Recently TAG celebrated the 140th Birth Anniversary of Father of Tiatr – Joao Agostinho Fernandes at the Pai Tiatrist Hall, Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. On the occasion nine veteran tiatr artistes were honoured the Lifetime Contribution to Tiatr Award.
Chief Minister, Mr Digambar Kamay while speaking as the Chief Guest on the occasion said that today the government has implemented several schemes for tiatr artistes adding that once these artistes would have to spend their money to stage tiatrs. They used to entertain audiences for their personal satisfaction and happiness, the Chief Minister maintained.
The nine recipients at this annual event were John Claro Fernandes, Abdonio Rodrigues, Eusebia Feliciana Fernandes alias Sabina Fernandes, Jack Souza Ferrao, Srirang Narvekar, Beatice Josephine Fernandes alias Betty Naz, Josinho Souza, Andre Eduardo Roque Mascarenhas alias Eddie Mascarenhas and Kamalakant Chari. The awards were presented at the hands of Mr Digambar Kamat.
“Earlier tiatrists used to suffer as there were no facilities available to them. However, today, there are schemes that veteran tiatr artistes can avail of. I salute these artistes. Veteran artistes like Prasad Savkar (Marathi actor) has even been rewarded with one onion prize money. There are dedicated and determined artistes,” said the Chief Minister.
President of TAG, Mr Tomazinho Cardozo in his address said, “As far as progress is concerned, tiatr has witnessed it from all four sides. Some of the programmes organised by TAG are Yesteryear Tiatrists Remembered, Meet the Artist, which is conducted every month.” He also spoke about the TAG library.
Awardee and veteran tiatr artist, Sabina Fernandes said, “Whenever I hear the words Lifetime Achievement Award it gives me feeling that I have covered a long journey. This award can neither be bought nor sold; this award should be earned with sheer dedication and hard work. Usually, I see youngsters pointing at elders saying that they have not contributed to the tiatr stage. However, I believe that whatever they have contributed the youth have not seen and whatever they are doing they can’t see. Earlier tiatrist would spend their money for staging a tiatr. Always remember these artistes for their contribution towards this field.”
Another recipient John Claro Fernandes said, “It is a privilege to receive the award along with my colleagues.”
Also present on the occasion were vice-president of TAG, Roseferns, Mr Tony Sax, vice-chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, Mr Shridhar Kamat and other eminent tiatr artistes.