Theatre society observes Guru Tegh Bahadur’s 350th martyrdom day

The National Theatre Arts Society (NTAS) observed the 350th martyrdom centenary of Guru Teg Bahadur with staging of play “Lakhi Shah Vanjara”, written by Pandhi Nankanvi and directed by Padma Shri Pran Sabharwal, who also played the lead role.

The play, part of the ongoing Martyrdom Awareness Theatre Campaign, was staged alongside other productions including “Sabachhta Abhian”, Gurcharan Jasuja’s “Yatha Raja – Tatha Parja”, Harcharan Singh’s “Kirat Da Satkar”, and Sunita’s “Yudh Nashian Virudh”. Each performance received thundering applause from the audience.

Chief guest Prashant Gupta, PNB Manager, presented a cash award of Rs 5,000. Social worker KK Juneja contributed Rs 2,100 in recognition of Sabharwal’s exemplary contribution to theatre. NTAS Senior Vice President Rajinder Verma spoke about society’s annual theatre workshops and its 25-year-old Monthly Garden Theatre Movement. Dignitaries and artistes were honoured with cash awards.

Spekaing on the occasion, Sabharwal emphasised that the festival aims to spread awareness about Guru Teg Bahadur’s supreme sacrifice, instil the spirit of equanimity, and inspire resistance against atrocities. He expressed gratitude to supporters, including Patiala Deputy Commissioner Dr Preeti Yadav, philanthropist Dr SP Singh Oberoi (Dubai), Director Languages Jaswant Singh Zafar, Principal Pradeep Bansal, Bhagwan Dass Gupta, and fellow artistes.— TNS