The Kala Rakhonn Mandd has reaffirmed its commitment to continue the ‘Supari Andolan’ until all demands concerning the restoration of the Kala Academy and the welfare of Goa’s artist community are met.
Following a meeting with Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar at the Mantralaya in Porvorim, Devidas Amonkar, Convenor of the Mandd, stressed the need for a comprehensive and high-quality restoration of the Kala Academy.
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“We want the Kala Academy to be restored to a standard better than before, especially since significant public funds are being spent. All equipment and infrastructure installed must be of the latest and best quality,” Amonkar stated. “We clearly conveyed to the Minister that there are shortcomings in the ongoing process. This is an opportunity to ensure the Academy is upgraded meaningfully.”
Amonkar underlined that the ‘Supari Andolan’ will continue indefinitely until tangible progress is made. “This is a continuous movement. Until the Kala Academy is fully restored, we will not back down. Today’s meeting was cordial, and the Minister listened to our concerns. However, should he follow the path of his predecessor, we will be compelled to take to the streets,” he said.
The delegation urged Tawadkar to expedite the restoration process and ensure the involvement of the artist community in planning and decision-making for cultural infrastructure projects. They specifically called for expert consultation in constructing new Ravindra Bhavans, stressing that both design and technical elements must address performers’ and technicians’ practical needs, rather than being dictated solely by engineers.
According to Amonkar, the Minister assured the delegation that he would personally take up the matter with Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. He further informed them that IIT Chennai, currently inspecting the structural integrity of the Kala Academy, has completed its first review, with two more assessments scheduled before submitting a final report.
Amonkar added that Tawadkar also committed to increasing the repair and maintenance budget, involving members of the artiste community in planning processes, and initiating reforms to the State’s Cultural Policy in consultation with key stakeholders.
