National School of Drama Out Reach Centre to come up in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved the establishment of out reach centre of the National School of Drama (NSD) in Bhubaneswar.

In the initial phase, it will operate temporarily at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre in Bhubaneswar.

This out reach centre of NSD marks a prestigious milestone for Odisha, offering a golden opportunity for students aspiring to build careers in theatre and acting, stated Odisha’s Minister for Odia Language, Literature, and Culture, Suryabanshi Suraj.

He emphasized that the the out reach centre of NSD in Bhubaneswar will play a significant role in promoting and expanding Odia theatre, bringing regional narratives and traditional drama into the national and global spotlight.

The decision to set up an NSD out reach centre in Odisha was taken after consultations between Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and Culture Minister Shri Suraj.

Highlighting the importance of Odia theatre, Minister Suraj said, “Odisha’s rich history, literature, art and culture have been carried forth through the art of drama, which has narrated the region’s tales for generations. The NSD out reach centre in Bhubaneswar will serve as a catalyst for the growth of Odia theater productions”.

“The Bhubaneswar out reach centre of NSD will provide high-quality training, allowing students to represent Odisha on national and international platforms through theatrical performances”, he added.

It is notable that the National School of Drama was established in 1959 in Delhi, and since 1975, it has operated as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The renowned actor Paresh Rawal is currently its Chairperson, and distinguished Odia actor Chittaranjan Tripathy serves as its Director. Prominent actors from Odisha, such as Bijay Mohanty, Ajit Das and Surya Mohanty, are among NSD’s notable alumni.

With the establishment of a out reach centre of NSD in Odisha, there is a vision to widely promote Odia culture, especially the rich Odia theater tradition.