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The popular tiatr (a type of musical theatre), usually used as a voice of people to protest against the government and politicians, is taking a new turn in Goa.

This year, Goa's Department Of Information and Publicity, in collaboration with the Tiatr Academy, is organising a competition--Konkani Kantaram Utsav--where the contest is to sing songs praising the government.

The poster by the Goa government that is doing the rounds on social media says this:

"A special Kantaram singing competition based on achievements of the present government and emphasizing the schemes implemented by this government for the welfare of the state in order to bring awareness among the people."

There are rewards too. The winner of the competition gets Rs 25,000. The first and second runner up get Rs 15,000 and Rs 10,000 respectively. There are prizes for the best lyricist too.