B S Venkataram was a well known name in the fields of Journalism and theatre. He inspired, guided many young talents in his days as a journalist, theatre activist, playwright, director, actor and teacher. Hundreds of school teachers trained under him are taking theatre classes across the state.

Mr Venkataram born on November 16, 1911 started his career as a journalist by launching Kathagara,a monthly magazine in 1934. Since then he had been involved launching many newspapers. He was editor, printer and publisher for Deshabandhu daily, Deshabandhu weekly and Chaya, a monthly magazine.

Besides he was active in theatre. He wrote many plays, adopted many plays to the stage, directed a few and also played prominent roles in many plays. He began theatre activities at an early age of 14 itself.

He acted in many plays written by T P Kailasam and Parvathavani and wrote many plays. His plays are Antharagange, Makkalivaremma, Olasanchu, Ekalavya, Danda, Banje and many others.

He started training teachers in dramatics, with syllabus approved by the State Government, in 1959. His syllabus comprised Natya Sastra, cultured history, direction, production, acting, stage craft and make up. For the benefit of budding talents he translated Bharatha’s Natya Sastra into Kannada. He also served as director of Mysore State Academy for Teacher Training Academy of Dance and Drama. Education departments of various other states including Andhra Pradesh sought his guidelines in preparing syllabus for theatre in schools. He was elected president of Journalist Association of Karnataka in 1949, served as nominated member of Mysore State Sangeetha Nataka Academy and held many responsibilities. He passed away in 1987. His children and grand children have come together to revive late Mr Venkataram’s activities. They constructed Kalabhavan after Venkataram’s name in Chamarajpet, six months ago. Mr Pradeep, Shashikanth and other grand children who are into different professions have decided to take up theatre training programmes at Kalabhavan.

On the occasion of Venkataram’s 96th birth anniversary on November 16, his family members are felicitating many personalities who contributed to theatre and journalism fields. Veteran journalists S V Jayasheelarao, Garudanagiri Nagaraj, theatre activist and journalist A S Murthy, columnist H S Krishnaswamy Aiyengar (HSK), theatre artist Yamuna Murthy and others will be felicitated.

The programme will be held at B S Venkataram Kalabhavan, # 193, 4th main road, Chamarajpet at 3 pm.