*PRESS NOTE* FOR KIND FAVOUR OF PUBLICATION
*CM assured full support to TAG for overall development of Tiatr* PANJIM: Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant has expressed his strong support for the proposal to take Goa's unique theatre art form, Tiatr, to a national and international platform. He assured the Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) of his full backing, including extra budgetary provisions, during a meeting on Monday with a TAG delegation led by President Anthony Barbosa and Vice-President Marcos Gonsalves. TAG's request for an increased allocation of funds to implement various schemes and upcoming projects was discussed in detail. The delegation also highlighted the need for land for the proposed Tiatr Bhavan. In response, the Chief Minister confirmed that the unused auditorium space at Kala Bhavan in Sancoale would be handed over to TAG to help facilitate their activities, including the presentation of Tiatr shows. During the meeting, TAG presented a memorandum outlining new proposals and additional financial support requests. CM Sawant, after listening attentively, assured the delegation that their demands would be met. He instructed officials to begin the necessary procedures to advance the plans. Furthermore, while land acquisition is underway, the CM took the initiative to offer Kala Bhavan's space, which would support TAG's ongoing programs. A key discussion point was TAG’s proposal for UNESCO recognition of Tiatr. The Chief Minister promised to introduce a resolution in the Assembly regarding the matter and asked for a separate proposal on the subject. Additionally, he committed to providing extra funding for a three-day Tiatr festival planned by TAG in Goa. Other TAG requests, such as the need for staff for a new music school, funding for the commemoration of significant jubilees and birth anniversaries of legendary Tiatr artists, and other forms of support, were met with a promise of full backing from the Chief Minister. Dr. Sawant was particularly impressed by the growing reach of Tiatr beyond Goa, with shows regularly staged in states such as Rajasthan, Gujarat, Nagpur, and Mumbai, as well as internationally. He encouraged the TAG committee to document these efforts and assured them of his support in recommending a prominent Tiatr artist for national recognition, including a Padma Shri award. On behalf of the committee, President Anthony Barbosa thanked CM Sawant for his crucial support as he also highlighted the endorsement of a proposal to start a research journal on Tiatr and support the renovation of the old house of Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes in Margão. The TAG delegation included Fr. Doel Dias, Avito Pires de Menezes, Pradeep Naik, Jesus Antao, William Fernandes, Aplon Rebello, Antonet D'Souza, Pedro Vaz, Simon Rebello, along with Member Secretary Suresh Divkar, Fausto V. Da Costa, and Vincy Quadros. *Sd/-* *Suresh Divkar* Member Secretary *Attached: Photo *
