Sankhali, Goa — Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant inaugurated the 5th edition of Kala Srujanotsav 2025, an annual cultural celebration organised by the Sarkari Karmachari Saunskrutik Manch Goa, at Ravindra Bhavan, Sankhali.
The event aims to spotlight the rich artistic traditions of Goa while offering a vibrant stage for government employees to showcase their multi-disciplinary talents—from performing arts and visual art to music, drama, literature and craftsmanship.
The inaugural ceremony witnessed enthusiastic participation from employees across various departments, along with lively cultural performances that reflected Goa’s diversity and artistic depth.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant highlighted the importance of cultural engagement in strengthening community bonds, promoting creativity, and nurturing the artistic expression of government employees.
He noted that platforms like Kala Srujanotsav not only preserve Goa’s cultural identity but also motivate individuals to explore their creative potential beyond professional roles.
The festival continues to serve as an enriching opportunity to celebrate unity, artistic excellence, and cultural pride—bringing together communities, families, and art lovers from across the state.
Margao, Goa – In a heartfelt tribute to one of Goa’s most influential freedom fighters and social reformers, Governor of Goa Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju released a commemorative postage stamp and first day cover honouring Laxmidas Borkar. The event was held as part of the concluding ceremony of the Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao.
Organised by the Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh Samiti in association with India Post and Ravindra Bhavan Margao, the event brought together dignitaries, scholars, cultural leaders, and members of the public to celebrate the centenary year of a man who played a pivotal role in Goa’s socio-political awakening.
Governor Raju’s presence underscored the significance of the occasion, as he acknowledged Borkar’s life of courage, public service, and relentless commitment to justice. The release of the commemorative stamp not only immortalises his contributions in the annals of Indian philately but also ensures that future generations remember his impact on Goa’s cultural and political history.
The beautifully designed first day cover and stamp feature imagery symbolic of Borkar’s life and values. This philatelic honour reflects how deeply rooted he is in Goa’s narrative of independence, progress, and community empowerment.
The event in Margao was attended by notable personalities from across Goa’s cultural and administrative landscape, with performances, readings, and reflections on Borkar’s life forming an important part of the evening. As the centenary year celebrations draw to a close, the release of this commemorative issue stands as a lasting tribute to a leader who inspired many.
The Government of Goa, through this symbolic gesture, reaffirms its commitment to honouring the legacy of figures who shaped the state’s journey — reminding us that remembering history is key to shaping a stronger future.
📍 Location: Ravindra Bhavan, Margao 📮 Event: Release of Commemorative Stamp and First Day Cover 🗓️ Occasion: Concluding Ceremony of Laxmidas Borkar Janmashatabdi Samaroh 🗣️ Chief Guest: Governor of Goa, Shri Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju
Award-winning Konkani writer Damodar (Bhai) Mauzo is set to release his latest literary offering, Panchkhadai — a collection of five long short stories that delve into human emotions, Goan culture, and contemporary issues with his signature narrative brilliance.
The launch event will take place on August 1st, 2025 at 5:00 PM, at the esteemed Ravindra Bhavan in Madgao, Goa. The evening promises to be a confluence of literature and celebration, as leading literary figures grace the occasion.
Senior poet Madhav Borkar will deliver the presidential address, sharing insights into Mauzo’s contribution to literature and the impact of his latest work. The event will also welcome Principal Dr. Bhushan Bhave as the chief guest, highlighting the academic and literary resonance of Mauzo’s new book.
Published by Sanjana Publications, Panchkhadai marks a significant addition to contemporary Konkani and Indian short fiction, offering stories that are both introspective and engaging.
Dinesh Manerkar, owner of Sanjana Publications, has extended a heartfelt invitation to all lovers of literature, students, and readers to attend the event in large numbers and show support for one of Goa’s most celebrated literary voices.
The much-anticipated Shyam Benegal Film Festival commenced today at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, with the screening of the acclaimed film Trikaal. The event was inaugurated by veteran writer and filmmaker Damodar Mauzo, who presided over the opening ceremony. Originally, actress Neena Gupta, who starred in Trikaal, was scheduled to attend; however, she was unable to be present due to unforeseen circumstances.
Damodar Mauzo, known for his contributions to Konkani cinema, has penned scripts for notable films such as Alesha, Sood, Shitu, O Maria, and the upcoming Claudia. His involvement in the festival underscores the rich cultural tapestry of Goa and its deep ties to Indian cinema.
The festival, organized by Ravindra Bhavan, aims to celebrate the cinematic legacy of Shyam Benegal, a stalwart in Indian filmmaking. Over the next few days, attendees will be treated to screenings of some of Benegal’s most celebrated works, followed by interactive sessions with artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
On May 31, the film Sardari Begum will be showcased, featuring a post-screening interaction with renowned musician Ashok Patki and classical singer Aarti Ankalikar-Tikekar. The festival will conclude on June 1 with a screening of Mammo, followed by a discussion with actor Rajat Kapoor, who played a pivotal role in the film.
Entry to the screenings is free, but passes are required. These can be obtained from the Ravindra Bhavan office between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The festival provides a unique opportunity for film enthusiasts to engage with the works of one of India’s most influential filmmakers and to participate in enriching discussions about cinema and its impact on society.
Margao, May 29, 2025 – The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium in Margao, a prominent cultural venue in Goa, has been temporarily closed due to essential roof repairs. The closure, which started in mid-May, was expected to be a brief disruption but has been delayed due to unforeseen monsoon rains. Rajendra Talak, Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, confirmed that the venue will likely reopen by May 30, once the repairs are completed. The unexpected rains hindered progress, and the work was paused for safety reasons, as the building’s structural integrity had to be prioritized.
The roof repairs at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium are necessary to maintain the building’s safety and functionality. Talak explained that the ongoing monsoon season led to delays, as the repair work could not be completed under rainy conditions. As a result, the auditorium has been closed for nearly two weeks. The repairs, while essential for the long-term upkeep of the venue, have unfortunately disrupted scheduled events, leaving the venue unusable for the time being. The government has ensured that the work will be completed as soon as possible, with a targeted reopening date of May 30, 2025.
As a result of the closure, all scheduled performances and events at the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium have been either cancelled or postponed. This includes a range of cultural activities, theatrical performances, and film screenings that were expected to take place in May. Talak assured that efforts are already underway to reschedule these events. The Ravindra Bhavan team is coordinating with performers and event organizers to ensure that all postponed shows will be rescheduled for later dates, and audience members will be informed promptly.
In a positive turn of events, the Shyam Benegal Film Festival, which was initially scheduled during the closure, will now mark the reopening of the auditorium. The festival, an important cultural milestone for Goa, will be inaugurated on May 30, 2025, by Jnanpith awardee Damodar Mauzo. The film festival will celebrate the works of renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal and is expected to draw cinema lovers from across the state. Despite the temporary setback, the inaugural event is set to bring the auditorium back to life, creating a buzz in the local cultural scene.
In addition to the roof repairs, Rajendra Talak revealed plans for major upgrades to the auditorium, which will take place in July and August 2025. These renovations are part of a broader effort to enhance the venue in preparation for the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), which will be held later in 2025. The upgrades will include improvements to the sound system, projector, and screen, ensuring that the auditorium can host large-scale cultural events and international festivals with the highest technical standards. These upgrades are expected to enhance the overall experience for both performers and audiences.
While the roof repairs have caused some disruption in the short term, the planned renovations and upgrades signal a promising future for the Pai Tiatrist Auditorium. The venue, known for hosting a wide array of cultural events, will continue to play a central role in Goa’s vibrant cultural landscape. Once the repairs and upgrades are completed, the auditorium will be fully equipped to host a variety of cultural and cinematic events, ensuring that it remains a cornerstone of Goa’s rich artistic heritage.
The Pai Tiatrist Auditorium’s temporary closure for roof repairs may have caused some inconvenience, but the measures being taken to ensure its long-term functionality and modernization are clear. The venue is set to reopen on May 30 with the exciting Shyam Benegal Film Festival, signaling the start of a new chapter. With upcoming upgrades planned for later in the year, the auditorium will continue to be a vital cultural hub in Goa, attracting both local and international talent for years to come.
