Team Herald
MARGAO: On the birth anniversary of Pai Tiatrist, Joao Agostinho Fernandes, the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) unveiled plans to reconstruct his historic residence in Margao. This initiative was driven by a request made by Anthony Barbosa, President of TAG, and has been warmly supported by Goa's Speaker, Ramesh Tawadkar.
The announcement came after a delegation from TAG, led by Barbosa, visited the dilapidated house of Pai Tiatrist in Margao on Saturday. During the visit, they brought the property's deteriorated condition to the attention of Speaker Ramesh Tawadkar. Responding promptly, Tawadkar assured the delegation that the home would be rebuilt under the Shram Dham concept, a model focusing on social welfare and community development.
“I am grateful to the Speaker for his immediate support,” said Anthony Barbosa. “This initiative to rebuild Pai Tiatrist's house marks a significant step forward, and we are thankful for the Speaker’s assurance.”
On Saturday afternoon, a formal function was held at Ravindra Bhavan in Margao, where lifetime achievement awards for contributions to Tiatr were presented. Renowned Goan artist, Hema Sardesai, was a key speaker at the event. She took the opportunity to passionately advocate for the preservation of Konkani language and Goan culture, stressing her concerns about the dwindling use of Konkani, particularly among newcomers to Goa.
“If I were the Chief Minister of Goa or held a Ministerial position, I would have made Konkani a mandatory subject in all schools across Goa,” Sardesai expressed. She highlighted the critical need for the authorities to act to safeguard the language and culture. “The survival of Konkani is under threat if no action is taken soon,” she warned.
During the event, TAG honoured individuals who have made significant contributions to Tiatr and Konkani culture. The Lifetime Achievement Awards in the Commercial category were presented to Domingos Coelho (Comedian Domnic), Xec Amirodin (Shaikh Amir), Xavier M Fernandes (Paklo), Jaikisan Dharmu Naik (Kissan de Chinchinim), and Samuel Carvalho.
The prestigious Lucasinho Rebeiro awards in the Non-Commercial category were awarded to Jose Antonio Pereira (JP), Peter V Fernandes, Jose M F de J N Barreto (Juju), Pedro Colaco, and Francis Fernandes.
The ceremony was graced by notable figures, including Sagun Velip, Director of the Department of Art and Culture, who was the Guest of Honour, and Domnic Araujo, a prominent Konkani enthusiast. Rajendra Talak, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, and Sharmila Fernandes, granddaughter of Pai Tiatrist, were also present.