ROOT
(Mother Institution)
Children’s Little Theatre, India: The mother institution, was born on 11th May, 1952 as per CLT publications. In early days, CLT had branches in Delhi and Bombay. The concept of children’s learning skill development started sometime around 1949-50.
The Registered Office was 2/S Cornfield Road, Calcutta: 19, it was in 1955. In 1956, it moved to 8, Mohini Mohan Road, Calcutta: 20. Later, it moved to the Training center at 4, Bipin Pal Road, Kolkata and then again shifted to 2, Tilak Road, Calcutta after May, 1958. Finally, both Registered Office and the Training Center shifted to its present own building with an Auditorium in 1965.
The foundation stone was laid by Prof. Humayun Kabir in 1963 and inaugurated by Atulya Ghosh in 1965. The Campus is popularly known as ‘Aban Mahal’ and is situated at Gariahat Road, Kolkata: 700029 (near Golpark in South Calcutta, now Kolkata).
A prestigious Centre for the cultivation of performing arts like Dance, Drama, Visual Art, Vocal, Instrumentals and sports like Table-Tennis and Skating. The Rink is probably the only wooden skating rink in Kolkata, for the children below 14 years. A beautiful Library for the children and an airconditioned Auditorium of 400+ seats with the provision to build a balcony.
The specialty of children’s training is unique of its own kind so far CLT is concerned. A complete holistic approach that a child grows within the walls of CLT. The scope of regular stage performances and tour in group help build good social being to accommodate and adjust to any challenging situation. The beauty is that the Children of CLT never forget the golden moments of their childhood quality time spent. The strong bondage with CLT, builds and bring them back as Alumni to remain in close contact with CLT.
The founder, Samar Chatterjee (18.09.1908 – 27.10.1986) with many other co-founders with their unique concept of a Theatre for the children in India matured with their relentless contributions when the foundation stone was laid in 1963.
CLT always nurtures the idea of holistic development and have encouraged each little member to acquire all life skills that would prepare them for lifelong learning. Samarda always used to say, “CLT is not a Centre for specialization and competition but an institution for overall development with an integrated approach.” Today’s approach and practice of life skill were there in Samarda’s vision in 1950s. A true Visionary.
