The memes on whether Ponda is a part of North or South Goa will probably see no end. The taluka, formerly known as Antruz Mahal, has long been hailed as the cultural capital of the coastal state for its rich culture, temple architecture and a vibe that’s entirely different from the rest of the state. The taluka, geographically is at the very centre of the state, making it an ideal place for people from Goan cities to travel to and stay connected with Ponda. The city has somehow stayed away from all the hustle and bustle that rest of the state witnesses, making it a suitable place for artistic events.
Antruz Ghudyo, a socio-cultural organisation based in Bandora, Ponda takes its name from the city’s ancient title with hopes to maintain and uphold the cultural legacy that the city has left behind. Initially, it started as a group of youth, focusing on participating in cultural competitions (former winner of Yuva Mahotsav, biggest inter-group and collegiate cultural fest) to now organising events, the group has come a long way. The organisation recently held its ninth annual poetry recitation program ‘Paavli- Ek Paavsali Saanj,’ translating to ‘A Rainy Evening’ at Mahalaxmi temple Hall, Bandora, Ponda. What started as a fun idea, almost ten years ago is creating an identity of its own in the literary scene of Goa.
“The idea was conceived during one of the group’s meetings to have a poetry recitation based on the theme of monsoon. The goal was to encourage Konkani poets and give them a platform to showcase their art. But in time, the program has grown into a multi-lingual event with poets presenting poems in Marathi, Hindi and even in English. Even the mementos presented to participants are raincoats or beautifully designed umbrellas,” says Tanvi Bambolkar, former president and member of Antruz Ghudyo, who herself is a writer, English professor and PhD holder in Goan folk theater. “I remember one year we even gave audience paper boats, it was fun. But the idea that monsoons are always romantic and fun, is not true. We had multiple poets from Sattari, this year and it was a stark reminder of how the monsoon for rural locals is completely different. The poems on floods and suffering of farmers brought a different, deeper perspective. The pain found it a vent through poems,” she adds.
Speaking about organizing the event, even through Covid pandemic, Saidatt Kamat, President of Antruz Ghudyo, says, “Last year the program was broadcasted live digitally on Facebook from Mahalaxmi temple premises as we didn’t want to break the continuity. This year, we had a full circle moment as it was held again in the same temple premises but with an actual, live audience.” The event’s co-ordinator for this year, Kanya Pavse Kamat, adds, “The members missed the fun of meeting in person and putting the event together last year. The feeling of organising a live event with a real live audience is far more satisfying.”
While the poets who participated drenched the audience with their word play amidst the tempting smell of onion pakoras, the organisation was showered with praise from eminent Konkani poet Uday Mahambre, who also presided over the recitation, this year. “Given that the group leans more towards theatre and drama, their tenacious efforts to contribute towards literary field is admirable. The preference is given to rising poets who are young but have been creating quality work consistently and that’s noteworthy. Usually, such programs only invite established poets. Another interesting thing is that they always organise this event in rural parts of Ponda which is great because the audience there is much more enthusiastic and responsive. In the end, that’s what a true artist desires,” says Uday.
This year’s edition, had young poets present their poems namely Shraddha Gawandi, Aakash Gaonkar, Gautami Chorlekar Gawas, Vishal Gawas, Mahadev Gaonkar, Mamata Verlekar, Kaksham Naik, Aishwarya Nair and Varsha Malvankar. The function was opened by group member Gautami Hede, a well-known singer and recipient of the State award for playback singing, with her song ‘Pavas Piso’ (Crazy Rain) which is written by Adv Hrishikesh Kadam and composed by Gautami herself. The atmosphere was built to such an excitement that even the audience couldn’t refrain themselves from presenting their own poems. The participants were gifted with rainbow-themed umbrellas by Sahitya Akademi award winner, Devidas Kadam, as a token of love from the organisation.
While we are grateful for things coming back to somewhat normal, poetry lovers eagerly look forward to next year as Antruz Ghudyo gears up for the milestone tenth edition of its marquee event.
