On Thursday, the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Hall buzzed with artistic energy as three thought-provoking plays were staged to celebrate World Theatre Day. The performances, organized by the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee, resonated with a strong call for unity and resistance against the forces of imperialism and the oppressive practices of powerful corporate entities.
The festivities commenced with a ceremonial lamp-lighting at the newly built Shaheed Vishnu Ganesh Pingle Hall, an integral part of the Desh Bhagat Yadgar complex. During the ceremony, key committee members—including General Secretary Prithipal Singh Marimegha, Cultural Wing Convener Amolak Singh, Finance Secretary Sital Singh Sangha, Senior Trustee Surinder Kumari Kochhar, and several other dignitaries—emphasized the enduring connection between theatre, life, and the spirit of struggle. They reiterated that the hall’s doors are forever open to art that champions the rights and aspirations of the common people.
General Secretary Marimegha recalled the legacy of the Ghadri patriots and their unwavering commitment to pro-people theatre. He stressed that the dramatic arts have always played a pivotal role in voicing the collective concerns of society, particularly in times of turmoil and change. Adding to the call for daily celebration of resistance, Cultural Wing Convener Amolak Singh remarked that theatre is not confined to a single day—it flows continuously, infusing every moment with hope and the promise of a harmonious future.
Throughout the day, the audience was treated to three distinct narratives that each tackled issues ranging from global economic exploitation to the erosion of historical dignity. The first play, titled Ik Bata Zero, critiqued modern institutions such as American imperialism and the World Trade Organization, illustrating how these forces manipulate policies to devastate agriculture while scapegoating the very people who sustain it. A dynamic presentation by the Chele Rang Manch team, introduced with captivating flair by Baljit Bal, set a powerful tone for the evening.
The second performance, Zanjirein, directed by Neeraj Kaushik, delved into the plight of the youth who, despite reclaiming a glorious national heritage through the struggle for independence, now face subjugation and degradation. With a narrative that equated contemporary societal restrictions to the shackles of the past, the play stirred memories of hard-won freedom and the enduring spirit required to keep that flame alive.
Rounding off the event was Inquilab Zindabad, a passionate tribute penned by renowned playwright Gursharan Singh and directed by Ashok Kalyan. Performed by the Friends Theatre Group, the play reminded audiences that the revolutionary vision of icons like Shaheed Bhagat Singh is still a work in progress. It called upon the community to persist in their efforts toward building the just society that those freedom fighters dreamed of.
As the evening drew to a close, the message was unmistakable: art is a formidable force for change, capable of igniting the collective consciousness and challenging the status quo. On this World Theatre Day, the Desh Bhagat Yadgar Committee not only celebrated the transformative power of theatre but also reaffirmed its commitment to a future where unity and the relentless pursuit of justice light the way forward.
