Saturday, November 28, 2009

The Hindu - Wednesday, Nov 25, 2009

Karnataka - Mysore

Lingadevaru Halemane named Rangayana head

MYSORE: Theatre repertory Rangayana got a new Director with the State Government clearing the name of well-known linguist and writer Lingadevaru Halemane on Tuesday.

When contacted, Dr. Halemane, who recently retired from the Central Institute of Indian Languages (CIIL), said that the news came as a complete surprise. “I was not in the race for the director’s post nor did I lobby for it though I was under pressure from various quarters. Though I am yet to receive the official orders, I was informed about the Government’s decision by Jayachamaraje Urs, Secretary, Department of Kannada and Culture, who called to congratulate me,” said Dr. Halemane.

“Actually I am in a dilemma as I was preparing to take charge as Chairman of the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts. But I have been associated with Rangayana since its inception and have been a member of the Ranga Samaja. I have also been closely involved with all its activities, including conducting seminars during the national theatre festivals. I am also aware of the problems plaguing Rangayana and hence am thinking of accepting the post,” he said.

When asked what would be his first priority on taking charge, Dr. Halemane said that he was interested in the welfare of the artistes and would take steps to ensure Rangayana’s robust growth.

Dr. Halemane was offered the post of Rangayana director a few years ago but CIIL was reluctant to depute him. “Now that I have retired from CIIL, there will be no problem in accepting the post,” said Dr. Halemane. The post fell vacant after B. Jayashree quit exactly one month ago after a series of controversies.