After the first wave of COVID 19 subsided, Shilparamam Madhapur and mini Shilparamam Uppal opened its doors on Gandhi Jayanthi Day in 2020. Many cultural activities were hosted at both the centres in the past six months and due to the second COVID wave, there are no cultural activities but the visitor flow has touched rock bottom.
Natyahasini spoke to Shilparamam Special Officer G Kishan Rao on cultural spaces opening up after the first pandemic and its operations during this time.
“The Shilparamam and Shilpakala Vedika reopened on 2nd October 2020 after the first spell of COVID. Visitors who were anxiously waiting for its reopening were immensely happy and enjoyed its activities and ambience,” Kishan Rao said
On the programmes presented at both the venues after its reopening in the last six months, the Special Officer said that consequent to its reopening from 2nd October 2020 onwards over 1000 artists not only from Hyderabad but also from other districts and states have participated and showcased their programmes not only in Shilparamam Madhapur but also at mini Shilparamam, Uppal.
Kishan Rao said that during the period, they also conducted the All India Handloom and Handicrafts Mela and Sankranthi Sandadi for a period of a month beginning from 15 December 2020 to 16 January 2021 following strict Covid rules. “The cultural programmes were conducted at both the venues during the weekends – every Saturday and Sunday, besides on the festival days,” he said.
Replying to a question on whether COVID rules are adhered to, the Special Officer said that COVID rules, regulations and restrictions issued by the State Government and Government of India from time-to-time are being strictly implemented and imposed on the visitors.
Sharing his observation on what was the audience was like, Kishan Rao said that it is not an exaggeration to say that every visitor who entered the premises enjoyed its wonderful and amazing ambience particularly the Paintings, lush green lawns and arches made with pots and its beautiful flowers. “Hundreds of art lovers have been seen taking selfies at every alternative place,” he said. The Special Officer said that many visitors came up to him and mentioned that they missed the Shilparamam during the lockdown period as they were confined to their homes.
Kishan Rao said that due to the present second wave of COVID, there are no appreciable visitors at both the areas and the inflow has fallen to 10 percent. “We will be anxiously waiting for the good days to come,” he said signing off.