Jardim Garcia de Orta, Panjim will bear colours of unity and togetherness as the venue of the
first ever Ekvottachem Fest, which will be held on Sunday, October 20, 2019.
The festival, curated by Marius Fernandes, celebrates people from different
walks of life and their inclusion into society. It also marks the 16th
anniversary of the Disability Rights Association of Goa (DRAG). Unlike its
predecessors, this festival is not just about Goan music and delicious food; it
goes beyond that in its aim to educate people about different communities and
their issues.
Festakar Marius Fernandes explains the theme: “This festival
offers a platform for people to come and meet in one place and share knowledge
and learn from each other. An ‘ekvott’ of all people, including the
marginalised members of society, the LGBT community, the different-abled
community of Goa, everyone is welcome. This is the 16th anniversary of DRAG but
there are other associations that will be a part of it, including Sangath,
Porvorim; National Association of the Blind, St Cruz; Lokvishwas Pratisthan,
Ponda; Sanjay School, Porvorim; and Bal Bhavan, Miramar. Dhempe College of Arts
and Science, Miramar will be documenting the festival. We are thankful to the
Corporation of The City of Panaji (CCP), especially Sanjit Rodrigues, for
giving their full support to this crowdfunded festival.”
The festival will begin with Ponjechim Passoi at 3:30pm, from
the Panjim Church Square to the Jardim Garcia de Orta, Panjim at 4pm. The Blind
Cricket Club of Goa, people on wheelchairs, the visually impaired with their
white canes, Sanjay School students along with their parents and teachers,
musicians with their ghumots, will be joining the passoi. Dr Glenis Mendonca
and Carlos Gonsalves will be leading the parade.
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At the venue,
Balcaocheo Gozalli will see Prakash Kamat, Miguel Braganza, Avelino D’Sa, Percy
Cardozo, Vishant Nagvekar and Amalia Vaidya speaking on various issues like
inclusion, employment, etc. Priyanka Parab will present a demonstration on
grafting and potting. Mahadev Sawant will put up a skit on white cane. Four
films, each made by differently-abled people, will also be screened. On the
sidelines, many schools will be taking part by creating artworks with their
teachers. Resha Vernekar will be singing the Konkani song, ‘Nistekara’.
National level player Saish Paryakar, Goa’s differently-abled chess champion,
will be volunteering at the fest. The food will be provided by Goan Novice from
St Cruz. Two self help groups from Porvorim will be serving. Ruksana will be
selling ‘pudde’ and ‘patolleos’ at a reasonable price.
Sheru Shirodkar,
Member Secretary of Sanjay Centre for Special Education, Sanjay School,
Porvorim, says, “This is a big platform and we are lucky to be participating in
the fest. It will showcase their talent and how they can have a source of
income and grow with confidence. The ultimate aim of parents is to see their
children earning and this fest will encourage them to do so.”
“This
has been one of the most challenging festivals but promises to be the most
productive festival too. At least 250 families will be coming for it. It is a
huge moment for Goa. Those interested in volunteering for the festival should
be at the venue on Saturday at 4pm, and then on Sunday from 2pm onwards to set
up the place,” urges Marius.
