Udupi: Parichaya Rangotsava 2022 Inaugurated at Holy Cross Church Premises, Pamboor

By Dr. Eugene DSouza
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi/Pamboor, 17 Feb 2022: The Weeklong Parichaya Rangotsava 2022 was inaugurated at the Holy Cross Church premises, Pamboor on Wednesday, 17 February 2022 at 6.30 pm. The Rangotsava 2022 will continue till 23 February.

 

The inauguration programme of the Parichaya Rangotsava 2022 was presided over by Anil D’Sa-President of Parichaya. Other dignitaries on the dais included: Dr. Mahabhaleshwar Rao-Coordinator of Dr. T.M.A. Pai College of Education, Udupi who inaugurated the Rangotsava 2022, Fr. Henry Mascaarenhas-Parish priest of the Holy Cross Church, Pamboor who delivered the benedictory address, Fr. Alwyn Serrao-famous playwriter and Principal of St. Antony’s College, Naravi, Shri K.S. Shreedhar Moorthy-former kannada lecturer of St. Mary’s PU College, Shirva and Prakash Noronha-Secretary of Parichaya.

 

 

Prakash Noronha in his introductory remarks and welcome address said that Parichaya that was founded in 2012 to promote arts, literature and culture has come a long way during the last ten years which has been providing a platform to various cultural activities including stage plays and musical presentations. During the last ten years around 30 stage plays have been presented which were appreciated by one and all. During the journey of ten years Parichaya has been registered as a Trust and the future plan would be to have its own theatre in the form of ‘Parichaya Ranga Kendra’ including an amphitheater and an indoor auditorium.

 

In his inaugural speech Dr. Mahabhaleshwar Rao greatly appreciated the Theme Song of Parichaya which manifested its inclusive character. Having vast knowledge of the theatre movement, Dr. Mahabhaleshwar Rao said that he was not in favour of drama competitions as each stage play has its unique format and message and cannot be compared with one another. He further said that rather than the towns and cities, it is the villages and small townships that provide opportunities for the experimental stage plays to flourish. He lauded the efforts of Parichaya in promoting the cultural revival through various types of stage plays by providing the platform for their presentation.

 

Fr. Henry Mascarenhas in his benedictory message congratulated Parichaya for the excellent work of promoting the art and culture and wished success in its future endeavours.

 

Fr. Alwyn Serrao narrated the essence of stage plays by giving examples from English plays such as Samuel Becket’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ and other famous playwrights such as Jean Paul Satre. He said that a writer of any play should have commitment and faithfulness. He also made a reference to ‘Protest Theatre’. Citing the example of the famous Marathi playwright Vijay Tendulkar Fr. Alwyn Serrao narrated some of his plays which gave messages against the existing social evils such as caste system and dowry.

 

Shri Shreedhar Moorthy along with other dignitaries unveiled the banner with the picture of ‘Parichaya Ranga Kendra’ drawn by Wilson Kayyar. 

 

In his message, Shri Shreedhar Moorthy said that ten years ago he was asked to inaugurate ‘Parichaya’ and ten years later he was once again asked to inaugurate the proposal to build a separate centre for Parichaya’s cultural activities. He wished success to the project and said that under the leadership of Prakash Noronha and other members of Parichaya this dream of having a ‘Parichaya Ranga Kendra’ would be realized.

 

 

Anil D’Sa in his presidential address narrated the circumstances under which Parichaya was formed and how he was asked to shoulder the responsibilities of the organization as the President. He  expressed gratitude to all the donors and supporters of Parichaya.

 

Mrs. Sarita Alva compeered the programme and Pundalika Marathe proposed the vote of thanks.

 

The inaugural play ‘Udiyolagina Kichchu’ in Kannada was presented by Nanda Gokula Artists of Arehole Pratistana directed by Prashant Udyavara. The story of the play was adapted from Kalidasa’s ‘Shakuntala’. The stage setting, costumes, lighting and music were the highlights of the play that kept the audience engaged throughout one hour fifteen minutes duration of the play.