University College to get open-air theatre

Socially relevant works carried out with a sense of aesthetics are not only significant but are worthy of appreciation, Mangalore University in-charge vice chancellor Dr Kishori Nayak K said on Thursday.

She was presiding over the programme organised after the ground-breaking of Karnataka Bank’s open-air theatre at University College in Hampankatta. Dr Kishori Nayak regretted that today’s world is marred by individualism and materialism. Thus if anyone steps forward to contribute to a social cause, such efforts should be encouraged, she stressed.

She thanked the bank for funding the college’s open-air theatre project. The in-charge vice-chancellor lauded the involvement of old students in the activities of their Alma-mater. “The alumni have maintained their bond with the institution,” she added.

She said the architects had taken care to ensure that the design of open-air theatre complements the heritage structure of college building and merges with the ethos of the 150-year-old campus. Dr Nayak advised the students to use the facility judicially.

Karnataka Bank Managing Director and CEO Mahabaleshwara M S said a real achievement is the one that motivates others to have a noble life. “As college life is a formative period, students should utilise the opportunities in order to mould their personality,” he said.

“The theatre will be built by the bank’s CSR funds. The theatre will help students to conduct and take part in cultural activities,” he said. University College Principal Prof Uday Kumar M A said the theatre (40x35 feet) will be built next to the P Dayananda Pai and P Satish Pai building.

“The theatre is designed by Nirmithi Kendra, Udupi, which will monitor the work as well. The structure will be built in such a way that it synchronizes with the laterite building of the university college. The theatre also will include the green room facility. The work is expected to be completed before the monsoons, the Principal added.

Mahabaleshwara performed the ground-breaking for Karnataka Bank open-air theatre. College alumni association president Dharmana Naik was chief guest.