The newly appointed members of the Theatre Academy taking oath in the presence of Minister for Tourism and Culture Kandula Durgesh at Ghantasala Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada on Saturday.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Cinematography Kandula Durgesh on Saturday reaffirmed the Andhra Pradesh government’s commitment to reviving the glory of Telugu theatre, mythological and social dramas, verse-based plays, and folk art traditions while ensuring the dignity and welfare of artistes.
Speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of the newly appointed members of the Theatre Academy, functioning under the Andhra Pradesh State Creativity and Cultural Society, at Ghantasala Government College of Music and Dance in Vijayawada, the Minister urged the new members to work towards promoting Telugu art and culture across the State and beyond. The 22 newly appointed members assumed office and were felicitated. Director, Department of Culture R. Mallikarjuna Rao and others were present.
Reflecting on his own association with the arts, Mr. Durgesh said he had performed monodramas such as Balachandrudu and Veerapandya Kattabomman.
The Minister explained that the oath-taking ceremony was delayed due to amendments to the relevant Government Order to increase the number of Academy members from 13 to 22. Assuring all support to the committee, he said the required financial resources would be provided soon.
Speaking about the importance of transparency, Mr. Durgesh noted that such ceremonies were once conducted behind closed doors but were now being held in the presence of artistes, cultural enthusiasts and the public. He stressed the collective responsibility of preserving traditional verse-based theatre and folk arts and congratulated Academy Chairman Gummadi Gopalakrishna on receiving a National Award from the Central Government.
Special pension
He said steps would be taken to restore the Special Artists’ Pension and that a comprehensive action plan would be prepared under the leadership of the Academy Chairman to support artists from the village level to those with national recognition.
The Minister further assured government support to the Creativity Society and the Folk and Theatre Academy, stating that issues faced by the committees would be taken up with the Chief Minister and that necessary resources and facilities would be provided to strengthen cultural activities and support artists across the state.
Published – August 08, 2026 09:24 pm IST
