Mumbai: Abhinaya Mantapa, Mumbai is successfully completing four decades today thanks to the unity of all the artistes of Abhinaya Mantapa, the encouragement of art lovers and the cooperation of all donors. On this occasion, it is our first duty to remember all our artistes who came before us , “We are celebrating our 40th anniversary today with the help of all of them,” said President of Karnataka Sangha Ratna Rashtra Award-winning Abhinaya Mantapa, Mumbai Balakrishna D. Shetty.
He was speaking while presiding over the 40th anniversary function of Abhinaya Mantapa held at Narayana Guru Sabhagraha, Santacruz East Billava Bhavan on Sunday August 14.
Former President of Bombay Bunts’ Association, Shyam N Shetty arrived as the Chief Guest for the ceremony. Shetty said that it is gratifying that the National Award-winning Abhinaya Mantapam is celebrating its 40th anniversary just a day before our country celebrates its 75th Independence Day. Abhinaya Mantapam, which has given an opportunity to many artistes in the City, is completing four decades today. Abhinaya Mantapa is performing Tulu folk historical drama today and it is a matter of admiration that the audience is in large numbers and he wished good luck for all the future activities of Abhinaya Mandapa.
Another Chief Guest Ganapati Ayyappa Durgadevi Temple Nerul Former President Sanjeeva N. Shetty said that the patronage of art lovers is the patronage of artistes. He said that the patronage given by art lovers for four decades has made this organisation grow to a higher level.Chief Guest Gilbert M D’Souza of Jeevan Build Con Pvt Ltd Navi Mumbai congratulated everyone and wished the program well.
Saicare Logistics Mumbai CMD Surendra A. Poojary said that art fans have been disciplined for a long time and are cooperating with the programme, and the encouragement of the audience has inspired us. He said that there will be a good Tulu drama performance today and everyone should watch it and cooperate.
Dombivali Jagadamba Mandir Honorary General Secretary Rajesh C. Kotian, who was present as the Chief Guest, said that Abhinaya Mantapam is doing good work not only in the field of drama but also in the field of education and wished all the best for future work.
Another Chief Guest, Karnataka Sangha Nalasopara President, Sadashiva Karkera, said that our elders have established oorganisations together with generous support before hundred years, today’s people are taking our organisation forward and the next generation should continue the organisation of elders. Theatre is not just limited to entertainment. The young generation should be active in preserving and developing our art, language and culture.
Vocal artist Jaysheel Suvarna, spoke and said that although it is easy to make an organisation, it is not an easy task to live successfully for 40 years and I will do my best to help the ceremony.
Apart from the above dignitaries, Bharat Bank Director Suryakant Jaya Suvarna, Mogaveera Former Chairman Krishnakumar L Bangera, Retired Bank Officer Raghunath Kunder, Union Bank of India Officer Manoj S Salian were present and wished good luck. Tributes were paid to Play Writer, and Director Srinath Mulki.
On this occasion, Anil Kumar Sasihitlu, Vice President of the well-known actor’s Organisation, who has been active in the Organisation for a long time, was honoured.
Dhananjaya Mooloor, Murali Shetty, Ramesh Shivpur, Rupa Bhatt, Manohar Shetty Nandalik, Prakash Paniyur, Rohit Shetty, Neha Sarapadi, Gagan Suvarna, Naveen Shetty Innabalike, Naresh Kulai, Sunil Pujari were honoured for their contribution to theatre. Students who have achieved in the academic field were honoured with scholarships and talent awards.
There was dance splendor by the members and artistes of various associations and a Tulu drama performance of “Panjurli” by Abhinaya Mantapa artistes held.
The programme started with a prayer by Sanvi Jagadish Rai. Honorary General Secretary of Abhinaya Mantapa Karunakara K. Kapu informed about the activities. Vice President Anil Kumar Sasihitlu welcomed everyone and introduced the guests. Sachin Pujari conducted the sabha programme while Pratima Bangera conducted the cultural programme.
Raj Kumar Karnad, Executive Chairman, Ashok Kumar Karnad, Cultural Department Executive Chairman, Suresh G. Karkera, Treasurer P. B. Chandrahas and Other members of the Working Committee, all the members of the Women’s Section and the Children’s Section extended their cooperation.
