The youth (6 females & 5 males between 18 to 23 years) participants of the
4th Know Goa Programme currently underway from 27.11.2011 to 6.12.2011 hailing
from USA Canada Kenya Tanzania UK New Zealand visited post lunch session today
1st
December,2011 the over 140 year old House of Pai Tiatrist - The Father of
Konkani Tiatr at Modsai ,Margao, Goa.
The youth are under an awareness programme being given an exposure to rustic
and urban life in Goa the functioning of the local government and the Goan
culture. This programme carried out for the 4th year in succession is under
the auspices of the NRI Cell in Goa headed by Shri Eduardo Faleiro
Commissioner and Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs.
The group was welcomed by Ms Ana Maria Carolina Quadros Fernandes 79 years
daughter-in-law, grand daughter Sharmila Fernandes and their two children
Sonali and Sannil.
After formal introduction by Program Co-Ordinator Mr Shirish Lawande the 10
participants were given an insight by this writer into "tiatro"
the contribution of both Joao Agostinho Fernandes and his spouse Maria Regina
Fernandes who was the first woman to act on stage at a time when women were
ostracised for public appearance in early 1900. His other works written tiatr
scripts are compiled and recorded with the Goa Konkani Academy.
Most of the participants were struck with awe seeing the ancestral house
wherein the famed tiatrist wrote his plays way back in 1900. JAF also
composed and sang Konkani songs along with his daughter and was the first to
cut a gramaphone record in 1906 They were informed that the MP Rajya Sabha and
CM of Goa have assured to restore the House for posterity. The design for the
House restoration has been provided by noted architect Mr Gerard Da Cunha/
The youth complimented the family members for their sacrifices in maintaining
the House which would otherwise fall into the hands of the unscrupulous
builders. They hoped the Government would act fast to restore the House before
any eventuality.
The family in acknowlegement of their visit offered each of the participants a
momento.
The group will visit other places of historical and tourist interest in Goa and
New Delhi.
The social activist Mr Auda Viegas and her aide was also present.
.
GODFREY J. I. GONSALVES,
BORDA, MARGAO, 403 602, GOA. (INDIA)
+91 98221 58584 (24 HRS)
[email protected]
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