Pradeep Kumar Biswal, additional personal secretary to the tourism minister, plays the character of Samaya (time) in Pratirupa, which was staged by the cultural association of the finance department at Rabindra Mandap in Bhubaneswar on Monday.

Away from their day-to-day work, the bureaucrats at the state secretariat are now trying their hand at acting. Cultural associations of eight departments and a body of private secretaries and personal assistants are taking part in a six-day theatre competition, which began on Monday evening.

The competition will continue till September 26.

While there are three prizes each under the categories of best production, best direction, best script, best acting (male), best child artiste and in best supporting role (male), the best actor (female) will be awarded to one participant only. Prizes for the winners under various categories will be distributed on September 26.

All the associations are now working under a united forum called Odisha Sachivalaya Milita Sanskrutika Sangha.

Text by Bibhuti Barik, Telegraph picture