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{/googleAds} The symposium came as a finale to the 3-day festival of classical theatre performances by artistes of Pratibha Sanskratik Sansthan and Awaaz Kala Manch, who staged Karnabharam, Dhoortsamagam, Abhigyaan Shakuntalam and Madhyamvyayog.

Satyavrat Rout, eminent theater personality from Hyderabad University lamented loss of support and patronage to classical art forms.

"Natya Shastra is no longer in the syllabus of the university. Our rich dramatic heritage stands threatened by spurious trends in the name of experimentation."

Deewan Singh Bajeli, drama critic from Delhi, said India was the only country which had a comprehensive treatise on theater much before Aristotle. Modern theater lacks the essential ingredient of entertainment, and often sexual perversions and deviant behavioral patterns are the dominant themes. "This is bad impact."

Noted theater personality Bharat Ratna Bhargava in his presidential speech explained the highlights of Natya Shastra, which he said was a unique guide and treasury of insights. "Although the Shastras are supposed to provide an iron frame within whose parameters human endeavors and activities are conducted, but Bharat Muni's Natya Shastra allows for adaptability and experimentation in its concluding chapter."

Bhargava said while western theater aimed at catharsis through tragedy, Indian classical theatre focused on attainment of Anand. "The difference is Aah and Wah," he added.

Well known theater personality Dimpy Mishra, the chief organizer of the three-day event expressed his anguish at the lack of interest in creative performances. "The response of the Agra audience was pathetic. The plays were such a treat to watch bringing out the best in Indian traditional theater, but people generally chose to ignore the festival. This is not a healthy sign," Dimpy lamented.