The Kala Rakhan Manch on Thursday strongly voiced its discontent over the prolonged closure and process towards the repair works of the main auditorium at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
In a symbolic and emotionally charged gesture, members of the group presented a supari (betel nut) to Ravindra Bhavan Chairman Rajendra Talak—an age-old Goan tradition used to implore someone to take responsibility or offer protection.
The supari was intended to urge Talak to safeguard the cultural space, which the group claims is being neglected. However, Talak reportedly refused to accept the offering.
The delegation expressed deep frustration, alleging that the auditorium—central to South Goa’s cultural life—has been closed without adequate explanation or urgency for repairs. The closure, they said, has severely impacted artists, performers, and event organizers who depend on the venue for rehearsals and performances.
Kala Rakhan Manch accused Chairman Talak of deflecting responsibility by blaming the Public Works Department (PWD) for the delay. Drawing comparisons with former Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude, the group alleged that similar blame-shifting occurred in the past.
“Just like Govind Gaude, who dumped all the blame on the PWD for the destruction of the venue, Chairman Talak has now done the same. This pattern of passing the buck needs to stop,” said Sandesh Prabhudesai, a representative of Kala Rakhan Manch. “The cultural community of Goa deserves transparency and action—not excuses.”
He added, “We were disappointed to see someone like Talak, who is an artist himself, unwilling to take responsibility to protect fellow artists. People of South Goa need to become aware of the prevailing situation.”
Dilip Prabhudesai further questioned the management of Ravindra Bhavan’s finances and property. “If Ravindra Bhavan Margao doesn’t own the land it occupies, then on what basis is rent being collected from events and activities? And why is the cost estimate for repairs unclear even to the committee?”
In response to the allegations, Chairman Rajendra Talak hit back, questioning the group's expertise. “Since when has Kala Rakhan Manch been involved in technical matters like tendering and civil works? These are complex government processes,” he said.
Talak also questioned the association's representation of artists, asking, “Why is there no tiatrist in the Kala Rakhan Manch? I have always stood with the artists.”
The association has called upon PWD Minister and Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to immediately clarify the status of the auditorium and the timeline for its restoration.