Cuttack: A joint press conference held today by the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and Janata Ranga Manch at the historic theatre’s premises in Banka Bazar called for immediate action to preserve and restore the iconic institution, which has been a cornerstone of Odisha’s theatre movement since 1953.
Addressing the media, INTACH State Convener Dr. Biswajit Mohanty highlighted the rich legacy and present condition of the Janata Ranga Manch. Once a vibrant cultural hub that hosted the finest of Odia theatre, the Manch now lies in a state of ruin. Dr. Mohanty emphasized that the site, which has withstood the test of time for over seven decades, deserves urgent state intervention and formal recognition as a heritage institution.
Established in 1953, the Janata Ranga Manch played a pivotal role in nurturing and promoting Odia theatre, staging performances by eminent playwrights for over five decades. However, the devastating Super Cyclone of 1999 destroyed the original structure, forcing the institution to function from a makeshift facility ever since.
Deepak Samantaray, Co-convener of INTACH’s Cuttack Chapter, lamented the loss of cultural heritage across the city and noted that Janata Ranga Manch was once the pride of the millennium city. He called for official heritage status to be granted to the theatre, stating that it is an irreplaceable symbol of Cuttack’s cultural identity.
Echoing the sentiment, theatre activist Indrajit Ghosh said that Janata Ranga Manch has served as the foundation of Odisha’s theatrical tradition. He stressed that granting heritage status is not merely symbolic but essential for safeguarding the institution’s ongoing legacy and cultural contributions.
Dr. Ananga Dwivedi, advisor to the Manch, recalled that current Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his tenure as Collector of Cuttack, had visited the theatre and proposed the development of an Adarsh Natya Sanghralaya — a model theatre museum with comprehensive renovation of the Janata Ranga Manch.
Eminent filmmaker Subash Rath underlined the importance of restoring the theatre for future generations. He said the institution stands as a living icon of Odisha’s theatre movement and its revival would serve as a tribute to the state’s artistic journey.
Anil Dhir, representing INTACH, announced that the organization will soon submit a formal appeal to the government, demanding heritage status for Janata Ranga Manch. He stated that without immediate restoration, the structure faces irreversible decay. “This is not just a crumbling building,” he said, “it is a living archive of Odia theatre, continuously active since 1953.”
The joint appeal aims to mobilize support for the declaration of Janata Ranga Manch as a heritage site and to urge authorities to undertake a comprehensive restoration and development plan. As voices grow louder in support of its preservation, the theatre community and heritage activists hope the state will act swiftly to save one of Odisha’s most enduring cultural landmarks.