PATRICIA ANN ALVARES
PANJIM: The Semana da Cultura Indo Portuguesa (Goa) raised the curtains on its fifth edition on Friday with the inaugural function at Sunaparanta, Altinho, here. Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who inaugurated the function in the presence of a large august gathering, commended Semana da Cultura’s initiative to encourage and perpetuate Indian and Portuguese cultures and in particular for involving Goans in this endeavour. “Let us learn what is good from every part of the world. India has the capacity to accept positive influences from all over and this will definitely impact on our artistes. Culturally, Portugal has influenced a gold mine of artistes in Goa, in various arts,” he said. Chairman of Dempo Group of Companies Srinivas Dempo, who was the guest of honour, also voiced similar sentiments saying “India has displayed an amazing tenacity to absorb various cultures. Goa in fact can take the lead a creating a unique creativity centre.”
Dr António Sabido Costa, Consul General for Portugal in Goa who also spoke on the occasion said, “The intangible richness of our respective cultures needs
to be encouraged and preserved for the future.”
Recalling the journey of Semana da Cultura since it first commenced, Chairman Advocate Zilman Coelho Pereira also outlined the various functions to be held during the three-month long event in Goa which will culminate in January 2014.
In keeping with the concept,
the evening also saw the unveiling of
the art works by four well-known Goan artists namely Salvador Fernandes, Harshada Kerkar, Loretti Pinto and Rajesh Salgaokar. The exhibition will be open
to the public from October 26 to November 1, 2013.
