Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and Union Minister G Kishan Reddy inaugurated the Regional Centre of the Sangeet Natak Akademi in Hyderabad. The centre will be known as Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra and will also include the Bharata Kala Mandapam auditorium. This is part of the centenary celebrations of Ghantasala. The event was attended by Padma Bhushan awardee P Susheela and officials from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Previously, the Sangeet Natak Akademi did not have a presence in South India. While they had institutes and centres in other regions, there was no full-fledged regional centre. The Dakshin Bharat Sanskritik Kendra aims to fill this void and promote research and documentation of music, folk and tribal arts, theater, and puppetry. It will be a state-of-the-art cultural space that contributes to the cultural growth of the state.
During the event, Union Minister G Kishan Reddy highlighted the government’s efforts in preserving and promoting heritage. He mentioned the recognition of Ramappa as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the restoration of the Kalyana Mandapam at Thousand Pillar Temple. He emphasized the importance of preserving intangible cultural heritage as well.
Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts towards a cultural renaissance in India. He also emphasized the role of mother tongue in protecting cultural heritage. He mentioned that through the National Education Policy, PM Modi is promoting and preserving mother tongues.
Additionally, Padma Shri Awardees of 2024 from Telugu states were felicitated during the event. This included individuals recognized for their contributions to various art forms such as music, translation, dance ballet, and sculpting.
