Gaude attends KA protest meet, artistes tell him to quit

Panaji: Artistes from across Goa met in Panaji on Monday where they demanded the resignation of art and culture minister Govind Gaude over the faulty renovation of Kala Academy (KA). They passed a resolution demanding govt release a white paper on the expenses incurred on the refurbishment of KA.

They discussed the issue threadbare while Gaude was seated in the audience to hear their grievances. They were unanimous in their demand that Gaude step down immediately. KA has courted controversy since work was taken up three years ago. The matter got worse when leakages were reported more than twice after the renovated structure was opened by govt six months ago.

Raising the issue of shoddy infrastructure work and alleged corruption, Konkani dramatist Rajdeep Naik said that artistes would take to the streets if govt failed to restore KA to its former glory.

“The people in power have misappropriated public funds. We will not tolerate more corruption. Don’t take us for granted, we will now show you what we can do...we will go to any extent to protect Kala Academy which is like our mother,” Naik said.

Tiatrist Tomazinho Cardozo said, “The recognition we receive in society today is due to our performances at KA. It’s very sad to know that even after spending Rs 70 crore on renovation, artists have to carry their own sound system to KA. It’s a shame.”

Artist Sainath Parab protested against govt in a unique way by reading out a poem written by him on the deteriorating condition of KA and the alleged corruption in the refurbishment work.

Francis Coelho, art lover and event organiser, slammed govt for compromising on the quality of the material and equipment. “The chairs in the theatre are of low quality. The carpet’s thickness has been reduced, leading to a significant drop in sound absorption. Additionally, the wooden panelling at the back of the theatre, which also aided in sound absorption, has gone for a toss,” he said.

Tanvi Karia, a representative of the Charles Correa Foundation (CCF), pointed out that unnecessary changes have been made to the lobby and common areas taking away from the original aesthetics of the space. She added that the restored art work lacked quality, visual appeal and finesse. “The earthy tones that Correa used have been replaced by cartoonish bright hues lowering the overall visual quality of the space,” she said.

Karia also said that the sound of the AC units carries into the auditorium.

Architect Arminio Ribeiro of CCF said that it was high time govt put things in order. “We need another individual to take over at a higher level and manage the current situation effectively. Things cannot work when the person in charge of KA starts imagining he is Shah Jahan, putting himself in the position of an emperor,” he said.

Gaude refused to speak to reporters on the issue.


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