FROM CLASSROOMS TO COMMUNITY STAGES: FORMER PRINCIPAL PROF. (DR.) RAKESH KAPOOR LEADS CULTURAL REVIVAL IN MANDI

Munish Sood
MANDI

Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Kapoor, a distinguished academician, former Principal of the College Cadre, and retired MGNAREGA Ombudsman, is taking his lifelong dedication to education a step further. Recognized in 2010 with the prestigious Prerna Strot Samman Puruskar for his outstanding contributions to Higher Education in Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Kapoor and his family have unveiled a major cultural initiative aimed at nurturing the state’s artistic talent.

Utilizing their own personal resources, the family has transformed their ancestral land in Lower Panjehti into a dedicated “Art Village” complete with a newly constructed open-air Amphitheatre. The project operates under the banner of the Kalru Kaith Foundation, a non-profit company registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.

The venue’s grand inauguration is set for Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 2:00 PM, falling on the 100th birth anniversary of Late Sh. Tek Chand Kapoor.

Bridging Heritage and New Careers
Designed to position Mandi as a thriving cultural hub, the foundation aims to support linguists, traditional artisans, film directors, and young creators.
“This is an effort to provide a unique platform for artists across all genres,” the foundation noted, emphasizing a commitment to aligning with the experiential learning goals of the National Education Policy 2020.

Grand Opening Schedule & Highlights
Live Cultural Showcase: Performances include Classical Music by Sangeet Sadan Mandi and Bhisham; Folk Music featuring Krishna Thakur, Rupeshwari Sharma, and Prakash Chand Dhiman; Classical Dance by Tapas Sangeet & Nritaya Academy; Folk Dance by Mandavya Kala Manch; and Theatre productions by Seema Sharma And Deep Kumar.

Literary & Musical Spotlights: Live poetry recitals by Dr. Rakesh Kapoor alongside showcase performances by emerging groups Sunkingardns and Aakya.
Industry Insights: Interactive talks covering Art (Ujwala Kapoor), Animation & Comics (Vatsal Bucha & Sudhanshu Kanwar), Design (Sudeep Kapoor), and Film (Aditya Chavan) to help students explore new creative career paths.

Year-Round Programs: Future plans include a Quarterly Art Magazine, children’s Summer Schools focusing on life skills through art, and monthly community clubs for book lovers, poets, and gardening enthusiasts.
The Kapoor family has invited all local artists, students, and art lovers from across the region to attend the opening ceremony and participate in building this new community space.