Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant in presence of Speaker, Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Ramesh Tawadkar; Minister, Art and Culture, Shri Govind Gaude; Environment Minister, Shri Aleixo Sequiera; MLA & Vice Chairman, Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation, Shri Kedar Naik; MLA, Shri Ulhas Tuyekar; Chairperson, Cancona Municipal Council, Smt Sara Naik Dessai inaugurated newly constructed Ravindra Bhavan Cancona which is named as Lata Mangeshkar Kalangan. This iconic dream project of Canconcars is built at the cost of around 60 crores with a seating capacity of 780.
Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant while speaking declared the main auditorium of Cancona Ravindra Bhavan as Late Sanjay Bandekar Auditorium taking into consideration the demand of Canconcars and as requested by Cancona Municipal Council through their representation. He said the big photo frame of Late Bandekar will also be installed in the auditorium to keep his memories alive. He said keeping the only aim and objective to create artists this Ravindra Bhavan complex has been constructed.
He said that though the construction of Ravindra Bhavan was delayed, it is modern and far ahead of other Ravindra Bhavans in the State. Stating that this building, built at the expense of crores of rupees, was not only built with the intention of providing facilities but also with the aim and objective of the government to create good artists and keep our art alive. This complex should be used not only for drama and Tiatr but also for career guidance orientation workshops, innovation and startups, research and innovative programmes of students he pointed. It should be used for multipurpose use from Farmers Conventions to IT and pharmaceutical seminars.
Dr Sawant further said, the youth of Cancona have acquired the art of innovation and research – they need some training which will be imparted, he added.
Shri Ramesh Tawadkar said, after 7 years the dream of Canconcars of Ravindra Bhavan has come true. Project of Highway to Cancona from Cuncolim side will be the next important project which will become practical in the coming years. The water supply project costing Rs.93 crores will also be completed at the earliest. 100% underground cabling of electricity will be completed in the next four months he said. Stating that human development is of utmost importance as compared to infrastructure development he said by 2030 Cancona will be a model taluka wherein all sections of the society will be brought into mainstream development.
Shri Govind Gaude said, Cancona is known for artists especially tribal and folklore artists and this Ravindra Bhavan is dedicated to them. The Directorate of Art and Culture always supports artists by giving them the stage besides financial support. Remembering ex sports Minister and son of Cancona late Sanjay Bandekar he said the land was acquired by the sports department and then later transferred to Art and Culture due to his efforts. An artist does not happen overnight, for that, perseverance and hard work are important. Speaking further he appealed to the youths to stay away from bad addiction.
Chairperson, Cancona Municipal Council, Smt Sara Naik Dessai also spoke on the occasion.
Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation has built the project for Directorate of Art and Culture on plot area of 8306 sq.mts. which consists of main auditorium and all other accessories/facilities required for the auditorium such as green rooms, cafeteria, rehearsal hall. Also it has conference room, art gallery, 4 green rooms, 4 classrooms, Taluka Library with Library Management System and RFID tagging of books, 2 dormitories for visiting artists, administrative offices and parking bays for 60 four wheelers, 131 two wheelers and 2 trucks.
Councillor, Shri Ramakant Naik Gaonkar; Director, Goa Biodiversity, Shri Pradip Sarmokadam; Shri Sarvanand Bhagat; Director, GSIDC, Smt Anita Kavlekar; Managing Director, Shri Harish Adkonkar, Shri Chimulkar and others were among the prominent persons present on the occasion.
State Level Forest Vegetable (Ran Bhaji) Festival organised by Shree Balram Charitable Foundation in association with Goa State Bio Diversity Board and Directorate of Agriculture was also held on the occasion which was inaugurated by Environment Minister, Shri Aleixo Sequiera. Dishes of various forest vegetables were presented by various schools. 52 types of forest vegetables were showcased in the festival.
Staff of Art and Culture presented a welcome song with a dance performance. Director, Art and Culture, Shri Sagun Velip welcomed. Deputy Director, Shri Milind Mate proposed vote of thanks.
The Chief Minister also held a meeting with senior officers of the various government departments in the presence of District Collector, IAS, Shri Ashvin Chandru and issued them various directions.
