Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Artist and former Member of the State Cultural Development Committee, Vishal Pai Cacode, has alleged that Ravindra Bhavan Margao continues to promote artists from outside Goa while neglecting local talent and the state’s cultural icons.
Pai Cacode said the institution failed to organise meaningful and timely commemorative programmes during the birth centenary years of Mario Miranda, Laxman Pai and K. Vaikunth, despite their immense contributions to Goa’s art, culture and cinema. He noted that he had, since 2024, consistently demanded year-long celebrations to honour the three legends but claimed Ravindra Bhavan Margao showed little urgency in recognising their legacy.
Referring to a musical programme scheduled as part of a three-day centenary event, Pai Cacode alleged that it features non-Goan singers Sandip Ubale and Sharayu Date, along with six non-Goan musicians and a non-Goan compere. He questioned why the institution could not identify and promote talented Goan singers, musicians and anchors for the event.
He further alleged that Ravindra Bhavan Margao has, over the years, disproportionately focused on non-Goan artists and cultural groups, claiming that nearly 80 percent of its programme budget is spent on performers and organisations from outside the state instead of strengthening Goa’s cultural ecosystem.
Pai Cacode also alleged that many of the beneficiaries have direct or indirect links with projects and institutions associated with Chairman Rajendra Talak. He has demanded greater transparency in programme selection and expenditure and urged the Government to ensure that Goa’s cultural institutions prioritise honouring and promoting Goan talent before looking elsewhere.
The allegations are those of Vishal Pai Cacode, and no response from Ravindra Bhavan Margao or its Chairman was available at the time of reporting.
