22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav, Jammu chapter concluded with the scintillating performance of SATYABHAN SAVITRI, a NAUTANKI in Hindi

JAMMU, February 22: National School of Drama’s prestigious International Theatre Festival Bharat Rang Mahotsav organized in Jammu in collaboration with the University of Jammu from 20th to 22nd February, 2023 concluded today at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium. Dr. Syed Abid Rashid IAS, Secretary, Culture Department, J&K Government was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Ms. Ankita Kar, Managing Director, JKTPO and Agnishekhar Sumbli, Renowned Writer were the Guests of Honour whereas Kewal Dhaliwal, Eminent Theatre Director from Amritsar was the Special Guest.

The festival was monitored by Prof. Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Director National School of Drama. Dr. Suman Vaidya (Festival Director) Dr. Santanu Bose (Centre Incharge, J&K), Prof. Prakash Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Vishav Raksha, Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, Mushtaq Kak, Festival Incharge, Preetpal Rupana, Technical Director and Sumeet Sharma, Festival Coordinator.

In his address, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid expressed his thought provoking views on culture in general and theatre in particular. He also asserted that theatre plays a crucial role in building a better society and he has a concrete road-map for its optimum utilization. He nostalgically remembered his student days and complemented National School of Drama and University of Jammu for this wonderful collaboration.  Other dignitaries on dais also expressed their encouraging views regarding this festival.

Today’s play Satyavan and Savitri was written by Pt. Natharam Sharma Gaur and directed by a prolific director Dr. Umesh Chand Sharma. It was based on Indian mythology which left a deep impact on the public. When Savitri, the only child of King Ashwapati of Bhadra country, reached her youth, a suitable groom was searched for her, but no prince was found worthy of Savitri. Seeing Satyavan, the son of King Dyumtsen, whose kingdom had been usurped by a neighboring king, and who lived in a hut in the forest, Savitri proposed to him. Though Sage Narada warns Savitri’s father that Satyavan has only 1 more year left to live, Satyavan and Savitri get married due to Savitri’s unwavering determination.

After one year, one day while cutting wood from the tree, Satyavan felt pain. Savitri sits with her husband’s head on her lap. Yamdoots return after being impressed by her ‘Pativrat’. Then Yamraj himself comes to take his life. Savitri also starts following Yamraj. Impressed by her tenacity, loyalty and devotion, when Yamraj asks her to ask for boon, she asks for her father-in-law’s eye sight be back as the first boon, the return of their kingdom as the second boon and as the third boon, for herself, she asks for having 100 sons.

Yamraj says – it will happen like this. On this Savitri said that you are taking my husband away, how will I be the mother of sons? In the end, keeping his promise, Yamraj returns to Satyavan’s life. In this way, Savitri snatches her husband back from the hands of death by her determination. Cast of the play included Motilal, Meena Rani, Baldev, Rajveer, Bachchu, Banke Bihari and Suneeti. Offstage artists included Yasin, Ayyaz Khan and Sitaram.

The plays which were featured in this festival were, WATH (Kashmiri) written and directed by Reshi Rashid from Azad Dramatic Culture Club, Gandebal Kashmir. SILENCE (Non Verbal) written and directed by Soma Giri from Baguiati Nrityamandir, Kolkata, West Bengal and SATYABHAN SAVITRI (NAUTANKI-Hindi) directed by Umesh Chandra Sharma from Shri Shri Narhari Sewa Sansthan, Mathura (U.P).

The events of DSW are conceived, planned and organised by the team consisting of Prof. Prakash Antahal (Dean Students Welfare), Prof. Vishav Raksha (Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Prof. Sanjana Kaul (Co-Chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee), Dr. Anil Gupta (Associate Dean SW), Dr. Garima Gupta and Dr. Pritam Singh (Assistant Deans, SW), Dr. A.R. Manhas & Dr. Shallu Sharma (Deputy Proctors), members of Campus Cultural Committee, Ms. Mansi Mantoo (Media Officer), Sumeet Sharma (Drama Instructor) and Ifra Kak (Cultural Officer). 

The event was anchored by Sh. Ravinder Kaul whereas Virji Sumbli was the Sets Incharge of the Festival while Suraj Ganjoo looked after the Lights. Ravinder Sharma, Aditya Bharti, Ajay Sharma, Sunil, Kulbhushan Thakur, R.P. Singh, Arif Paul, Vishal Sharma, Aadesh Dhar, Arun, Deepika, Jhanvi, Insha and Rohan looked after the backstage management of the festival.