An assurance to increase financial grants to the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) was made during the concluding day of the 3rd Inter-School Tiatr Competition, which drew an overwhelming response from students and tiatr lovers.
The event, organised by TAG in collaboration with Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco, saw participation from enthusiastic school performers and a strong show of support from elected representatives, as the competition was held between 4 to 12 July.
Mormugao MLA Sankalp Amonkar, who attended the final day of the competition, pledged to raise the demand for an enhanced grant to TAG in the upcoming assembly session.
“Tiatr is not just entertainment—it’s a reflection of our society and an important part of Goan identity. It deserves stronger support,” he said.
Since the beginning of the competition, several prominent leaders including Panchayat Minister Mauvin Godinho, MLAs Krishna (alias Daji) Salkar and Antonio Vas, Mormugao Municipal Council Chairperson Girish Borkar, and Councillor Deepak Naik were present at the event. Jayant Jadhav, Chairperson of Ravindra Bhavan, Vasco, also attended, lauding the initiative, besides Anthony Barbosa, President, TAG.
All the dignitaries expressed happiness at the active participation of students—both on stage and in the audience—and praised the Tiatr Academy’s efforts in promoting and preserving this traditional Goan art form. Many student performers, buoyed by the platform, expressed eagerness to continue participating in tiatrs.
“Tiatr is a mirror of society,” said Godinho, echoing the sentiments of others present. The speakers emphasised that tiatr is a powerful medium for addressing social issues and fostering community engagement.
The event marked not just a celebration of talent but also a renewed political will to support Goan culture. The assurance of increased financial backing is seen as a significant step in strengthening TAG’s role in promoting tiatr at national and international levels.