Pawarwadi folk art centre opened

PARNER, Oct 7: Despite opposition from the villagers, a controversial kalakendra at Pawarwadi near Supe on October 5 was inaugurated by writer Laxman Mane. Minister of State for Cultural Affairs, Anil Deshmukh, who was to inaugurate the centre did not turn up.

The function was attended by Marathi film actress Madhu Kambikar, tamasha artiste Saraswati Kolhapurkar and kalakendra owners from Pune and Sangli.

The villagers had threatened to launch a rasta roko to oppose the opening of the folk art centre. Social activist Anna Hazare had also opposed the opening. The State Government which had withheld permission recently gave provisional permission for the opening. The villagers did not organise any protests at the inaugural ceremony. A large number of police personnel were present.