Mon May 12 05:01:02 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Minister Pledges Funds for Ninasam Theatre Institute
**Heggodu, Karnataka –** Karnataka’s Minister for Kannada and Culture, Shivaraj Tangadagi, has promised funding to renovate the Shivarama Karantha Rangamandira and other infrastructure at the Ninasam theatre institute in Heggodu, Shivamogga district. The announcement came during the inauguration of Ninasam’s 75th-anniversary theatre festival on May 11th.
Ninasam, a renowned theatre institute and production house, had requested government assistance for infrastructure upgrades. Minister Tangadagi praised Ninasam’s accomplishments, highlighting its impressive achievements despite limited resources. He assured the institute of sufficient funding in the current fiscal year.
K.V. Akshara, associated with Ninasam, detailed the institute’s history and financial needs. He revealed that while the state government had contributed ₹8.5 crore since 1980, and the central government ₹5 crore, significant renovations are needed, with an estimated ₹75 lakh required just for roof repairs. A memorandum seeking funds was submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in 2024.
MLA Belur Gopala Krishna also emphasized Ninasam’s importance and pledged support for securing further government funding. The festival opened with a performance of Bertolt Brecht’s “Mother Courage and Her Children,” although the event was delayed due to the late arrival of the minister. This delay caused some disappointment among attendees.
First Piper 