Uday Shankar Academy in Almora opens in June

ALMORA: After lying in neglect and disuse for over six years now, the Uday Shankar Academy in secluded Falsima – seven kilometere away from Almora Bazaar – is waking up to a buzz of activities. With last minute construction works, including electricity and water connections, nearing completion, the academy’s lone building will finally be handed over to the state’s department of culture in June when it will witness a gala opening ceremony, sources said.
The academy stands testimony to deceased dance maestro Uday Shankar’s legacy for this is where, during an extended stay from 1936 to 1942, he had invented a unique dance form that was a cross between Indian classical dance and the famous local ballet – Kumaoni Ramlila. He also carried out a number of experiments in classical dance and music during this time. His troupe included two celebrated Bollywood personalities – Guru Dutt and Zohra Sehgal.
Construction work of the academy was sanctioned in 2001 by Jagmohan, then Union minister for tourism and culture, in response to requests from Kumaoni cultural activists and Amala Shankar, late Uday Shankar’s wife. Former President of India, A P J Abdul Kalam laid the academy’s foundation stone in October 2002.
Initially set for completion in 2005, shortage of funds delayed the academy’s launch first to 2008 and then to 2015.
“Of the total Rs 8 crore set aside for the purpose, Rs 5 crore was provided by the Centre while the state bore the rest of the expenses,” informed Beena Bhat, director, department of culture, Uttarakhand.
However, in the last phase of the work, a further sum of Rs 1.6 crore was needed to complete electrical connections, water supply lines and other miscellaneous details. The sanction of this sum was held up for along time. “Electrical works will be over in another 15 days,” said Hari Singh, the lone caretaker of the building who has been looking after its upkeep since 2008.
“CPWD will hand over the building to us in June, when we are planning a gala opening. Celebrities in the field of arts and culture from the across the country will be invited to the event,” Bhat said.
Earlier in 1938, compelled by his love for Almora, late Uday Shankar had set up another institute at Simtola named Uday Shankar Indian Cultural Centre. However, shortage of money prompted him to close it down in 1942. Although he continued to visit the centre for years afterwards, his dream to set up a full-fledged institute in the hill station remained unfulfilled for decades till the Centre and state joined hands to make it a reality.
Cultural activists in Almora hope to see the deceased maestro’s dreams realized. “The Academy will have the potential to attract a lot of talent from within and outside the country,” said Sudesh Bisht, a local resident.
The ministry of tourism also plans to organize an annual dance and music festival at the academy that will promote music, dance and drama.