Art and Culture Minister Ramesh Tawadkar has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to
promoting and preserving Goa's vibrant performing arts, pledging complete support to the
Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) in its mission to take the tiatr tradition to new heights.

Tawadkar was speaking at a special programme organised by TAG on 24 th October 2025 at
Conference Hall, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao to mark the birth anniversary of late Rosario Rodrigues, popularly hailed as the Father of Khell-Tiatr. The celebration was highlighted by the release of the first issue of the first-ever research journal on tiatr titled Tiatr Machi, edited by Marcos Gonsalves, the unveiling of the Report of Activities 2024-25 and the launch of four new tiatr books – ‘Uzvadd Tuka Diun’ by Menino Fernandes (Menino de Bandar), ‘Novem Jivit’ by William Fernandes, ‘Kor Mhojem Kalliz Tujea Kallza Sarkem’ by Willy  Silveira and ‘Pixi Zannvai’ by Natty Fernandes. Awards were also presented to honour outstanding contributions to the Goan stage.

In his address, the Minister emphasised that tiatr is not merely a form of entertainment but a powerful cultural platform that reflects social realities and inspires change.
He further remarked that no nation or community can progress without safeguarding its culture, calling it “the essence of human and social development”. Sharing his vision for the department, Tawadkar stated that he had held discussions with cultural experts to make the
Art and Culture Department more dynamic and people-oriented.

Encouraging TAG to take bold initiatives, Tawadkar urged TAG President Anthony Barbosa, Vice-President Marcos Gonsalves and the committee to draw up a concrete proposal to expand the reach and influence of Tiatr. The programme also honoured Maria Cleffy Antonieta Gomes (Cleffy) and Maxcy J. Pereira for their exceptional contributions to Khell- Tiatr (non-stop drama). Veteran tiatrist Roseferns, in his address, paid glowing tribute to late Rosario Rodrigues for pioneering the Khell-Tiatr movement and enriching Goa’s cultural landscape.
He praised TAG’s leadership under Barbosa, saying, “The current committee has been doing
remarkable work to strengthen the tiatr stage. Constructive criticism only helps us to perform better and move forward faster. By witnessing the energy and the work of the TAG President and his committee we too feel obliged to offer our help in whatever way we can, Barbosa, being very closely associated with the government, we expect good things for the tiatr stage. We are for the tiatr academy’s works”
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-President Marcos Gon-salves explained that the new research journal aims to encourage academic study and documentation of tiatr’s evolution, language, and social relevance.
President Anthony Barbosa highlighted the ongoing projects and future plans of the Academy, reaffirming its commitment to fostering young talent and ensuring that tiatr remains an integral part of Goa’s identity.
The event concluded with prize distribution to winners of the 5 th All Goa Inter-Collegiate and
Higher Secondary School Tiatr Competition 2025-26, an initiative aimed at inspiring youth participation and nurturing the next generation of tiatrists.
The programme was compered by Avito Pires de Menezes and Sonia Gomes.