Ravindralaya

On the 100th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a decision was taken to build seven ravindralaya across India to commemorate the legendary poet, writer, playwright, and composer. The Ravindralaya of Lucknow, constructed in 1964, is the only one in Uttar Pradesh. It was made with the aim of achieving the long felt social and cultural needs of this city. The campus is not just aesthetically beautiful, but also provides a comfortable, centrally situated, and properly equipped hall. Ravindralaya is basically a theatre devoted to dance, music, drama, and poetry. It ranks among some of the best auditoriums in the city.

On the 100th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a decision was taken to build seven ravindralaya across India to commemorate the legendary poet, writer, playwright, and composer. The Ravindralaya of Lucknow, constructed in 1964, is the only one in Uttar Pradesh. It was made with the aim of achieving the long felt social and cultural needs of this city. The campus is not just aesthetically beautiful, but also provides a comfortable, centrally situated, and properly equipped hall. Ravindralaya is basically a theatre devoted to dance, music, drama, and poetry. It ranks among some of the best auditoriums in the city.

The Ravindralaya, with a seating capacity of around 800, was not found suitable for performances that required a small audience. Hence, difficulties were experienced by performers who needed a smaller room for script reading or rehearsals, it was thus decided that a mini auditorium would be built for such purposes. It would also be suitable for lectures, conferences, seminars, etc.

The mini-auditorium was designed with a modern concept in mind. It has all the necessities required for an auditorium, such as good sound and light effects. One of its main aims was to impart a cosy atmosphere for the audience as well as the performers. The ceiling is beautifully designed with plaster of paris, the walls have rosewood panelling, and the hall is equipped with concealed lighting. There is a small gallery provided for the technical direction of sequences and performances on the stage. The light and sound controls are located in this gallery.

 

The auditorium was designed by architects, Messrs. Sharma and Associates of Lucknow.

The Ravindralaya was built with the help of the Motilal Nehru Society Trust. The Motilal Nehru Society Trust is a philanthropic organisation that aims to foster the cultural heritage of the country and revive the practice of seeing classical and modern music as well as drama on stage. It has served in various different fields before and after the Independence and is working for the social welfare of people.

 The Ravindralaya was inaugurated on 14th August, 1971 by Dr. B. Gopala Reddy, the then governor of Uttar Pradesh. The inauguration saw a musical performance from Mahesh Kumar and Party from Mumbai.

 

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