Sawant emphasises on preservation of Goa’s cultural heritage
Panaji: Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday bestowed Gomant Vibhushan Award upon noted Goan folklorist Vinayak Vishnu Khedekar and music maestro Pt. Prabhakar Janardhan Karekar for outstanding contributions in their respective fields.
Khedekar, a revered figure in the realm of folk art, was honoured with the Gomantak Vibhushan Award for the year 2019-20 by Sawant at a ceremony held at the Durbar Hall of Raj Bhavan.
Khedekar’s dedication and mastery of traditional art forms have enriched the cultural heritage of Goa.
Pt. Karekar, a maestro in the field of music, received the award for the year 2021-22. Pt. Karekar’s unparalleled talent and unwavering commitment to his craft have elevated the status of Goan music, earning him widespread acclaim both within the state and beyond.
Both distinguished individuals joined the list of previous awardees, which include luminaries such as scientist Dr. Anil Kakodkar, architect Charles Correa, journalist and writer Lambert Mascarenhas, scientist Raghunath Mashelkar, Laxman Pai, and Dr. Premanand Ramane.
The ceremony, which was organised by the directorate of arts and culture and the department of information and publicity, was held to commemorate the Goa Statehood Day.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasised on the paramount importance of preserving and documenting Goa’s rich cultural heritage.
He expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing efforts to digitise and archive the state’s artistic and cultural resources, ensuring their accessibility to future generations.
“Culture is the essence of our identity, and it is imperative that we safeguard and cherish it. We have already embarked on a mission to collect and preserve our cultural treasures in the form of audio and video recordings, which has resulted in two series. They provide valuable insights into the state’s cultural heritage,” Sawant explained.
Announcing measures to promote arts and nurture talent in Goa, Sawant declared the extension of the Chief Minister Fellowship Programme to support young researchers in the field of literature and the introduction of additional courses at College of Art and a postgraduate programme at Goa College of Music.
Sawant urged the youth to seize the opportunity and strive for greatness in their chosen fields.
“Our state boasts an exemplary education system that spans from kindergarten to post-graduation. We have colleges dedicated to art, literature, and music, providing a fertile ground to young talent to flourish. I urge our youth to take advantage of these resources and aim for the highest civilian honours that our state bestows,” he said.
He encouraged them to focus on positive developments taking place in the state, disregarding negative criticism.
The recipients of the award – Khedekar and Pt. Karekar – expressed their gratitude for the recognition bestowed upon them.
Khedekar said, “This award is an honour not just for me, but for the entire community of folk artists in Goa. I am grateful for the support and encouragement that has allowed me to showcase the beauty and richness of our cultural heritage.”
Visibly moved by the recognition, Pt. Karekar said, “I am truly humbled to receive this esteemed award. It is a testament to the power of music and its ability to transcend boundaries. I dedicate this award to all those who have supported me throughout my musical journey.”
The event was also attended by cabinet ministers Govind Gaude, Subhash Shirodkar, Mauvin Godinho, Chief Secretary Punit Kumar Goel, senior officials and others.