An open-air theatre was inaugurated at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI) on Thursday by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, 3 years after its work started. One of the most unique features of this theatre is that an 83-year-old banyan tree will be at its centre.
The banyan tree was planted by Vajinath Kashinath Rajwade in 1937. He was the executive chairman of the institute. Just like the work of the institute, the tree has expanded and grown over the years.
“I can imagine how satisfied and joyous those behind this open-air theatre are now that it is ready,” said Gadkari during the function. The minister said the theatre will be useful for many artists in Pune.
Industrialist Abhay Firodia, who is also the chairman of the BORI regulating council and his trust, funded the theatre, while Nachiket Patwardhan, a senior architect, designed it.
The theatre has a seating capacity of 1,500 people and has been built at the cost of Rs 7 crore. The project was entirely funded by Firodia Trust.
It has been built in a way where artists and even organizers can host 3 different programs at the same time.
Firodia said, “This open theatre is one of the largest stages for artists in Pune. I appeal to everyone to benefit from it.”
The idea behind this open-air theatre is inspired by Shantiniketan. The institute hopes it would be a revenue source for research projects.
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