Bhopal, Nov 20: Minister for Public Relations, Mining and Culture Laxmikant Sharma informed that Ram Path Pratishthapana function would be organised at Chitrakoot in Satna district and Kalidas Samaroh at Ujjain on Wednesday. He informed that this year's national Kalidas Samman for theatre would be conferred on renowned theatre person Baba Saheb Purandare.

The Kalidas Samman for 2007-08 instituted by Madhya Pradesh Government in the field of drama would be given away to renowned theatre person Baba Saheb Purandare in the presence of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Moreshwar Rao Purandare popularly known as Baba Saheb Purandare was born on July 29, 1922 at Pune. Baba Saheb Purandare had been interested and enchanted by brave heroes of Indian history and the awe-inspiring incidents related to them always attracted Purandare. After getting his bachelor's degree, Purandare devotedly and dedicatedly tried to delve deep into the lives of our history's superheroes.

Due to these studies, Purandare became famous as a deep researcher and a credible but down-to-earth scholar. At a very tender age, Purandare wrote down stories related to Shiv era which were later compiled and published in the book titled 'Thhiganya' (Spark). So far Purandare has penned 36 books including Raja Chhatrapati, Kesari, and a book based on the life of Narayan Rao Peshwa. But the most famous of his works is the drama 'Jaanata Raja'. Purandare conceived the plot of this immortal drama of tremendous mass appeal in 1985, which he first staged in the same year. Since then the drama has been staged innumerous times. The presentation on the life of and character of Chhatrapati Shivaji and enacted by over 200 amateur artistes, is indeed astonishing in the contemporary context. Originally written in Marathi, Jaanata Raja has been staged in Hindi language also. The drama has so far been staged in 16 districts of Maharashtra, Agra, Delhi, Bhopal, and USA over 700 times. Baba Saheb Purandare has been given away a lot of awards and prizes for his creativity and contribution. These include Shiv-Sahir Degree, Punya Bhushan, Jeewan Gaurav, Maharashtra Bhushan, Shiv Bhushan and many other important awards.

Kalidas Samaroh

The Culture Minister informed that the seven-day Kalidas Samaroh would begin at Ujjain from November 21. On the first day of the Samaroh, Sanskrit drama 'Abhigyanshakuntalam' which is directed Rajendra Awasthi. On November 22, dance drama based on Mahakavi Kalidas' masterpieces 'Kumarsammbhav' and 'Meghdootam' would be especially presented by by famous film actress and dancer Hema Malini.

On the third day of the Samaroh on November 23, 2007 Tina Tambe of Mumbai would present dance-drama based on 'Ritusanhar'. Kailash Gautam directed drama 'Vikramorvsheeya' in Malavi language would be presented on the fourth day on November 24. Bhartendu Dance Academy, Lucknow's presentation 'Malvikagnimitram' would be stated on the fifth day on November 25. This drama is directed by Suryamohan Kulshreshta. A function based on instrumental music and dance would be presented on November 26, the sixth day of the Samaroh where Bahauddin Dagar would play on Rudraveena while Ms Shambhai Shukla would present Kathak dance. The Kalidas Samaroh would conclude on the seventh day on November 27 with classical music rendition by Pandit Chhanuulal Mishra.

Rampath Prathishthapna

The Culture Minister informed that the Madhya Pradesh Government is starting several important Anushthhans at 12 noon on November 21 at Chitrakoot in the presence Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan apart from Swami Avdheshanand and Sadhvi Ritambhara. The programmes include renovation of Mandakini river's Ghats with a cost of Rs 8 crores and various development schemes for cities and areas falling under Rampath (Lord Rama's path) from Chitrakoot, Panna, Jabalpur, Shahdol, Satna, Uchehra, Bheraghat, Bandhavgarh and Amarkantak. The Culture Department is also contemplating to establish a Leela Gurukul at Chitrakoot so also a an art museum.

Ghulam Ali at Anushriti on November 25

Culture Minister Sharma said that famous Ghazal exponent Ghulam Ali would enthrall the audience from 7.30 pm on November 25 at open air theatre of Bharat Bhawan. His presentation would be 18th under 'Anushriti' serial sponsored by Culture Directorate. Ghulam Ali, who has carved out a niche for himself in the world of contemporary art and culture with his unique style of singing, was born in 1940 in Sialkot city of Punjab. He was born into the family of a Sangeet Gharana, where he underwent initial training under his father. Later, he became a disciple of Patiala Gharana's famous maestro Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. The famous Ghazals of Ghulam Ali, who has been active for the last over four decades, include 'Hungama hai kyon barpa', 'Chupke Chupke raat din', 'Kal Chaudhaveen ki raat thi', etc.