PANJIM: A chorus of disapproval has erupted within women's artistic circles following Art and Culture Minister Govind Gaude's recent statement that no woman was capable for the prestigious art and cultural awards this year.
Gaude's assertion that not a single woman was eligible for this year’s Goa State Cultural Awards has evoked sharp criticism and called for greater inclusivity within the selection process.
Several women-led cultural organisations and individual artistes have collectively raised their voices, expressing their dismay and condemning the Minister's remarks. Their outcry stems from a perceived disregard for the significant contributions made by women in the field of art and culture.
Addressing a press conference, renowned women artistes Jyoti Kuncolienkar and Suchitra Narvekar and activists Auda Viegas and Prof Prajal Sakhardande underscored the wealth of talent and creative prowess exhibited by women artists across diverse fields.
They highlighted the pivotal roles women had historically played in shaping the cultural landscape of the region, emphasising the need for recognition and acknowledgement of their contributions.
Stating 12 men are recipients of the Goa State Cultural awards, Kuncolienkar demanded that the Directorate of Art and Culture should make public names of all those who had filed their applications.
Another senior political activist known for his vocal views, sarcastically said, “There’s no problem. He probably thought that only male architects and artists like Shah Jahan could do executive work of the highest standards.”
Kuncolienkar further said that Gaude’s statement that not a single woman was eligible for the award was most regrettable, and demoralising and has raised doubts about the capabilities of women in the field of art and culture.
They said that the Art and Culture Minister has made the statement at a time when a woman is serving the country's highest office of President while the Parliament recently passed 33 per cent reservation for women and Bollywood star Madhuri Dixit was honoured with the 'Special recognition for contribution to Bharatiya cinema’ at the just concluded 54th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).