Balangir: District collector Arindam Dakua has made assurances for the revival of the Koshal Kalamandal ground.
Art lovers had expressed concern over rapid deterioration of the once-famous ground, widely hailed as the epicentre of cultural activities in the district. The ground is lying in neglect and has become a haven for criminal elements. Local shopkeepers also dump garbage into the ground, which is now filled with polythene bags, liquor bottles and other waste materials.
Overgrowths make it difficult to hold any programmes at the ground. Art enthusiasts alleged that the administration only makes minor improvements ahead of Balangir Lok Utsav, the district's annual cultural festival. It also lacks basic infrastructure. One local resident alleged that political leaders make lofty promises, but forget about them as quickly. Balangir MP Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo assured to convert the Koshal Kalamandal stage into an auditorium during last year's Lok Utsav, but no progress has been on that promise so far, the resident alleged.
Dakua's recent visit to take stock of the Kalamandal has instilled hope among the residents. He was accompanied by a group of arts lovers, who apprised him of the historic value and the importance of the ground. Dakua has promised to take steps to revive the ground.
"I will see to it that the ground is revived. The unauthorised taxi stand within the ground must go. I will also see how the ground can be protected," Dakua said.
Koshal Kalamandal came into existence in the 1940s during the reign of Maharaja Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo, the former chief minister of Odisha and member of the Balangir royal family.
The ground, located in the heart of the town, soon became a popular hub of literature, art, culture and sports. Theatre became a movement in Balangir and Koshal Kalamandal witnessed some of the best plays staged in the district. Some of the plays staged at the Kalamandal includes Karnarjuna, Sita and Mudrarakshyasa (in Sanskrit). It also contributed to the rich tradition of literature in Balangir by bringing out the literary magazine Chaturanga, which made a name for itself during those heady days of the cultural movement. A press was set up to print the publication. Veterans of Odia literature such as Surendra Mohanty, Gopinath Mohanty, Raj Kishore Ray, Gouri Kumar Bramha and Sashi Bhusan Ray contributed to the publication.
Pitabasa Mishra, an octogenarian local resident, vividly remembers the good old days of Koshal Kalamandal. He said it was the golden period for Balangir as far as art, literature and culture were concerned.
"There has been a gradual degeneration of the Kalamandal over the years because of want of political will, administrative negligence and lack of interest among the youths," Mishra said. He, however, said the Kalamandal was still the preferred venue for cultural festivals in the town. "It is still a favourite among art lovers," he said.
