Chandigarh, October 29:- Amidst the beating of drums and cultural performances by troupes of different regions, the Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, inaugurated the renovated Tagore Theatre, here this evening, in the presence of eminent theatrical personalities and art lovers.
Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, various innovative modifications and additions have been made by reconstructing the basement, auditorium, foyer, backstage, seating steps, projection room boxes, stairs, besides making a provision of 300 additional seats in the hall, raising its capacity to about 900 seats.
Accompanied by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, the Administrator went around the facilities and appreciated the work done by the consultant Architect, Ms Satnam Namita and the team of Engineers and workers led by Mr. Krishanjit Singh, Chief Engineer.
In his brief address on the occasion, General Rodrigues said that the revitalization of Tagore Theatre has been done to meet the emerging functional requirements of the theatrical world and changing patterns of our society. He emphasized that there is a need of changing our attitudes to adopt new techniques and methodologies, in different arts and cultural forms, to make them more vibrant and receptive to the audiences. He called for greater support and appreciation of artistic performances by the artistes and the need for the audience to recognize their efforts by showing responsiveness and appreciation. He said that we must be good spectators and encourage our artistes, by creating in them a sense of confidence.
Advocating the need for a partnership and sense of "ownership", General Rodrigues appealed to the citizens to come forward with a positive contribution to make the City more beautiful, dynamic and vibrant. There are series of programmes and the people of all walks of life and ages have the opportunities to extend their help in strengthening the social and infrastructural network in the Union Territory. ‘Our focus must be to work together for improving the quality of life through our creative efforts and professional ventures’.
General Rodrigues announced the holding of art competitions, in different art forms of the region, for the projection of our heritage rich in variety and vitality with the involvement and active participation of people from all walks of life.
Mr. Ram Niwas, Home Secretary and Secretary Engineering said that the Tagore was constructed in early 1960s. With the passage of time, the building structure, seats, toilets, changing rooms etc, required transformation. The idea of revitalization of Tagore Theatre was conceived by Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM during his visit to the theatre on 21st July, 2005 who believes that Theatre is a live art, which has grown ever since, so should be the place or building holding such activities. He said that the Engineering Department has provided two transparent glass blocks of 28’x28′ with a height of 13′ at the entrances to provide modern look to the aesthetically designed building besides adding seating capacity and more public utility services.
Mr. Sanjay Kumar, Finance Secretary proposed vote of thanks.