(From left) Chief minister Nitish Kumar, chairperson of Rabindra Parishad Shyama Mukherjee, HRD minister PK Shahi and art and culture minister Sukhda Pandey at the inauguration of the renovated Rabindra Bhavan auditorium in Patna on Sunday. Picture by J Prakash

Patna, Feb. 6: Chief minister Nitish Kumar today asked the culture department to initiate steps to renovate the audito-ria which are crying for attention.

The chief minister made this suggestion while inaugurating the renovated auditorium of Rabindra Bhavan located at Beerchand Patel Path.

“I would be happier if the other auditoriums are also renovated like this. It looks beautiful. The renovation was necessary because Bihar has a lot of talented people and they want such kind of platform where they can show their talent. Bihar is changing and we have to maintain the pace. Cultural activities are very important for the development of the state. People shall not feel that this area is being neglected,” Nitish said.

He further said: “We are ready to give all kind of support and we have the calibre to go ahead in the field of art and culture. When people come from outside to perform in the state they feel happy to see our progress. When Ghulam Ali was here few days ago, he appreciated the state and said that there are ample opportunities here.”

Talking about Bengali literature, Nitish said: “Rabindranath Tagore was not only a Bengali, he was a world icon. There is sweetness in his poems and novels. I love the Bengali language. In fact, I can write my name in Bengali. I learned this language when I was in jail during Emergency.” The inauguration function started with a dance performance by students of Geeta Bhavan and later they sang Saraswati vandana.

They also performed on the songs composed by Tagore.

Speaking at the function, Provas Roy, general secretary, Rabindra Parishad, said: “Rabindra Parishad was established in 1948 by few eminent residents of Patna to propagate the thoughts, philosophy and ideas of Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore. The Parishad has completed 63 years now. Keeping with its tradition, the Parishad has been organising cultural activities to popularise Rabindra Sangeet, dance and drama among people.”

Deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi was also present at the function. He said that in another six months the construction of Premchand Rangshala and indoor stadium will also be completed. “It’s not possible to conduct cultural programmes without a stage and we will surely do our best to renovate the rest of the auditoriums,” he said.

The state government had sanctioned Rs 1.5 crore for the auditorium renovation work.

“After the renovation, the auditorium seating capacity has increased from 600 to 1000. A 102-ton air conditioning system has been installed in the hall. “The size of the stage has been increased which helps the artistes perform group dance on wooden platform with more ease,” said Shyama Mukherjee, chairperson, Rabindra Parishad.

Art and culture minister Sukhda Pandey and human resource development minster P.K. Sahi were also present at the function.