HT Correspondent
SIVASAGAR, Feb 4: The historic Sivasagar Natya Mandir received a new lease of life on Wednesday with the inauguration of its renovated premises, funded with Rs 1.94 crore from the Chief Minister’s financial aid, after being closed for nearly five years.
Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, inaugurating the new-look Natya Mandir, recalled the contributions of the first president Phanidhar Chaliha, first secretary Benudhar Rajkhowa and others who laid the foundation of Sivasagar Natya Samaj in 1899. He also paid tribute to ‘Seuj Konwar’ Paragdhar Chaliha, who modernised the institution and strengthened its cultural legacy.
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Dr Sarma highlighted that Sivasagar’s theatrical tradition dates back to the Ahom era, when Vaishnavite Satras were encouraged by the Ahom kings to stage Bhainas and other cultural programmes. He cited the staging of ‘Ravan Badh’ Bhaona under Swargadeo Rajeswar Singha in Rangpur, the erstwhile name of Sivasagar and said the tradition continued through Chandrakanta Singha’s reign. The first modern drama in Sivasagar was staged by students of Sivasagar Government School in 1886. Noted lyricist Parbati Prasad Baruah later revived the genuine Assamese drama tradition by staging plays like ‘Sonit Konwari’ and ‘Chakradwaj Singha’, moving away from Bengali influences.
The CM also mentioned that the first movable round stage, named after Bhagawati Baruah, was added to the Natya Mandir in 1957. Over time, the founders went on to establish another institution of prominence, Seujia Sangeet Mahavidyalaya. He noted that various drama groups that emerged after independence have continued to uphold the rich tradition of dramatic art in the region.
Dr Sarma said the state government has been supporting theatres with funding and modern technology, citing institutions like Sankardev Kala Kshetra, Madhabdev Auditorium in Guwahati and Badala Ata Auditorium in Narayanpur. The event was attended by Education Minister Dr Ranuj Pegu, MLA Sushanta Borgohain, Sivasagar District Commissioner Mridul Yadav, noted artist Pranjal Saikia, Sivasagar Natya Samaj president Dipali Chaliha, Kirip Chaliha, Saurov Chaliha and others. Special appreciation was also extended to Parag Chaliha’s wife, educationist Dipali Chaliha and architect Ashok Saikia for their efforts in the renovation.
The reopening marks a significant moment in preserving and promoting Sivasagar’s century-old theatrical heritage while providing modern facilities for artists and audiences alike.
