Govt tells director to keep on hold Konkani play on NEP

PANJIM: The sudden decision of the Department of Information and Publicity asking artist Rajdeep Naik to keep his Konkani drama on hold National Education Policy (NEP) has shocked teachers and educationalists. 

However, Naik said that he will go ahead and stage his drama ‘Kani Navya Yugachi’ wherever he has given commitment to the organisers especially to schools.

Naik said that the Department of Information and Publicity by a letter dated January 3, 2013, stated that the government has approved his proposal to conduct 12 shows one each in every taluka. The letter also stated that he would be paid Rs 35,000 each for staging drama in the open spaces/pandal and Rs 50,000 each for staging in the theatre. 

Naik said that following this he staged his first drama at Sankhali followed by Dharbandora. But before staging his third show in Pernem taluka, on Saturday, he received an email from the department asking him to keep his shows on hold without giving any reasons. He said that his shows were watched by eminent educationists, teachers and parents and all have hailed it as an eye opener for parenting.

Educationist Prof Pandurang Nadkarni said that the Konkani drama is all about parents attitude towards their children’s education. It’s an excellent drama and contrast between two children, one studying in Konkani medium and another in English medium. 

Prof Nadkarni opined that keeping the drama on hold was not correct when it was aimed at creating awareness among the parents. On the contrary, more such plays should be organised across the State.

Headmaster of Ravindra Kelekar Dnyanmandir, Margao, Anant Agni expressed his shock at the government’s sudden decision to keep the shows of ‘Kani Navya Yugachi’ on hold. “I watched two shows which enlightens parents. It gives a message to all parents to explore skills of their children and not to impose their wishes on them.”

Agni said that he booked a theatre for the show scheduled on January 29 at Margao and was not sure whether it will be held now. At the same time he said that he will go ahead and ensure that the drama is staged so as to enlighten the parents.   

Meanwhile, Director of Information and Publicity Dipak Bandekar was not available for his comment.