LOUTOLIM: One man, one dream, one rock– From a seemingly shapeless rock face, a masterpiece was born. The laterite stone gave life to a divine form: Sant Mirabai. In just 30 days, she emerged, her head raised toward the heavens, ektara in hand, and her ankles crossed in a meditative pose. This striking creation was sculpted in 1994 by the passionate and dedicated artist Maendra J A Alvares.
This monumental piece holds the distinction of being India’s longest laterite sculpture and has earned several awards and accolades. It also bears the rare honor of being the first Postal Cancellation in Goa, marking its significant cultural importance.
Maendra Alvares, the sculptor, has since been recognized as Goa’s Cultural Ambassador. His contributions extend beyond this iconic sculpture—he is also the visionary behind one of Goa’s first ethnographic museums, Big Foot.
MARKING 30 YEARS: PHOTOGRAPHY EXHIBITION AND HONORS: As the sculpture completes 30 years on September 5th, Big Foot, in collaboration with Prasad Pankar’s CMYK Academy of Photography, organized an All Goa Photography Exhibition. Over 100 entries were received, and the collection is displayed at the Mogubai Arena at Big Foot. The exhibition was inaugurated by eminent artist, art critic, and curator Naguesh Rao Sardessai.
On this special occasion, Joaquim Gracias, a senior journalist who was the first to report on the sculpture’s entry into the Limca Book of Records (a milestone for Goa), was also felicitated.
PRIZE WINNERS OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION: 1st Prize: Narnaware, 2nd Prize: Ema J Vaz and 3rd Prize: Pratap Pawar. Consolation Prize: Ramon Xavier. Most Promising Photograph: Kavya Alvares.
In his closing remarks, Naguesh Rao Sardessai emphasized the importance of thinking outside the box to foster creativity. He noted that the competition was especially challenging, as the participants had to capture the essence of an aesthetic and artistic masterpiece. Many of the submissions were praised for their outstanding creativity and originality.