Canacona: In his first public address after taking charge as Goa’s Art and Culture Minister, Ramesh Tawadkar vowed to take tiatr — one of the state’s most beloved traditional art forms — to global heights.
Speaking as the chief guest at a function in Poinguinim, Canacona, on Sunday, Tawadkar said his priority would be to preserve this cultural legacy, secure a UNESCO heritage tag for tiatr, and extend greater support to Goan artistes.
“Tiatr is not merely entertainment; it is a cultural treasure that mirrors the essence of Goa. As head of this department, I will ensure that this unique art form gains the recognition it deserves, both in Goa and across the world,” the minister said.
Underscoring that Goa’s identity goes far beyond its beaches and nightlife, Tawadkar stressed that rural Goa continues to uphold the state’s true cultural roots. “Tourists often miss tiatr and natok, which embody the real Goan spirit,” he observed.
The minister said his department will soon hold a series of interactions with members of the tiatr fraternity to assess their needs and chalk out strategies for promotion and preservation. “What could not be achieved in the last four years, we will strive to accomplish within the next year. The department will now function with clear goals and a focused vision to bring Goa’s authentic identity to the forefront,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s support for efforts to secure UNESCO recognition, Tawadkar said such a milestone would mark a defining moment in Goa’s cultural journey.
TAG president Anthony Barbosa, lauding Tawadkar’s long-standing contribution to culture and society, expressed confidence that under his leadership, tiatr and other Goan art forms would see unprecedented growth and recognition.
