira, editor, Renovacao and guest of honour said. "During difficult times, V Ixtt has raised its voice against many issues and societal evils. It is a voice proclaiming the future of Konkani," he added. Fr Caldeira said new writers was a ray of hope for the Konkani weekly as that would contribute largely for its survival. Earlier, Jose Philipe D'Souza, minister for civil supplies and chief guest on the occasion, said that there was the need to develop love for V Ixtt and assured help from the government for its further growth. Several writers, tiatrists, activists and others were presented awards on the occasion. The cultural programme that followed comprised raag, instrumental, mimicry, dance, song and a mando.
Vauraddeancho Ixtt, a 75-year-old Konkani weekly, concluded its platinum jubilee celebrations recently at a function in which annual awards
and prizes were handed out, and several personalities felicitated at the Pilar Annexe. V Ixtt, as it is popularly called, has been a voice in the desert, but it has been a voice of hope, Fr Francisco Caldeira, editor, Renovacao and guest of honour said. "During difficult times, V Ixtt has raised its voice against many issues and societal evils. It is a voice proclaiming the future of Konkani," he added. Fr Caldeira said new writers was a ray of hope for the Konkani weekly as that would contribute largely for its survival. Earlier, Jose Philipe D'Souza, minister for civil supplies and chief guest on the occasion, said that there was the need to develop love for V Ixtt and assured help from the government for its further growth. Several writers, tiatrists, activists and others were presented awards on the occasion. The cultural programme that followed comprised raag, instrumental, mimicry, dance, song and a mando.
One-month course in Konkani for government servants
PANAJI, Dec. 30, 2008
- All government employees will have to compulsorily undergo classes in Konkani so as to equip themselves with minimum knowledge of the language. Training for the purpose will start soon and in Devanagari script.
The government servants will all have to go through a one-month course and after the period of training they will have to answer a test.
It is pertinent to note that knowledge of Konkani is compulsory for a person to be eligible for government service.
This decision has caused a lot of heartburn among government servants, who however cannot articulate their grievances. But quite a few of them say that if a person does not have a minimum knowledge of the language he should not have got into government service in the first place.
And if they do not know the language then one month is too short a time to learn it.
Explaining the reason for the government�s step, the official language department director, Mr Menino Peres -- the implementing authority for this scheme -- told �The Navhind Times� that as all states are governed by their official language and �As the Goa�s official language is Konkani, the administration has to run in Konkani; every state government has to implement the language (act) of the people.�
�The official language is in Devanagari script so the training will be in Devanagari,� he said and went on to argue, �As of now according to the Official Language Act the script is Devanagari.�
The Goa Konkani Akademi president and KPA stalwart, Mr Pundalik Naik concurred with this and informed that he was a member of the official language committee.
Observing that knowledge of the local language is beneficial especially as people from different language backgrounds may not know the local language, former speaker of the state legislative assembly and Roman Konkani stalwart, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo stressed: �Whatever the government does should be beneficial to all sections. So training should be both in Devanagari as well as Romi scripts.�
�I had put up a proposal at a meeting of the official language committee that the training should be in Devanagari along with Romi script,� he argued.
Mr Cardozo -- former president of the Dalgado Konkani Akadami -- also felt that the one-month course was too short and should be longer and with proper gradation.
The notification also prescribes financial incentives, like cash awards for those who clear the test.
However, the notification exempts employees who have passed their matriculation with Konkani or had the subject during their graduation, and will include all state government employees, state government undertakings, co-operative banks, financial institutions, autonomous organisations, etc owned or controlled by the state government �whose knowledge of Konkani is below the prescribed level.
�You cannot prepare officers to read, write and more importantly to understand the language,� he pointed out.
But Mr Naik disagreed with him saying though it is a very short-term course this course is worth it. �For the time being it is okay,� he said.
Mr Peres too felt that the course duration was okay as most people know the language and the course would help in the day-to-day working.
He informed that even as of today printed forms for leave applications are in Konkani and most departments are using them.
- All government employees will have to compulsorily undergo classes in Konkani so as to equip themselves with minimum knowledge of the language. Training for the purpose will start soon and in Devanagari script.
The government servants will all have to go through a one-month course and after the period of training they will have to answer a test.
It is pertinent to note that knowledge of Konkani is compulsory for a person to be eligible for government service.
This decision has caused a lot of heartburn among government servants, who however cannot articulate their grievances. But quite a few of them say that if a person does not have a minimum knowledge of the language he should not have got into government service in the first place.
And if they do not know the language then one month is too short a time to learn it.
Explaining the reason for the government�s step, the official language department director, Mr Menino Peres -- the implementing authority for this scheme -- told �The Navhind Times� that as all states are governed by their official language and �As the Goa�s official language is Konkani, the administration has to run in Konkani; every state government has to implement the language (act) of the people.�
�The official language is in Devanagari script so the training will be in Devanagari,� he said and went on to argue, �As of now according to the Official Language Act the script is Devanagari.�
The Goa Konkani Akademi president and KPA stalwart, Mr Pundalik Naik concurred with this and informed that he was a member of the official language committee.
Observing that knowledge of the local language is beneficial especially as people from different language backgrounds may not know the local language, former speaker of the state legislative assembly and Roman Konkani stalwart, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo stressed: �Whatever the government does should be beneficial to all sections. So training should be both in Devanagari as well as Romi scripts.�
�I had put up a proposal at a meeting of the official language committee that the training should be in Devanagari along with Romi script,� he argued.
Mr Cardozo -- former president of the Dalgado Konkani Akadami -- also felt that the one-month course was too short and should be longer and with proper gradation.
The notification also prescribes financial incentives, like cash awards for those who clear the test.
However, the notification exempts employees who have passed their matriculation with Konkani or had the subject during their graduation, and will include all state government employees, state government undertakings, co-operative banks, financial institutions, autonomous organisations, etc owned or controlled by the state government �whose knowledge of Konkani is below the prescribed level.
�You cannot prepare officers to read, write and more importantly to understand the language,� he pointed out.
But Mr Naik disagreed with him saying though it is a very short-term course this course is worth it. �For the time being it is okay,� he said.
Mr Peres too felt that the course duration was okay as most people know the language and the course would help in the day-to-day working.
He informed that even as of today printed forms for leave applications are in Konkani and most departments are using them.
Konkani Songit Kala Kendr's award ceremony
PANAJI- Konkani Songit Somajik Kala Kendr will be organising a musical show followed by 2nd Award Ceremony in memory of late Dr Jack de Sequeira, father of the Opinion Poll on December 29, 2008 at Gomantak Vidhya Niketan Hall, Margao at 3 p.m.
As a befitting tribute to Dr Jack de Sequeira, the Kendr is organising this show and Award Ceremony to make the future generation aware of the role played by Dr jack de Sequeira during the opinion poll.
Tiatrists who will receive the award include Roshan Best Acress (outstanding performance as a mother in Maria Menezes �He Mai Konachi�), Salude Loutolim (best actor for his dynamic role as a police officer in Agostin Police), Comedian Luis Bachchan (Best Commedian), Peter de Benaulim (Best Composer), Osvi Viegas (performing as a artist for 50 years on Goan stage), Cibal Cabral (Best Female Child Artist), Marcus Vaz (Best Male Singer), Norman Cardozo (Best Musician), Dir Agostian for Drama �Police� Tiatra of the year), �Dempo Sport Club (Team of the year) Livia D�Silva (Best Female Singer), Francis de Tuem (King of Goa�s Political Songs), Wilmix-Sharon (Best Duet of the 70�s still going strong), John Claro (Writer), Sandeep Calangutcar (Veteran Actor, director and winner of many awards at the Kala Acaademy Tiatra competition).
The PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao will be the Chief Guest on the occasion and South Goa MP Mr Francisco Sardinha and Mr Anthony D�Souza will be the guests of honour.
As a befitting tribute to Dr Jack de Sequeira, the Kendr is organising this show and Award Ceremony to make the future generation aware of the role played by Dr jack de Sequeira during the opinion poll.
Tiatrists who will receive the award include Roshan Best Acress (outstanding performance as a mother in Maria Menezes �He Mai Konachi�), Salude Loutolim (best actor for his dynamic role as a police officer in Agostin Police), Comedian Luis Bachchan (Best Commedian), Peter de Benaulim (Best Composer), Osvi Viegas (performing as a artist for 50 years on Goan stage), Cibal Cabral (Best Female Child Artist), Marcus Vaz (Best Male Singer), Norman Cardozo (Best Musician), Dir Agostian for Drama �Police� Tiatra of the year), �Dempo Sport Club (Team of the year) Livia D�Silva (Best Female Singer), Francis de Tuem (King of Goa�s Political Songs), Wilmix-Sharon (Best Duet of the 70�s still going strong), John Claro (Writer), Sandeep Calangutcar (Veteran Actor, director and winner of many awards at the Kala Acaademy Tiatra competition).
The PWD Minister, Mr Churchill Alemao will be the Chief Guest on the occasion and South Goa MP Mr Francisco Sardinha and Mr Anthony D�Souza will be the guests of honour.
Tiatr Day (May 2001)
Tiatr Day
AT a simple function to mark the Tiatr Day, tiatrists C D’Silva, Socorro Fernandes, Diana Fernandes, Clara Dias, Anita Dias and Robin Vaz were felicitated, for their substantial contribution to the Konkani tiatr, at the Kala Academy, on April 17. Robin Vaz and Anita Dias could not be present at the function because Vaz is not keeping well and Anita had to attend a family function.
Tourism Minister, Filipe Neri Rodrigues was the chief guest on the occasion. He praised the tiatrists for enriching Goan culture and said that the tourists who come to the State not only come drawn by its beauty but to sample the culture of the people. Rodrigues also said that once upon a time the tiatr was considered to belong to the Catholics alone but over the years several young Hindu artists perform in the tiatr, which are also seen by people from the majority community.
Socorro Pieadade Fremiot Fernandes, popularly known as Socorro de Verna, is a veteran playwright, director and actor in the field of khell tiatr. In 1962, he peformed "Jungle King" and "Bhattkarachi Choli" in Bombay besides scores of others he staged along with his troupe, particularly at the time of Carnival and Easter. Several of his plays have been broadcast by All India Radio, Panjim. He has two Konkani novels—"Amchem Noxib" and "Ghatki Bhoinn"—to his credit. When the cassettes came in fashion, he recorded two dramas "Tannem Mhaka Sambaulem" and "Meutelem" in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
Lidvinda Anastasia Clara Correia e Dias, known as Clara on the Konkani stage, was born in Mumbai on April 14, 1946. While she was singing for the Cuckoo Band, she was spotted by a tiatrist Domnick Vaz. Soon the talented singer began performing in the plays of renowned Konkani tiatrists. She also acted in Konkani films "Zababdari" and "Moriad". She has been consistently acting for Roseferns for the last 21 years. To date she has performed in more than 150 plays. While adressing the audience on behalf of the artists who had been felicitated, Clara thanked the tiatr audience, which she claimed had spurred her to give better pefromances. She said that she was thankful to her understanding parents, who allowed her to participate in the tiatr, at a time when few parents encouraged their daughters to take to acting.
Ubaldina Fernandes (Diana), who was born on May 17, 1942 at Navelim, made her debut in Minguel Rod’s tiatr "Open to Close". Since then she has never looked back and has enacted a variety of roles in various plays and three telefilms. He has been performing in Prince Jacob’s plays for the last 16 years and has toured Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, Muscat and England, with his troupe. Besides producing here own cassettee "Savllli", she has lent her voice to three more audio albums.
To Anita Pereira goes the credit of being the first female to act in the khelltiatr. She was ushered on the Konkani stage by Antonio Moraes in his play "Mundolkar Noris" in 1962. Born on August 9, 1944, with a flair for singing, Anita began performing with Saluzinho D’Costa and Jepshis Hitler and their Kunbi duets were par excellence.
The Man with Many faces, Pedro Caetano D’Silva (C. D’Silva) as born in Per-Seraulim on March 26, 1936. C. D’Silva took off with the song "Khadd Mixeo" of famed tiatrist Young Menezes. Besides acting in the plays produced by other playwrights, he also staged his own much acclaimed plays. At the age of 65, having sung over 1000 Konkani songs, C D’Silva still commands a vast fan following.
Who has not heard of Robin Vaz, the giant on the stage by physical proportions as well as prodigious talent? Born on October 20, 1932, at Cuncolim, Robin Vaz has written and directed as many as 27 tiatrs, most popular among them being "Agente Monteiro" "Put Konnacho", "Opinion Poll of Goa" and religious dramas like "Adaum ani Eva", "Our Lady of Fatima", Barabbas’, etc. Even today we hear his folk songs on the All India Radio in Mumbai and Goa. Being a freedom fighter, he enacted the main role in plays written by Mussolini Menezes, based on the freedom struggle—"Rauji Ranno", "Padrichem Bond", "Martyrs of Cuncolim", etc. Robin Vaz has acted in virtually every important Konkani film to date and has three audio cassettes to his credit.
Vishnu Vagh of the Kala Academy traced the origin of the tiatr and praised the foresighted persons, who had laid the foundation of the Konkani stage, some time in 1892 in Bombay, with "Italian Bhurgo" by Lucasinho Ribeiro of Assagao. He said talented people like Caitan Fernandes from Taleigao, Joao Agostinho Fernandes of Margao, Agostinho Mascarenhas and another person, helped him form a theatre troupe. He also said that it is unfortunate that many tiatrs have been performed in Goa and Bombay, but few of the playwrights have published their scripts. In this context, he mentioned that Tomazinho Cardozo is among the few playwrights, who have published the scripts of their plays. He also said that the "kantaram" or songs in the tiatr have the capacity to influence people, which should be groomed further. Wagh hoped that more an more Hindu artistes will join and strenghten the Konkani stage and help it flourish.
Tiatr "Nissor"
The felicitation was followed by tiatr "Nissor", an engrossing play staged by the Sao Gonsalo Dramatic Group, who had bagged the first prize at the 26th Tiatr competition. It was definitely among the few well directed plays that I have witnessed so far. The acting by the principal characters was superb and most of the credit for it goes to the creativity of the director.
Even the songs in the side-show were excellent, each of the singers exhibiting their best performance. The song which I liked most is the one which sought to appeal to people not to send their parents, who have sacrificed everything to the wellbeing of their offpsrings, to the old age home. Lot of educated people have settled abroad while the parents who helped them so much are left to spend their time in loneliness in old age homes.
Unfortunately, the Kala Academy auditorium was practically empty and many missed to witness the tiatrists being honoured as well as the fantastic performance put up by the producers of the play "Nissor".
JD
CONNIE FELICITATED Well-known Goan drummer Conceicao Diago D’Silva of Per-Seraulim, Colva, affectionately known as "Connie M" by music lovers, was felicitated by his friends and wellwishers at a function at the Mabai grounds.
"TEHELKA" TIATR The trial performance of the Konkani tiatr "Kodelachi Ass, Dudvanchi Rass" (Greed for Chair, Lust for Money), written by Anil Kumar and produced by Buyao Theatre, was staged at Chandor on April 22. The story of the Youth Congress promoted tiatr is based on the Tehelka revelations and the cast includes Anil Kumar, Fatima, Thomas, Jack de Colva, Ortencio and Ulhas Buyao.
SHARON SHINESTiatrist Sharon Mazarello bagged the first prize of Rs.3,000 for her script "Illixi Chuk", while the second prize of Rs.2,000 went to Agnelo Fernandes for "Oxem Ek Lhar", while Michael Gracias got the third prize of Rs.1,000 for "Moronn", in the Tiatr Writing Competition held to commemorate the memory of Tiatristancho Pai, the late Joao Agostinho Fernandes.
RODIL MOURNED Rodil Rodricks, a wellknown Mumbai-based Konkani playwright from Tiracol in Pernem, passed away on April 25 in Panjim. Famous for his plays "Shambu" and "Xirapani Buddlolo Ghorabo". Rodil was in Goa to plan the staging of his new tiatr "Soitan". He leaves behind his wife and two school-going kids.
AT a simple function to mark the Tiatr Day, tiatrists C D’Silva, Socorro Fernandes, Diana Fernandes, Clara Dias, Anita Dias and Robin Vaz were felicitated, for their substantial contribution to the Konkani tiatr, at the Kala Academy, on April 17. Robin Vaz and Anita Dias could not be present at the function because Vaz is not keeping well and Anita had to attend a family function.
Tourism Minister, Filipe Neri Rodrigues was the chief guest on the occasion. He praised the tiatrists for enriching Goan culture and said that the tourists who come to the State not only come drawn by its beauty but to sample the culture of the people. Rodrigues also said that once upon a time the tiatr was considered to belong to the Catholics alone but over the years several young Hindu artists perform in the tiatr, which are also seen by people from the majority community.
Socorro Pieadade Fremiot Fernandes, popularly known as Socorro de Verna, is a veteran playwright, director and actor in the field of khell tiatr. In 1962, he peformed "Jungle King" and "Bhattkarachi Choli" in Bombay besides scores of others he staged along with his troupe, particularly at the time of Carnival and Easter. Several of his plays have been broadcast by All India Radio, Panjim. He has two Konkani novels—"Amchem Noxib" and "Ghatki Bhoinn"—to his credit. When the cassettes came in fashion, he recorded two dramas "Tannem Mhaka Sambaulem" and "Meutelem" in 1996 and 1997 respectively.
Lidvinda Anastasia Clara Correia e Dias, known as Clara on the Konkani stage, was born in Mumbai on April 14, 1946. While she was singing for the Cuckoo Band, she was spotted by a tiatrist Domnick Vaz. Soon the talented singer began performing in the plays of renowned Konkani tiatrists. She also acted in Konkani films "Zababdari" and "Moriad". She has been consistently acting for Roseferns for the last 21 years. To date she has performed in more than 150 plays. While adressing the audience on behalf of the artists who had been felicitated, Clara thanked the tiatr audience, which she claimed had spurred her to give better pefromances. She said that she was thankful to her understanding parents, who allowed her to participate in the tiatr, at a time when few parents encouraged their daughters to take to acting.
Ubaldina Fernandes (Diana), who was born on May 17, 1942 at Navelim, made her debut in Minguel Rod’s tiatr "Open to Close". Since then she has never looked back and has enacted a variety of roles in various plays and three telefilms. He has been performing in Prince Jacob’s plays for the last 16 years and has toured Kuwait, Dubai, Bahrain, Qatar, Muscat and England, with his troupe. Besides producing here own cassettee "Savllli", she has lent her voice to three more audio albums.
To Anita Pereira goes the credit of being the first female to act in the khelltiatr. She was ushered on the Konkani stage by Antonio Moraes in his play "Mundolkar Noris" in 1962. Born on August 9, 1944, with a flair for singing, Anita began performing with Saluzinho D’Costa and Jepshis Hitler and their Kunbi duets were par excellence.
The Man with Many faces, Pedro Caetano D’Silva (C. D’Silva) as born in Per-Seraulim on March 26, 1936. C. D’Silva took off with the song "Khadd Mixeo" of famed tiatrist Young Menezes. Besides acting in the plays produced by other playwrights, he also staged his own much acclaimed plays. At the age of 65, having sung over 1000 Konkani songs, C D’Silva still commands a vast fan following.
Who has not heard of Robin Vaz, the giant on the stage by physical proportions as well as prodigious talent? Born on October 20, 1932, at Cuncolim, Robin Vaz has written and directed as many as 27 tiatrs, most popular among them being "Agente Monteiro" "Put Konnacho", "Opinion Poll of Goa" and religious dramas like "Adaum ani Eva", "Our Lady of Fatima", Barabbas’, etc. Even today we hear his folk songs on the All India Radio in Mumbai and Goa. Being a freedom fighter, he enacted the main role in plays written by Mussolini Menezes, based on the freedom struggle—"Rauji Ranno", "Padrichem Bond", "Martyrs of Cuncolim", etc. Robin Vaz has acted in virtually every important Konkani film to date and has three audio cassettes to his credit.
Vishnu Vagh of the Kala Academy traced the origin of the tiatr and praised the foresighted persons, who had laid the foundation of the Konkani stage, some time in 1892 in Bombay, with "Italian Bhurgo" by Lucasinho Ribeiro of Assagao. He said talented people like Caitan Fernandes from Taleigao, Joao Agostinho Fernandes of Margao, Agostinho Mascarenhas and another person, helped him form a theatre troupe. He also said that it is unfortunate that many tiatrs have been performed in Goa and Bombay, but few of the playwrights have published their scripts. In this context, he mentioned that Tomazinho Cardozo is among the few playwrights, who have published the scripts of their plays. He also said that the "kantaram" or songs in the tiatr have the capacity to influence people, which should be groomed further. Wagh hoped that more an more Hindu artistes will join and strenghten the Konkani stage and help it flourish.
Tiatr "Nissor"
The felicitation was followed by tiatr "Nissor", an engrossing play staged by the Sao Gonsalo Dramatic Group, who had bagged the first prize at the 26th Tiatr competition. It was definitely among the few well directed plays that I have witnessed so far. The acting by the principal characters was superb and most of the credit for it goes to the creativity of the director.
Even the songs in the side-show were excellent, each of the singers exhibiting their best performance. The song which I liked most is the one which sought to appeal to people not to send their parents, who have sacrificed everything to the wellbeing of their offpsrings, to the old age home. Lot of educated people have settled abroad while the parents who helped them so much are left to spend their time in loneliness in old age homes.
Unfortunately, the Kala Academy auditorium was practically empty and many missed to witness the tiatrists being honoured as well as the fantastic performance put up by the producers of the play "Nissor".
JD
CONNIE FELICITATED Well-known Goan drummer Conceicao Diago D’Silva of Per-Seraulim, Colva, affectionately known as "Connie M" by music lovers, was felicitated by his friends and wellwishers at a function at the Mabai grounds.
"TEHELKA" TIATR The trial performance of the Konkani tiatr "Kodelachi Ass, Dudvanchi Rass" (Greed for Chair, Lust for Money), written by Anil Kumar and produced by Buyao Theatre, was staged at Chandor on April 22. The story of the Youth Congress promoted tiatr is based on the Tehelka revelations and the cast includes Anil Kumar, Fatima, Thomas, Jack de Colva, Ortencio and Ulhas Buyao.
SHARON SHINESTiatrist Sharon Mazarello bagged the first prize of Rs.3,000 for her script "Illixi Chuk", while the second prize of Rs.2,000 went to Agnelo Fernandes for "Oxem Ek Lhar", while Michael Gracias got the third prize of Rs.1,000 for "Moronn", in the Tiatr Writing Competition held to commemorate the memory of Tiatristancho Pai, the late Joao Agostinho Fernandes.
RODIL MOURNED Rodil Rodricks, a wellknown Mumbai-based Konkani playwright from Tiracol in Pernem, passed away on April 25 in Panjim. Famous for his plays "Shambu" and "Xirapani Buddlolo Ghorabo". Rodil was in Goa to plan the staging of his new tiatr "Soitan". He leaves behind his wife and two school-going kids.
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