The Directorate of Art and Culture, Government of Goa, organised the Goa State Cultural Award Presentation Ceremony 2025–26 at Sanskruti Bhavan, Panaji. The ceremony recognised individuals and institutions for their contribution to Goa’s art, culture and literature. It brought together members of Goa’s cultural community to celebrate their dedication and work.
The recognition covered a range of fields through the Goa State Cultural Award, Kala Gaurav Puraskar, Kala Vriddhi Puraskar, Yuva Srujan Puraskar, Best Library Award and Best Cultural Institution Award. The inclusion of the Yuva Srujan Puraskar also highlighted the growing involvement of young people in the cultural sphere, adding a new generation to Goa’s long-standing artistic traditions.
Congratulating all the awardees, Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant said the increasing participation of youth in art and culture was a positive development. He noted that Goans have been receiving recognition at the national level for their contributions to different cultural fields, reflecting the talent and dedication present across the State. CM Dr. Sawant also outlined the Government’s continued support for the sector through initiatives such as the Kala Samman Scheme, Kalakar Krutatnyata Nidhi, cultural grants, special financial assistance and financial aid for arts groups.
Building on these efforts, CM Dr. Sawant highlighted the importance of supporting both established traditions and those working to take them forward. He referred to Government support for Tiatr, Natak, Mando, Dekhni, Ghode Modni, Zagor and Shigmo, as well as the Mukhyamantri Vadkari Yojana, library initiatives through NGOs and scholarships for students pursuing research in the arts. He also spoke about the Gomant Vibhushan Awards and the wider recognition of Goa’s cultural traditions, noting that artists contribute significantly to the State’s economy and to the overall happiness and social well-being of its people.
The focus on continued support for artists and cultural institutions reflects the broader efforts to ensure that Goa’s diverse traditions remain connected with contemporary generations. Dr. Sawant congratulated the Directorate of Art and Culture and everyone associated with the sector for their efforts to preserve, promote and nurture Goa’s cultural legacy.
The occasion was attended by Minister for Sports, Ramesh Tawadkar; Poriem MLA Divya Rane, Chairman of the Award Selection Committee, Kamlakar Naik, Director of the Directorate of Art and Culture, Vivek K. Naik, Member Secretary of Kala Academy Goa Shankar Gaonkar.
