Mysore/Mysuru: The 25th edition of Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival was formally inaugurated by Minster for Kannada & Culture Shivaraj S. Tangadagi by unveiling the ‘Amurta Shilpa’ of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar installed in front of Vanaranga at Rangayana premises yesterday.

Later, addressing the gathering during the inaugural event, Minister Tangadagi said that this year’s Bahuroopi was not only special for its 25th edition, but also for celebrating Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who gave us the Constitution through which even a commoner could reach the topmost position in the country.

“Rangayana Mysuru has long history. Stalwarts including ‘Ranga Bhishma’ B.V. Karanth and the directors who followed him have worked for the growth of Rangayana. Following the success of Rangayana Mysuru, other branches have been started in Dharwad, Kalaburagi and other locations to support theatre culture in the State. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also released Rs. one crore for the 25th edition of Bahuroopi,” he said.

Rangayana Mysuru also felicitated Heisnam Sabitri Devi, a Padma Shri awardee and a renowned theatre person from Manipur, with ‘Belli Bahuroopi Ranga Gaurava.’

Speaking on the occasion, Heisnam Sabitri Devi expressed her gratitude on being invited to Bahuroopi and remembered her days with stalwarts B.V. Karanth and Heisnam Kanhailal.

She also congratulated Rangayana Mysuru for the 25th edition of Bahuroopi.

24 plays to be staged

This year’s Bahuroopi National Theatre Festival will witness a total of 24 plays. Out of it, 12 plays based on Dr. Ambedkar’s life, contribution, research and movements will be staged in different languages. This apart, six plays on Dr. Ambedkar will be staged by children as part of Children’s Bahuroopi.

Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi also released the souvenir of Bahuroopi Theatre Festival and also inaugurated the book and handicrafts exhibition. Also, a   special photo exhibition on Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has been organised at Ranga Chavadi in

Rangayana premises till Jan. 18.

Department of Kannada & Culture Secretary J. Manjunath, Deputy Commissioner G. Lakshmikanth Reddy, Mysuru City Corporation Commissioner Shaikh Tanveer Asif, Department of Kannada & Culture Joint Director V.N. Mallikarjunaswamy, Rangayana Mysuru Director Satish Tiptur, Deputy Director Dr. M.D. Sudarshan, Ranga Samaja Member H.S. Suresh Babu and others were present on the occasion.