Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: South Goa Member of Parliament (MP) Captain Viriato Fernandes has raised a compelling demand in Parliament for the inclusion of Tiatr, the traditional Goan theater form, on the UNESCO list of cultural and heritage sites.
Speaking during the zero hour in Parliament, Fernandes urged the Ministry of Culture to establish a task force in collaboration with the Government of Goa and the Tiatr community to facilitate the UNESCO inscription process.
Tiatr, a centuries-old art form that combines drama, music, and dance, is deeply ingrained in Goan culture and has been a medium of expression for Goans for generations. In his address, Fernandes emphasized the need to preserve this unique cultural heritage and sought governmental support to ensure its survival and global recognition.
Along with the call for UNESCO recognition, Captain Fernandes made four key demands aimed at empowering the Tiatr community and ensuring the long-term sustainability of this art form:
1. Grants, Scholarships, and Pension Benefits:
Fernandes called for the establishment of a financial support system for the Tiatr community, including grants, scholarships, and pensions for artists, musicians, playwrights, and other professionals involved in Tiatr. This initiative, he argued, would provide much-needed financial security to those dedicated to the preservation of this cultural treasure.
2. Global Outreach Through the Goan Diaspora:
The MP suggested engaging with the global Goan community to help spread the art form internationally. He urged the diaspora to play a proactive role in showcasing Tiatr performances abroad, which would not only promote the art but also strengthen Goan cultural ties worldwide.
3. National and International Research and Digital Archiving:
To preserve the historical and artistic significance of Tiatr, Fernandes proposed that national and international research initiatives be encouraged. He also emphasized the importance of digitizing and archiving Tiatr performances, ensuring that future generations can access and study this valuable cultural resource.
4. Policy Framework for Tiatr Artists:
Fernandes called for the development and implementation of a robust policy framework to support artists, playwrights, musicians, and support staff in the Tiatr industry. He suggested that this framework include targeted grants, scholarships, and heritage promotion programs, as well as pension schemes to ensure the welfare of those involved in the art form.
Captain Fernandes’ advocacy for Tiatr reflects a growing recognition of the need to preserve and celebrate Goa’s rich cultural heritage, which has shaped the identity of the state and its people. By urging for UNESCO recognition and highlighting the needs of the Tiatr community, he has placed the spotlight on this vibrant and integral part of Goan culture.
