Concerns Rise Over Delayed Opening of Sivasagar Natya Mandir

Residents Demand Action on Sivasagar Natya Mandir

Sivasagar, Dec 21: A significant number of local residents are voicing their frustration regarding the prolonged closure of the renovated Sivasagar Natya Mandir. This renovation was funded with a Rs 2 crore grant from the Chief Minister nearly five years ago.

Established in 1899 on land donated by Radhika Rasad Baruah and Bhavani Baruah, the Sivasagar Natya Mandir has historically been a center for cultural activities, regularly hosting theatrical performances.

In the 1980s, efforts to reconstruct the Natya Mandir were spearheaded by Seuj Konwar Porag Chaliha, who was then the principal of Sivasagar College.

The recent repair work was executed by the Natya Mandir Reconstruction Committee, led by Saurov Chaliha, through a firm based in Guwahati. Reports indicate that the wooden stage had to be dismantled and rebuilt due to termite damage, incurring significant costs.

Professor Sonaram Baruah, a former principal of Sibsagar Girls’ College, expressed his astonishment at the lengthy duration of the repairs, which have deprived local youth of a venue to display their talents.

Similarly, Professor Kartick Dutta, a former principal of Sivasagar Commerce College, remarked that a public institution funded by the government should have been inaugurated promptly after the completion of its renovations.

Advocate Diganta Mangal Neog and Sadikur Rahman, both members of the Natya Mandir Managing Committee, informed that the repair work was finalized about a year ago. However, the ceremonial opening has yet to occur as Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has not provided a date. They anticipate that the Natya Mandir may open later this month.

Ananda Mohan Sharma, a well-known contractor, mentioned that he had contributed sand at no cost during the construction of the modern theatre under Porag Chaliha's leadership. He criticized the current committee for neglecting the contributions of many individuals.

Some residents, who preferred to remain unnamed, expressed concerns that the Natya Mandir has become almost a private entity, lacking public engagement, which contradicts the inclusive vision originally set forth by Porag Chaliha.