CM urges youth to draw inspiration from vocalist
Panaji: Goa is the only state in the country that provides basic education in musical instruments and singing at the high school level, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said on Tuesday at the event held to present the prestigious Gomant Vibhushan Award to noted singer Ajit Kadkade.
Sawant praised Kadkade’s dedication and long journey in the field of music and urged the youth of Goa to draw inspiration from his hard work, perseverance and lifelong service to the art of singing.
“People born in Goa are natural artists, as we live between the sea and the Sahyadri hills,” he added.
Sawant said that Kadkade has brought pride to Goa. “You sing in three different languages besides Konkani, and that is truly admirable,” he told Kadkade.
Kadkade, while accepting the award, said, “My journey is far from over. I remember when I first went to learn music from Pt. Jitendra Abhisheki. My father asked whether music could earn me a living, and Abhishekiji honestly replied, ‘Only if people like your music.’”
Kadkade said that many of Abhishekiji’s students now perform across India. “His teachings, especially the values of discipline and humility, still guide me. He would always arrive early for performances, something I continue to do today,” he said, adding that the award is not his alone; it also belongs to Abhishekiji and everyone who shaped me spiritually and musically.
“Though Goa is my birthplace, Maharashtra gave wings to my music journey, which has continued for over 55 years,” he said.
Sawant said the state is not only focusing on infrastructure development but is also making strong progress in promoting art and culture. “We are recognising the contributions of those working for the Konkani language, whether they are from Goa or Kerala. We also honour performances like Dalgado Tiatr that are staged outside India,” Sawant said.
The government is offering platforms for students to learn music through institutions such as Kala Academy, Ravindra Bhavan and Bal Bhavan.
At Bal Bhavan, students are being taught music, Rangoli, sculpture-making and more.
