National School of Drama will be established in Rajamahendravaram, says Andhra Pradesh Tourism Minister

Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Tuesday said the government is committed to reviving and promoting folk arts in Andhra Pradesh with active support from the Centre.

He was speaking after administering the oath of office to V. Gangulayya, who assumed charge as Chairman of the Andhra Pradesh State Folk Arts and Creative Academy. The Minister announced that a National School of Drama would soon be established in Rajamahendravaram.

As part of the government’s initiative to promote folk arts, Mr. Durgesh said they would be introduced in schools and colleges, and pensions for artistes would be restored.

Drama Academy Chairman Gummadi Gopalakrishna, State Cultural and Creative Committee Chairperson Tejaswi Podapati, Rampachodavaram MLA Sirisha Devi, Pendurthi MLA P. Ramesh, Cultural Department Director R. Mallikarjuna Rao, RTC Regional Chairman Reddappala Naidu, Jana Sena Party State decretary A. Vasu, Party dpokesperson Rayapati Aruna, members of Mr. Gangulayya’s family, coalition leaders, and others were present.