“It is the responsibility of the actors to preserve culture and social integrity. How can riots erupt where there are actors?” questioned noted actor Milind Shinde. He was speaking during the inauguration of the 49th Drama Festival of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University on Sunday. Director of the Students Welfare Board Dr. Kailas Ambhure presided over the event, and the head of the dramatics department, Vaishali Bodhele, was also present on the dais.
Shinde further said that the dramatics department has been continuously organizing the drama festival for the past 49 years, providing opportunities for the students. He encouraged the students to take advantage of this opportunity and emphasized that actors have the responsibility to shape society, as they serve as ideals for the youth.
Dr. Ambhure mentioned that artists should be committed to their art and work hard to restore the lost grandeur of drama. The university is starting new courses in Ambedkari Jalsa, Folk Arts, and Cultural Studies. Vice Chancellor Dr. Vijay Fulari plans to bring back the prosperity of the presentation department through the PM Usha and other schemes.
Dr. Bodhele delivered an introductory speech and informed the audience about the journey of the Drama Department over the past 50 years.
The jury of the drama festival, Dr. Kishor Shirsat, was felicitated on the occasion. Similarly, the actors of the movie ‘Sangala’ and the drama ‘Yayati’ were also honored.
Dr. Sanjay Savagikar and his team presented ‘Nandi,’ while the drama ‘Majboor,’ directed by Abhinav Jadhav and Anjali Chavan, was also presented.
Vishakha Shirwadkar conducted the proceedings of the function, while Dr. Santosh Galphade proposed a vote of thanks. Former head of the department Dr. Jayant Shevtekar, Dr. Smita Pandhare, Dr. Gajanan Dandge, Dr. Smita Sable, Dr. Ramdas Thoke, Dr. Rakhi Salgar, and others were present.
