Gajanan Maharaj casts a spell on second day of Kalidas Mahotsav

The mega play was presented under the aegis of the Maharashtra Tourism Development Corporation, District Administration of Nagpur, Nagpur Municipal Corporation and Nagpur Improvement Trust. The play was presented by Sanskar Multiservices, Nagpur and sponsored by Sumantkumar Gadekar Memorial Pratishthan. Over 150 artists performed in the mega drama which had the packed Nehru Maidan. Film Actor Mukund Vasule performed the stellar role of Gajanan Maharaj with aplomb. The play revolved around the life of Gajanan Maharaj revealing some of the miracles performed by him that has generated a mass following all over India. The play was directed by Dr Naresh Gadekar and presented by Asawari Tidke of Sanskar Multiservices Nagpur. The play had some beautifully choreographed dances that were performed by the young artists in a truly professional manner. The play had tremendous devotional impact due to its superbly crafted stage sets, lighting arrangement, costumes and recorded dialogues and music. The dialogues and lyrics were written by Sant Kavi Chandrasek har Varadhpande,conceptualised by Anagha Vekhande. Music was provided by Girish Varadhpande, while anchor was Sunil Bonde. Prakash Patrikar was Joint Director while Ummesh Giripunje and Tarkeshwar Khadge choreographed the dances. Special effects were provided by Rakesh Khade. Atul Shebe was Assistant Director and sets were designed by Sunil Umdapure and Nana Misal. Shubhangi Rayulu compered the programme. The play was inaugurated by District Collector Pravin Darade. MLA Ashish Jaiswal was also prominently present. With thousands thronging the venue on both the days of the mahotsav, the MTDC needs to do some serious thinking to consider hosting the mahotsav for atleast three days in Ramtek in future. A visit to the Kalidas memorial however, left one with a feeling of dejection and anger as the memorial completely lacks proper care and maintenance. The false ceiling inside the memorial has provided ideal nesting site to a colony of birds known as the ‘Swifts’ while the sand stone used, shows sign of decay and neglect. The paintings have labels put on them which have become corroded and are just not legible. Some merge lighting has been made on the dome of the memorial. No detailed information, displayed on a board or a marble plaque is visible anywhere. Pop music blares from the loud speakers here instead of bhajans or religious hymns. What sort of tourism development MTDC authorities aim to do with such a shabby display is a big question.