Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tangdgi along with artists of Ninam, who staged the play of Bertolt Brecht Mother courage and her children On May 11, 2025 in Karnataka in Heggodu in Shivamogga district. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Heggodu (Shivamogga)
Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tanggat has promised funds to renovate the development works of Shivarma Karant Rangmandira and other infrastructure in Heggodu in Karnataka.
He announced on 11 May after inaugurating the Ninasam Theater Festival in Heggodu. Ninasam, who runs a theater institute, has completed 75 years and has sought money from the Karnataka government to renew his infrastructure in the village.
Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tanggat inaugurated the Ninam Theater Festival in Heggodu on 11 May 2025. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Shri Tangdai appreciated the achievements of Ninasam in decades. The organization produced talented artists. With minimal expenses, the institute has recorded impressive achievements. “The state government is committed to encouraging cultural activities. I will ensure that the organization gets sufficient funds in the current financial year,” he said.
KV Akshara, who runs activities in the institute, narrated the history of the institute and its activities. He said that the government of Karnataka had given a complete Crore 8.5 crore for its activities between 1980 and March 2025. The amount provided in 45 years was about one third of the amount spent on the annual Kannada Sahitya Samelana. “Apart from the state government, the central government has so far provided ₹ 5 crore. Some private foundations have contributed funds for activities. So far, the Theater Institute has trained more than 650 students, who have been active in various fields including cinema and television media,” he said.
Shri Akshara said that Shivarma Kandanath Ranga Mandira was constructed in 1978 at a cost of ₹ 85,000. He said, “The time has come to renovate the structure. To change the roof alone, we need ₹ 75 lakh. We presented a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in 2024, the year Nansam completed 75 years. We are requesting money to continue activities.”
Sagar MLA Belur Gopala Krishna said that KV Sabbanna, founder of Nainasam, Kannada Kannada Kannada was very immense contribution to the literary world and theater. He founded the organization in a village, and brought intellectuals and theater personalities from different parts of the world. The institute requires funds to continue its activities. “I will ensure that the institute gets enough funds from the government,” he said.
Ninasam Executive Committee Chairman Siddharth Bhat and Karnataka Bhovi Vikas Nigam Chairman Ravikumar were present.
Show late
A drama based on Bertolt Brecht Mother courage and her children The first day of the five -day festival was staged on 11 May. The play was directed by M. Ganesh has done. However, the show was delayed.
The show was scheduled to begin at 7 pm, as part of the Ninsam Theater Festival, but delayed more than one hour and 15 minutes.
Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tanggi was scheduled to inaugurate the festival at 5 pm, however, he reached the venue at 7 pm.
The institute is known to follow a strict time schedule during organizing theater events. Theater-lovers from many distant places including Shivamogga, Sagar and many nearby villages visited Heggodu to see plays. Some of them were seen expressing their disappointment over the delay. He said that a delay was rarely experienced in Heggodu.
Published – May 12, 2025 10:31 AM IST
