Panaji, August 27, 2019 …. “Tiatr is an effective medium for public awakening and our tiatrists and Konkani music artistes used this medium to highlight the importance of unity and preserving Goan identity through their tiatrs since ages. Tiatrs and their songs were their medium to awaken people against injustices,” said Minister for Art and Culture, Shri Govind Gaude. The Minister was speaking at the release of the Book on renewed Goan tiatrist and Konkani singer, Late Alfred Rose, titled, “Alfred Rose, The King of Melody” authored by Shri Isidore Dantas, at a function held at Sanskruti Bhavan, Patto-Panaji recently. He said, “If we have to preserve Goa’s identity, we have to carry forth these thoughts of the tiatrists.” He added, “Only a person who is truly immersed and is crazy about what he is doing can create history and Alfred Rose was one such person.”
“Tiatrists and Konkani music artistes have spread Konkani and taken it to all over the world. I give artistes like Alfred Rose immense respect for his contribution and it is important to carry forth such work,” said Shri Gaude.
“The Directorate of Art and Culture have various schemes and awards for artistes. There are even schemes for the elderly artistes, however, we will bring changes to this scheme-Kalakar Kritadnyata Nidhi- so as to consider cases on Suo Motu basis for those who are unwell and are unable to submit their applications,” he said. The Minister also assured that the Directorate would re-start giving financial assistance to artistes, which had been stopped, by September-end.
He further spoke of how important it is for the youth to have a bond with art along with their studies. The Minister also said that they would take cognisance of the request from people to name an auditorium after Alfred Rose.
The MLA of Mapusa, Shri Joshua D’ Souza, in his address said that he is privileged to know Alfred Rose through his father’s (the former Deputy Chief Minister of Goa, the late Francis D’Souza) affection for Alfred Rose and his work. Shri D’Souza said, “Alfred Rose has greatly contributed to Konkani music, tiatrs and Goan culture. My father would be proud to know that today Alfred Rose has got the recognition for his works through the release of this book,” he said adding, “It is important to preserve Goa’s culture. People are migrating abroad and in the process we are losing our identity and culture. We can preserve our culture by recognising artistes like Alfred Rose so that the future generation of Goans are aware of their contribution.”
Shri D’Souza further informed that a lot of requests have been coming in from many people to name an auditorium in the upcoming Ravindra Bhavan in Mapusa, after the late Alfred Rose. In this matter, he said he would try his best in this regard.
The Secretary for Art and Culture, Shri Chokha Ram Garg, IAS, in his address, said that by recognising artistes from Goa, the Government is trying to preserve the heritage and art of Goa. He said, “Tourists come here to Goa not only because of its beaches but also because of its culture,” he said adding, “The Directorate of Art and Culture has an important role to play in the development and economy of the State.”
The wife of the Late Alfred Rose, Smt. Rita Rose, remembering her husband said, “I am happy that he lives in the hearts of Goans. His songs have a profound meaning.”
Earlier, Director of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Shri Gurudas Pilarnekar, in his welcome address said that the common theme of Alfred Rose’s songs was his love for Goa and Konkani and the unity of all Goans, wherever they are.
Also present on the dais was special invitee, Adv. Aires Rodrigues, who recalled his memories with late Alfred Rose. The former speaker of Goa Legislative Assembly, Shri Tomazinho Cardozo, briefly highlighted the contents of the book while author of the book, Shri Isidore Dantas spoke about the journey of writing the book.
Deputy Director of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Shri Ashok Parab proposed the vote of thanks.
