SANGIT NATAK ACADEMY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ART, CULTURE AND YOUTH ORGANIZED TWO PLAYS

SANGIT NATAK ACADEMY AND THE DEPARTMENT OF ART, CULTURE AND YOUTH ORGANIZED TWO PLAYS

22-JULY-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

PATNA------------------------Powerful and unprecedented staging of two plays—*Saat Shaheed* and *Peer Ali*—to mark the 150th anniversary of the national song 'Vande Mataram' and the birth anniversary of the great poet Kalidasa. "Vande Mataram" was the mantra used by revolutionaries to strive for the country's freedom during the era of colonial rule.

To commemorate 'Vande Mataram' and celebrate the spirit of patriotism—coinciding with the 150th anniversary of the national song and the birth anniversary of the great poet Kalidasa—a grand theatrical event was organized on July 15th. This event, part of the 'National Theatre Festival–2026', was held at the local Premchand Rangshala under the joint auspices of the Sangeet Natak Akademi (New Delhi) and the Department of Art, Culture & Youth (Government of Bihar, Patna).

It is noteworthy that on July 15th, the Sangeet Natak Akademi (New Delhi) organized the staging of patriotic plays across all states of the country to mark these significant anniversaries. As part of this initiative, two plays were staged in Patna: *Saat Shaheed* (written by Abhishek Chauhan and directed by Abhishek Raj) and *Peer Ali* (written and directed by Anjarul Haque).

The event was inaugurated through the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Dr. Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi (Honorable Minister, Department of Art, Culture & Youth, Government of Bihar), along with Suman Kumar (Senior Director and Artist, Kala Jagran) and Nilesh Mishra.

In his inaugural address, the Minister of Art and Culture, Dr. Pramod Kumar Chandravanshi, stated, "Theatre is not merely a medium of entertainment; it is a powerful platform for strengthening society, culture, and national consciousness. Such plays play a vital role in conveying our glorious heritage, the sacrifices of freedom fighters, and national values ​​to the new generation. The Department of Art, Culture & Youth will continue to encourage such creative cultural events that are imbued with the spirit of patriotism." He stated that Bihar's rich theatrical tradition is a vital part of the nation's cultural heritage, and events of this nature play a crucial role in inspiring the younger generation regarding history, culture, and the nation.

The actors in both plays portrayed their respective characters with remarkable dedication and liveliness.

The presentation by Kilkari (Bihar Bal Bhavan, Patna) powerfully brought to life the indomitable courage, sacrifice, and patriotism of the brave martyrs of the freedom struggle.

The powerful acting, impactful dialogue delivery, and excellent stagecraft displayed by the artists in both plays captivated the audience. The spirited compere for the event was Sudip Bose—a Bharatanatyam dancer, a faculty member at Bharatiya Nritya Kala Mandir (Patna), and a Doordarshan announcer.

Distinguished guests present on the occasion included senior theatre artist and Sangeet Natak Akademi member Ashish Mishra, as well as senior poet, litterateur, and journalist Dr. Bindeshwar Prasad Gupta; numerous theatre artists, performers, and a large audience also attended. Senior artist and theatre personality Nilesh Mishra delivered the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event.

It goes without saying that this patriotic event—organized jointly by the Sangeet Natak Akademi (New Delhi) and the Department of Art, Culture and Youth Affairs (Government of Bihar, Patna)—proved significant and effective in instilling a spirit of patriotism in the contemporary audience. Furthermore, it would be no exaggeration to say that the event served as a genuine tribute to the martyrs who embraced the powerful and unparalleled mantra of 'Vande Mataram' in their quest to secure the nation's freedom.