Bhubaneswar, Nov 1: A regional unit of the National School of Drama (NSD) will open in Bhubaneswar soon. The State government has approved the proposal. 

According to the government, the NSD branch will initially operate at the Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra Odissi Research Centre. 

Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj had earlier submitted a proposal to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in this regard. Following due process, the State government approved the proposal. 

"It is a matter of pride for the people of Odisha that a branch of the prestigious National School of Drama will open in Bhubaneswar," said Suryabanshi Suraj. 

The Minister hoped that the NSD would showcase Odia drama and help in promoting the Odia Drama. It would act as a golden platform for students who want to take up acting as a career. 

"The National School of Drama, Bhubaneswar will provide a golden opportunity to all the students who want to build a future in the fields of drama and acting. Students will not only receive high-quality training here but also promote Odia language, literature, art, culture and history through drama performances at the international level," said Minister Suryavanshi Suraj.

The National School of Drama, Delhi, established in 1959, has been functioning as an autonomous institution under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India since 1975. Presently, noted Bollywood actor Paresh Rawal is its chairman and noted Odisha actor Chittaranjan Tripathy is its director. Prominent actors of Odisha like Bijay Mohanty, Ajit Das and Surya Mohanty were the students of this school.