June 25, 2009 : It was a momentous day to the art and culture lovers of the Country in general and Himachal Pradesh in particular today when the world fame Gaiety Theatre was thrown open for performances after a period of about six years by taking its restoration at a cost of about Rs. 11.50 crore. Chief Minister Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, formally dedicated it to the people. The peculiarity of this gothic type Theatre restoration was that it has been done in the old traditional style by creating some more amenities like setting up of Lalit Kala Academi’s Art Gallery, museum and multipurpose hall besides the old Theatre.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister described it a historic day for the State and said that art lovers and people of the State were eye witness to it when the performance was being made in the renovated Theatre for the first time today. He said that Shimla Gaiety Theatre was one of the two Theatres of such type in the world. The other one was in France. He said that this theatre would facilitate the art and culture lovers of not only the State but also of the entire Country.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal stressing the need for preserving the rich cultural heritage of the State, said that the State Government was committed for promotion of culture of the State which was unique in the Country.
He thanked Shri Ved Segan the world fame architect under whose guidance the restoration of Gaiety theatre was undertaken for maintaining its old glory.
Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Shri Jagmohan, the then Union Minister in the NDA Government who has sanctioned Rs. 5.50 crore for the restoration of the Gaiety theatre in the year 2003. He also thanked all those who have contributed in it from time to time during all these years of restoration.
Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal said that Gaiety theatre would be another attraction to those who visit Shimla and contribution of the State for the Country. He said that Himachal Pradesh has contributed significantly for various national cause .
such as sacrifices made by the people of the State for Bhakra Dam construction which Pt. Nehru had described temple of development of modern India.
He said that brave sons of the State have also contributed significantly for the cause of the nation by making supreme sacrifices in the Indian Armies from time to time.
Shri Ashok Vajpayee, Chairman, Lalit Kala Academy congratulated the State Government for having taken the restoration work of the Gaiety theatre in a traditional manner. He said that work done was unique.
He expressed the hope that this theatre would go a long way in promoting the art and culture of Himalayas. He urged for maintaining its All India status so that art and culture lovers of the country are benefitted from it at large.
Shri B.K. Agarwal, Secretary, Art, Language and Culture welcoming the Chief Minister and others said that the restoration of Gaiety Theatre has been completed at a cost of Rs. 11.50 crore out of which Rs. 2.50 crore has been sanctioned during last year to speed up the work on it. He said that to begin with the Union Minister Shri Jagmohan has sanctioned Rs. 5.50 crore for restoration work and from time to time more funds were made available for this.
Dr. Prem Sharma, Director, Art, Language and Culture proposed vote of thanks and said that endeavours of the department would be to maintain it in a befitting manner so as to facilitate the art and culture lovers.
Shri Narender Bragta, Horticulture Minister, Shri Virender Kashyap, MP, Shri Suresh Bhardwaj, Shri Gobind Sharma, MLAs, Shri Narender Kataria, Mayor, Municipal Corporation, Shimla, Dr. Sudhakar Sharma, Secretary, Lalit Kala Akademy and senior officers of the State Government were present on the occasion among others.