July 31, 2009 : Prof. Prem Kumar Dhumal, Chief Minister underlined the need for promotion of theatrical performances in the historical Gaiety Theatre which had been renovated by the State Government at a cost about Rs. 12 crore and dedicated to the performers recently. He was speaking on the inauguration of two day long ‘Munshi Prem Chand Jayanti Natko Utsav’ jointly organized by the Department of Language, Art and Culture and North Zone Cultural Centre, Patiala and H.P. Theatre Federation after he lighted the ceremonial lamp today.
Chief Minister said that it had been long felt demand of the artists to renovate the historically Gaiety Theatre and provided the centre stage in the heart of the town to the performers to exhibit their talent. He said that with the completion of Gaiety Theatre regular cultural activities started taking place in the theatre. He said that Gaiety Theatre happened to be a golden phase history of Shimla town which had witnessed a large number of performances by prominent artists from all over the world in post and pre independence era. He said that with the availability of renovated theatre in the town the artists of town and elsewhere had been provided necessary facilities to exhibit their talent. He said that Gaiety theatre was one of the few Gothic style theatre all over the world.
Chief Minister paid his tributes to renowned writer of yester era on his 130th birth anniversary which was being celebrated by organising to day long dramatic festival in the Gaiety theatre. He hoped that such events would be organized regularly with a view to preserve the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Chief Minister witnessed the first play based upon the story ‘Kafan’ writteen by Munshi Prem Chand with keen interest.
Shri Prem Sharma, Director, Language, Art and Culture Department welcomed the Chief Minister and detailed cultural activities scheduled to be organized during the two day dramatic festival.
Shri Maheshwar Singh, Ex MP and prominent persons were present on the occasion.