Tag: Goan artists

Films

“I Am Nothing”: Museum of Goa Hosts Documentary Screening on Vamona Navelkar with Director Talk

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Panaji, July 2025 – The Museum of Goa (MOG), known for celebrating local art and culture, is hosting an exclusive screening of I Am Nothing, a soul-stirring documentary that explores the life, work, and philosophy of one of Goa’s most enigmatic artists — Vamona Navelkar.

Directed by Goa-based filmmaker and writer Ronak Kamat, the documentary offers a rare glimpse into the spiritual and artistic journey of a man who quietly transcended borders and boundaries. The event will take place on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 11:30 AM, at the Museum of Goa in Pilerne Industrial Estate, Bardez, followed by an engaging conversation with the director.

Vamona Navelkar, who passed away in 2021, left behind a body of work that is both intensely personal and universally resonant. From his early years in Mozambique, to his academic pursuits in Portugal, and finally his return to Goa, Navelkar’s life was marked by cultural shifts, personal loss, and an unwavering devotion to art.

He famously signed many of his works with the name ‘Ganesh’, in tribute to his deceased brother — a symbolic act that reflected both his humility and his philosophical outlook. His quiet mantra, “I am nothing,” was not defeatist, but deeply spiritual — a rejection of ego and a celebration of anonymity.

“This film is not just about Vamona’s art, but about a way of thinking and being,” said director Ronak Kamat. “His story is about identity, loss, and finding purpose in humility.”

The screening offers audiences an immersive experience of his journey, as told through visuals, interviews, and archival material. It’s a must-attend event for art lovers, students, filmmakers, and anyone intrigued by Goa’s rich cultural tapestry.

Event Details:

  • Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
  • Time: 11:30 AM onwards
  • Venue: Museum of Goa, Pilerne Industrial Estate, Bardez
  • Entry: Free (Limited Seating. RSVP via WhatsApp: 7722089666)

This event is part of MOG’s ongoing commitment to creating platforms that connect the public with Goa’s artistic legacies and untold stories. Whether you’re an art enthusiast or simply curious about the lives behind great works, I Am Nothing promises a morning of deep reflection and inspiration.

For more details, follow @MuseumOfGoa or contact via WhatsApp.

Human Interest

🏆 Amit Rajput & Sakshi Kurtarkar Honored as Brand of the Year – Dance Category Recognized Among Goa’s Influential Leaders 2025 by Herald Global

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In a remarkable testament to their dedication, creativity, and influence in the world of performing arts, Amit Rajput and Sakshi Kurtarkar have been awarded the prestigious “Brand of the Year” title in the Dance category at the Influential Leaders Goa Edition 2025, organized by Herald Global.

This distinguished recognition places them among the top cultural and entrepreneurial icons of Goa, celebrated for their unique contributions to the community through the transformative power of dance.

The Influential Leaders Goa Edition, an initiative by Herald Global, honors individuals and organizations whose work has made a meaningful impact across various industries. In the field of dance, Amit and Sakshi’s journey stands out — not just for artistic excellence but for how they’ve empowered others, nurtured talent, and elevated Goa’s cultural landscape.

Adding to this momentous occasion, Amit Rajput and Sakshi Kurtarkar have also been featured in Herald Global’s Coffee Table Book 2025, a curated publication showcasing stories of leadership, inspiration, and excellence across Goa. Their profile highlights their artistic philosophy, leadership in the dance community, and the creative legacy they are building for future generations.

From electrifying stage performances to mentoring aspiring dancers, Amit and Sakshi have consistently demonstrated that dance is more than art — it’s a language of connection, expression, and empowerment. Their work has brought together communities, bridged cultural gaps, and inspired countless individuals to find their rhythm.

This award affirms the years of effort, training, innovation, and heart that have gone into their journey — and it marks a new chapter of even greater possibilities.

With this recognition, Amit and Sakshi are more inspired than ever to expand their impact through dance education, performance, and cultural exchange — continuing to represent Goa on national and global stages.

Books & Literature

Mohini Smriti Puraskar declared to Konkani activist Anthony Vaz

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The Mohini Smriti Puraskar for 2024 has been declared to Konkani activist Anthony Vaz. This award is given in memory of the wife of veteran writer and freedom fighter late Nagesh Karmali. This award is given to Konkani leaders who have made notable contributions to the Konkani language, literature, movement and education.


Anthony Vaz has worked in the field of Konkani theatre. He has worked in more than 15 Tiatr in Goa and Mumbai. He has also worked in Konkani plays and films. He has actively participated in the 555-day official language movement to make Konkani an official language. In literature, he has written two tiatr, ‘Sukh and Dukh’ and ‘Keed’, as well as the novel ‘Rakhno’. He is also fond of writing plays and poetry.
To promote folk arts, he established his Neez Kala Kendra organisation and organised Konkani folk art programmes all over Goa. He has worked for Konkani Bhasha Mandal and the Kala Academy Goa. His awards include the Konkani Bhasha Mandal Award and the Konkani Bhasha Seva Samman.
The Mohini Smriti Puraskar ceremony, sponsored by Nagesh Karmali’s family, will be organised soon, said Dinesh Manerkar of Sanjana Publications.