Mysore/Mysuru: The ten-day ‘Dasara Rangotsava,’ organised by Rangayana in memory of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar, began at Bhoomigeeta auditorium in Rangayana premises here on Sunday.

Zilla Havyasi Rangakarmigala Vedike President Suresh Babu inaugurated the event by offering floral tributes to the portrait of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar.

Speaking on the occasion, Babu said that Mysuru, apart from being the cultural capital of the State, is rapidly growing on all fronts, thus earning name and fame across the country for its rich heritage and culture. Observing that theatre has been successful in maintaining its own identity even in the face of onslaught by film world and TV entertainment, he said that the theatre is not just a medium of communication but a characterisation of human joys and sorrows. Maintaining that plays have a long relevance, he cited the example of the play ‘Krishnegowdana Aaane’, which remains popular even after 30 years.

Stating that he is a top officer at BEML, Babu said that he is always interested in the theatre and this has given him an opportunity to speak from this platform.

Noting that he has watched many plays in Rangayana right from the days of B.V. Karanth to the current Director Addanda C. Cariappa, he lauded the role of Cariappa in taking forward the dreams of theatre icon B.V. Karanth.

Rangayana Director Addanda C. Cariappa, Ranga Samaja Member Dr. Sheena Nadoli, Rangayana Deputy Director Nirmala Mathapati and others were present.

Rangayana Repertory artistes performed K.P. Poornachandra Tejaswi’s play ‘Krishnegowdana Aaane,’ directed by R. Nagesh.

There will be plays at Bhoomigeetha at 6.30 pm on all the ten days of the event, which concludes on Oct. 4.