Daijiworld Media Network - Margao

Margao, Jun 14: Former member of the Goa State Cultural Development Committee and Entertainment Society of Goa, Vishal Pai Cacode, has urged Chief Minister Pramod Sawant to take immediate steps to revive and reorganise Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, once considered South Goa’s premier cultural institution.

In a strongly-worded letter to the CM, Cacode described the current state of Ravindra Bhavan as one of “administrative decay, infrastructural neglect, and autocratic functioning.” He called for the immediate dissolution of the current executive committee and the formation of a high-level Task Force comprising eminent Goan artists, cultural administrators, and civil society representatives.

“This Task Force must conduct a detailed audit, suggest structural reforms, and chalk out a roadmap to transform Ravindra Bhavan into an inclusive and vibrant cultural space,” he stated, emphasising the need for regular training programmes in theatre, music, dance, visual arts, and Goan folk forms, especially involving children and youth.

Cacode strongly criticised the alleged politicisation of the executive committee, claiming it is dominated by appointees who lack experience or sensitivity in cultural matters. He accused the current chairman, Rajendra Talak, of misleading the public by blaming the PWD for the ongoing issues, even though Assembly records reportedly show the Directorate of Art and Culture funds and oversees the institution directly.

He expressed concern that despite crores being spent on repairs, vital spaces like the Pai Tiatrist auditorium and Black Box remain non-functional due to unresolved structural issues.
“Recent roof repairs done just before the onset of the monsoon led to mass cancellations of tiatrs and cultural events, causing distress and losses to the tiatr community,” Cacode said.

He also slammed the opaque and centralised booking system of the auditorium, claiming cultural groups face arbitrary rejections, last-minute cancellations, and biased treatment. “The lack of transparency and stakeholder consultation has created an atmosphere of fear, discouraging local artists,” he added.

Cacode further noted that the failure to commemorate Salcete’s legendary artists and the decision to feature a non-Goan filmmaker on Goa Statehood Day reflect a growing disconnect from local culture. He stressed the need to restore Ravindra Bhavan’s original mission—to nurture and celebrate Goa’s rich artistic legacy from the grassroots.