Mangaluru: Renowned actor and theatre personality Nana Patekar emphasized the role of theatre in questioning societal discord during his visit to St Aloysius College, Mangaluru. Inaugurating the 'Nehada Neyge' theatre program organized by Nirdiganta and Asthitva groups, Patekar underscored the importance of using the stage as a platform for expressing dissent and promoting awareness.

While distancing himself from any political affiliations, Patekar stressed the need for theatre to cleanse the political landscape and contribute positively to society. He urged fellow actor and Nirdiganta founder Prakash Raj to focus on creating plays that address social issues rather than getting involved in politics.

Highlighting the significance of teamwork in theatre, Patekar emphasized the importance of actors overcoming language barriers to portray diverse roles. He recounted his experience working on the film 'Nat Samrat' and how it inspired him to establish the 'Naam Foundation' to support farmers in need.

Addressing the audience, Patekar emphasized the importance of voting, condemning those who neglect this civic duty as traitors. He also reflected on the significance of religious harmony, reminiscing about the pleasant memories of hearing the Azan during his childhood.

Actor Prakash Raj discussed the growth of Nirdiganta over the past nine months, emphasizing its inclusivity and talent from across the country. The event commenced with a musical recitation of the song 'Haduva Mara' followed by a rendition of the Preamble to the Constitution.

Several dignitaries, including Vice Chancellor Dr. Praveen Martis, Dr. Sripad Bhat, Rev. Alvin Serrao, Chandrahas Ullal, and Christopher, attended the inauguration ceremony. The event drew a large crowd, including members of the public, who witnessed the opening ceremony at the college's open theatre. Subsequently, the play 'Bob Marley from Kodihalli' was staged at the LCRI auditorium.

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New Delhi (PTI): In the wake of violence in Uttar Pradesh's Sambhal, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday accused the Yogi Adityanath government of creating divisions while sitting in power and urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance of the matter and deliver justice.

Three people were killed and scores of others, including security and administration personnel, injured as protesters opposing a court-ordered survey of a Mughal-era mosque in Sambhal clashed with police on Sunday.

In a post in Hindi on X, Priyanka Gandhi said, "The attitude of the state government regarding the sudden dispute in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, is very unfortunate. The way the administration acted in haste in such a sensitive matter without listening to the other side, without taking both the parties into confidence, shows that the government itself spoiled the atmosphere there."

The administration did not even consider it necessary to follow the necessary procedure and duty, the Congress general secretary said.

"Trying to spread discrimination, oppression and division while sitting in power is neither in the interest of the people nor in the interest of the country. The honourable Supreme Court should take cognisance of the matter and do justice," Priyanka Gandhi said.

"My appeal to the people of the state is to maintain peace in all circumstances," she asserted.

The district administration has imposed prohibitory orders and barred the entry of outsiders till November 30 following Sunday's violence.

Deputy Inspector General of Police (Moradabad) Muniraj told reporters on Monday that Naeem, Bilal and Nauman -- the three men who died in Sunday's violence -- had been buried. All three were aged about 25.

Divisional Commissioner (Moradabad) Aunjaneya Kumar Singh said on Sunday, "Shots were fired by miscreants... the PRO of the superintendent of police suffered a gunshot to the leg, the circle officer was hit by pellets and 15 to 20 security personnel were injured in the violence."

A constable also suffered a serious head injury while the deputy collector fractured his leg, he had said.

Internet services were soon suspended in Sambhal tehsil for 24 hours and the district administration declared a holiday in all schools for Monday.

The Congress on Sunday alleged that the Adityanath administration was squarely responsible for killing innocents and only the BJP-RSS was guilty of "setting fire" to peace and harmony in Sambhal.

The opposition party had said the videos of direct firing on the protesters depicted the horrifying result of a "well-planned conspiracy" by Adityanath and the BJP-RSS.