Hanmakonda, November 19, 2024: Chief Minister Revanth Reddy will inaugurate Kaloji Kalakshetra, a sprawling cultural hub built in honor of Praja kavi Kaloji Narayana Rao. Situated on 4.2 acres in the Hayagriva Chari Maidan in Hanmakonda, this state-of-the-art facility is a tribute to the cultural and artistic legacy of Telangana.
A New Icon in Orugallu
The Kalakshetra, spread over 95,548 square feet, is a four-storied marvel of architectural design inspired by the British style. Constructed at a cost of ₹95 crore, it boasts a 1,127-seat auditorium, a 100-foot-long stage with advanced LED screens and projectors, and an art gallery. Designed as an artistic landmark, it surpasses the iconic Rabindra Bharathi in Hyderabad, providing a modern platform for performing artists.
Cultural and Multifunctional Spaces
The building features a mix of cultural, social, and functional spaces, including rehearsal rooms, a library, pre-function venues, green rooms, and food counters. The ground floor houses an auditorium with a seating capacity of 1,180, while the upper floors include function halls, offices, and terrace spaces. The facility is also equipped with landscaped pathways, ample parking, and other amenities to host a variety of cultural, social, and private events.
From Foundation to Inauguration
The foundation stone for Kaloji Kalakshetra was laid on September 9, 2014, by the then Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Kaloji. Initially estimated to cost ₹50 crore, the project saw its budget grow to ₹95 crore due to the ambitious design and added features. The earlier government completed civil works, but the Congress government took charge of finishing the project, including interiors, landscaping, and electrical works, making it ready for inauguration.
A Tribute to Kaloji’s Vision
Kaloji Kalakshetra stands as a tribute to the life and work of Kaloji Narayana Rao, a poet and activist who dedicated his life to Telangana and its people. Known for his politically charged poetry and social consciousness, Kaloji inspired generations to fight for their rights. The Kalakshetra now aims to nurture artistic talent, foster cultural heritage, and provide a modern platform for the artists of Orugallu.
This monumental project marks a new era for the arts in Telangana, offering a vibrant venue for cultural expression and public events, while paying homage to a beloved figure of the region.
