Central University of Punjab celebrated World Theatre Day

Bathinda, March 28, 2023: On the occasion of World Theatre Day, the students of the Department of Performing and Fine Arts of the Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, presented three plays entitled ‘Swami Vivekananda’, ‘The Proposal’, and ‘Park’ at the university campus.

During the inaugural ceremony, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. (Dr.) Raghvendra P. Tiwari, felicitated the Chief Guest, retired IAS Chander Shekar Talwar, with phulkari and memento.

While welcoming the participants, Dr. Deepika Srivastava, HoD, Department of Performing and Fine Arts, read the message broadcast by Egyptian actress Samiha Ayoub for World Theatre Day 2023. She added that World Theatre Day serves as a reminder of the significant role that theatre plays in our communities, and how different theatrical forms such as Tragedy; Comedy; Melodrama; and Dram etc., contributes to our cultural heritage.

The Dean Student Welfare, Prof. V.K. Garg, mentioned Theatre is an art form that not only entertains but also educates and inspires individuals. It provides a platform for artists to express themselves creatively and enables them to explore different aspects of life.

Speaking on this occasion, the Chief Guest, Chander Shekar Talwar, mentioned that Swami Vivekananda played an important role in the introduction of Vedanta and Yoga to the Western world, raising interfaith awareness, and bringing Hinduism to the status of a major world religion. Swami Vivekananda story always inspires youngsters to face problems and hardships in life with courage and determination. He asserted that celebrations of this day not only promote this medium among youngsters but also help them to understand the message of our visionary leaders.

Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Raghavendra P. Tiwari, in his presidential address, stated that theatre is an art that mirrors the thought processes of society. He underlined the importance of World Theatre Day which was celebrated to highlight the importance of theatre in our society.
On World Theatre Day, the students presented three plays. The first play, Swami Vivekananda, was written by an MPA Theatre student and directed by Dr. Adish Kumar Verma. The life and thoughts of Swami Vivekananda were the main content of this play. The play established how Swami Vivekananda helped society fight against social evils and taught essential values too. The second play, The Proposal, was written by renowned playwright Anton Chekhov and directed by Dr. Kulin Kumar Joshi. It was a comic play. Manav Kaul’s ‘Park’ was the third play of these World Theatre Day celebrations. It was directed by Dr. Kulin Kumar Joshi. In all the plays, students brought their characters to life through energetic and convincing performances, as demanded by the plays. Associate Professor Dr. Harit Meena conducted the session.

The Controller of Examinations and Registrar (I/c) Prof. B.P. Garg and the Dean In charge Academics Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika also graced the programme. Faculty of the Department of Performing and Fine Arts Dr.Kulin Kumar Joshi, Dr. Rishpal Singh Virk, Dr. Adish Kumar Verma and Charu Yadav were present on this occasion. Students from different departments of the university attended this event.