*Press Note* For Favour of Publication
*11 Tiatr veterans honoured* 11 tiatr artistes of yester years were felicitated by Tiatr Academy of Goa (TAG) at the hands of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri.Digamber Kamat in a special function held on the occasion of birth anniversary of Pai Tiatrist Joao Agostinho Fernandes on 14th December 2010 at Ravindra Bhavan, Margao. The tiatr artistes who have been awarded are Master Vaz, Remmie Colaco, Maria Platilda Afonso e Dias, Anthony Inacio J.D’Souza, John Gomes (kokoy), Richard Rodrigues (Rico Rod), Alegre Antao alias Star of Arossim, Tony Sax, Fr.Planton Faria, Antonio Moraes and Romaldo D’Souza alias Paul Rommy. Speaking on the occasion Shri.Kamat congratulated and thanked the 11 veterans of tiatr stage for their voluntary and sacrificing contribution to the tiatr stage. Addressing the awardees he said, “You have worked selflessly for the preservation and promotion of tiatr in very critical circumstances. Hence, it is our duty to recognise your contribution so that the new generations are inspired to work for the development of tiatr the way you have done without any selfish interest.” Congratulating TAG for formulating such a scheme to honour tiatr artistes of yester years, he promised all help to TAG to implement all its schemes effectively so that the tiatr, its song & music grow day after day. Shri.Tomazinho Cardozo, President of TAG, in his address disclosed that TAG has formulated about 30 different schemes which aim at developing each and every aspect of tiatr, its song and music. He also stated that this was all possible only because of the generous cooperation and financial help given by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri.Digamber Kamat. He further said that various governments and numerous Chief Ministers came and went during these 50 years since liberation but it is only Shri.Digamber Kamat who showed true interest in the development of tiatr, its song & music. Shri.Master Vaz, speaking on behalf of the awardees thanked the TAG and the Chief Minister for recognising their services to the most popular dramatic form of Goa, Tiatr. He also said that there are many who need recognition and that he is confident that TAG will definitely honour them in the years to come. Earlier, Shri. Roseferns, Vice-President of TAG welcomed and Shri.Sridhar Kamat, Vice Chairman of Ravindra Bhavan, proposed a vote of thanks. The function was compered by Sharon Mazarello and Anil Kumar. *Victor de Sa* Member Secretary