Jammu and Kashmir is on the threshold of revival of art and cultural activities with Tagore Hall being thrown open with renovated structures and upgraded facilities after about a decade on Wednesday.
Though the centre for cultural activities, art and theatre had undergone revival in 2006 for a brief period, it had remained on “inactive mode” since the eruption of militancy in the Valley post-1989.
Tagore Hall has been part of the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) in the summer capital over the past more than five decades, which also looks after Abhinav Theatre for cultural and theatre activities in Jammu.
The JKAACL plans to throw open Abhinav Theatre next month after a gap of over four years, during which it has undergone renovation and upgrade, Aziz Hajini, secretary of the JKAACL, told here today.
The renovated structure of Tagore Hall was completed at a cost of Rs 10 crore last year, but got inundated with all fresh flooring, furnishing and theatre equipment destroyed in water during September floods, said Hajini.
With an additional cost of Rs 5 crore, work had been completed with “drastic changes in interior design, seating and stage without compromising on magnificent architectural beauty,” said Hajini. The hall had developed cracks due to the earthquake in 2005.
Some new features like air-conditioning, mini-conference hall, VIP lounge and latest gadgetry and lighting system had been added, he said. “The commissioning of this hall is a tribute to the ancient and strong tradition of theatre in Kashmir and those countless artistes and activists who have been nurturing this art for thousands of years,” he said.
