Team Goemkarponn
MARGAO: Artist and former member of the Goa State Cultural Development Committee, Vishal Pai Cacode, has called for sensitive and competent leadership at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, criticizing what he described as mismanagement and lack of transparency in the institution’s operations.
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Pai Cacode condemned the sudden closure of the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium for roof repairs until May 25, citing the disruption to scheduled performances and hardships faced by artists. “We don’t need cheerleaders of the government. We need administrators who understand culture and stand by the artistic community,” he said.
Pai Cacode questioned both the timing and intent behind the closure, alleging that the repairs were either poorly planned or deliberately scheduled to sabotage cultural programming. “Such behavior undermines the very spirit and purpose of a cultural institution,” he remarked.
Citing documents obtained from government sources, he revealed that nearly ₹2 crores** had already been spent on roof repairs over the past two years. “If crores have already been spent on repairs, what justifies additional work now?” he asked, raising concerns about potential financial irregularities.
In addition to the roof, Pai Cacode pointed out further expenditures: ₹1 crore on air conditioning repairs and ₹50 lakhs on lighting and illumination, suggesting a troubling pattern of recurrent high-value repairs. “This appears to be a commission-driven administration, not one working in the public interest,” he alleged.
He specifically criticized Chairman Rajendra Talak for showing insensitivity to the artist community and demanded more transparent, inclusive, and culturally aware governance of Ravindra Bhavan.
“The people of Goa deserve a cultural institution that reflects their rich heritage—not one marred by opaque functioning and questionable priorities,” he concluded.
