Panaji: October 30, 2017 … ‘Deepotsav’, an illuminating decor with ‘pontyo’ (the Goan clay lamps), a taluka level Aakashkandil (lantern) Making Competition, and a musical program by local artistes was organised by Rajiv Gandhi Kala Mandir (RGKM), Ponda in their premises on October 27, 2017. Block Development Officer (BDO) of Ponda Shri. Prasiddha Naik and Police Inspector (PI) of Ponda Police station Shri. Sudesh Naik were the Chief Guest and Guest of Honor for the function.
Stating that more and more people should participate in such traditional activities BDO Shri. Prasiddha Naik applauded the initiative by RGKM, Ponda. He also congratulated the staff and management council and urged them to organize such events on regular basis.
PI Shri. Sudesh Naik thanked the management of RGKM, Ponda for the for giving an opportunity to the police staff an opportunity to participate as audience in the program. “Such cultural programs hone skills and gives a platform to young talent in the society,” he said.
The dignitaries inaugurated the event by lighting the traditional lamp. They later had a look at the Aakashkandil displayed. It was for the first time Kala Mandir had organised a live competition unlike previous years in which 19 individuals participated on first come first serve basis. They were given a time limit of six hours to complete the Aakashkandil. The competition was judged by artists Shri. Vinod Tilve, Shri. Rajendra Mardolkar and Shri. Tanay Velingkar. Shri. Gajanan R. Gad Kerkar, Shri. Girish Kurtikar and Shri. Ramakant Satarkar begged the first, second and third prizes respectively while Smt. Suvarna Gaonkar and Ms. Sumita Kotkar begged the consolation prizes.
Shri. Ajit G. S. Kerkar, vice president RGKM, Ponda gave the welcome address. Shri. Nitin Mardolkar compered the function while Smt. Nidhi Naik proposed vote of thanks. The event was followed by musical performances by local artistes.
