Drama in real life

The recently-concluded 10-day drama festival, which had to be suspended for two days to accommodate some government programme in Town hall, has brought into focus the fact that the state lacks a culture policy

Anjali Nauriyal Town Hall

Uttarakhand may have given several renowned artistes to Bollywood, but performing arts and culture hardly seem to be a priority with the state. This was the opinion expressed by the representatives of various theatre and other performing groups on the sidelines of the just-concluded Theatre Festival that was held in Town Hall. They added that in a state where a good number of individuals have adopted theatre as a means of recreation and creative expression, there should be a clear culture policy as a guiding force, but sadly in the name of promotion of culture not a single auditorium exists in the state capital. The multi-purpose Town Hall hardly suffices their purpose as it is taken over at the slightest pretext for other purposes. Such an inconvenience happened this time also when the Town Hall was taken over for two days b the authorities during the theatre festival, which was organized by the Uttarakhand Natya Parishad (UNP) to commemorate International Theatre Day.

This came as a rude shock to artistes who had prepared the year round for the big day.

Due to paucity of funds, only local groups were extended invitations to participate. But in spite of several hurdles, the festival was a huge success. Each day the Town Hall was packed beyond capacity.

The Uttarakhand Speaking on behalf of UNP, its president S.P. Mamgain states, "There is no recognition of the works of artistes in the state. Now the government departments have taken over organising cultural functions, leaving very little room for us to function in. Under such circumstances, how will the local artistes flourish? Vishwa Rang Manch Divas is as important as Bal Diwas or Women's Day. A certain amount of money should be fixed by the government each year to celebrate this day. We all know that as many as Rs.78 lakh is the pending amount that the state government owes to various artistes and organisations. This is a shame. No one should forget that the artistes had contributed their time, money, heart and soul during the Uttarakhand movement."

Roshan Dhasmana, secretary of the UNP, reveals that the Rang Mandal opened in Doon and Almora by the government are lying inactive. "These must be activated. During the ongoing Kumbh, many local artistes could have been involved, but that did not happen. Theatre artistes are not even in the award list of the government. The auditorium being built near Rispana has a limited capacity and would hardly be of much use," he points out.

Veteran theatre artiste Arun Vikram Rana was honoured on the occasion for his contribution to theatre by chief minister Ramesh Pokhriyal. On behalf of the CM, MLA Ganesh Joshi handed over a cheque along with a citation and shawl to the octogenarian, after inaugurating the festival on March 27. Sundarlal, group GM, ONGC, who was also present on the occasion, assured the Parishad a help of Rs.50,000 on behalf of ONGC. Graphic Era Institute of Technology, too, has extended monetary support to the event. The Cultural Department of Uttarakhand has announced a grant of Rs.2 lakh for the event. MP Vijay Bahuguna donated his month's salary for the event.