Minister kick starts Nandi Natakotsavam

Vizianagaram: Minister for Rural Development K Mrunalini inaugurated the State-level Nandi Natakotsavam here on Wednesday. The competitions will be conducted between January 18 and 25.

After lighting the lamp, Mrunalini said that she was delighted to start such a great event on the death anniversary of former Chief Minister N T Rama Rao.

The government has allotted Rs 53 lakh to conduct the event in a grand manner and this is a best platform for participants to prove their mettle, she said.

Plays and playlets have lost their glory due to TV and cinemas, but the government is committed to encourage artistes who are staging dramas, she added.

Artistes from West Bengal, Puducherry, Chhattisgarh are taking part in the event.

Collector Vivek Yadav said that this is the second time to conduct such a programme in Vizianagaram and added that he is glad to learn the students from various colleges and universities are participating in the Natakotsavam.

Five eminent personalities will judge each programme and announce the winners and runners up. He announced that the best performing team will get a cash award.

On the first day, a drama troupe from Vizianagaram staged ‘Mohini Bhasmasura’ play.