'Telugu theatre played key role in reforming society'

Dharmana felicitates artistes on Telugu Theatre Day Srikakulam: Terming Telugu plays as torchbearer of society, Roads and Buildings Minister Dharamana Prasada Rao recalled that theatre played a vital role in rooting out superstitions and evils from the society 'Telugu Theatre Day' was held under the aegis of Andhra Pradesh State Film, Television and Theatre Development Corporation Limited here on Saturday at Bapuji Kalamandir to mark the birth anniversary of legendary poet and social reformer Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu. Dharmana Prasada Rao was the chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Prasada Rao heaped praises on the directors and artistes, who are striving hard to convey message by staging plays that would not only create awareness among the people but also enlighten them. Their efforts should be lauded as they doing a yeoman service sans expecting any monetary benefits. The government will lend a helping hand to them in their endeavour. It was fortunate that the Telugu Theatre was walking in the footsteps of Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu. DCMS chairman Gondu Krishnamurthy said that the artistes belonging to Srikaklam district have earned fame across the State. Notably, the State government was granting pension to 700 artistes in the district. Credit goes to the Minister in this regard, he informed. Additional Joint Collector RS Raj Kumar opined that the Telugu theatre was influenced by Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu. He termed Srikakulam district a haven for arts, culture and artistes. Earlier, Srikakulam Theatre Artistes Federation secretary Pannala Narsimhamurthy welcomed the gathering, while the Minister inaugurated the programme by lighting the traditional lamp. The following musicians and artistes were felicitated on the occasion by the Minister-Music- Tarra Adinarayana, director-NP Prasada Rao, writer-Dondapati Bhimaraju, theatre-Ch. Lakshmi, best makeupman-Pydi Srihar. He gave away a shawl, Rs 10,000 cash and a citation. Later, the musical concert of Tarra Aadinarayana enthralled the audience.