Ambala, May 29:- The three-day 5th Bharat Muni Theatre Festival, organized by 'Maskhare Rangmanch' in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, under the Kala Vikas Yojana, concluded on its final day at S.A. Jain Senior Secondary School, Ambala City, in a dignified and cultural atmosphere. A large number of theatre artists, literature enthusiasts, and art lovers from across the city were present. The Chief Guest was Ashok Tiwari, National Office Secretary of Sanskar Bharati, and the Guest of Honour was the renowned theatre personality and critic, Shrimati Sharboni Saha. Maskhare Rangmanch President Nagendra Sharma welcomed the Chief Guest, while Palak and Madhuri welcomed the Guest of Honour.
In the first session, a "Rang Samvad" (Theatre Dialogue) was presented—a new and commendable initiative by Maskhare Rangmanch. In this interactive session, senior theatre artists Avtar Sahni, Shyam Kumar, and Shrimati Sharboni Saha shared their theatre journeys and experiences with the audience. They discussed the challenges, struggles, and achievements of theatre in detail and answered questions from the audience. The session was found to be highly inspiring by young artists and attendees. Avtar Sahni remarked, "An artist is not made overnight; it requires patience, constant practice, and dedication."
On this occasion, Avtar Sahni and Shyam Kumar were honoured with the "Bharat Muni Samman" for their outstanding contributions to theatre, receiving a thunderous round of applause from the audience.
This was followed by the staging of the play "Mukti Dham," directed by Karan Laddha and presented by the K.L. Theatre Group. Based on an emotional theme, the performance deeply moved the audience, bringing many to tears.
The second performance was by the Swayambhu Kala Manch, based on the life of Dr. Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, the founder of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The play effectively portrayed significant events from his childhood to his life’s work, earning immense praise from the audience. The program was effectively and beautifully hosted by Kumari Shivani.
Chief Guest Ashok Tiwari praised Maskhare Theatre, stating that such events provide a new direction to Indian theatre and culture. He lauded the festival for being named after Bharat Muni, whose work "Natya Shastra" shaped the global stage. Highlighting the importance of struggle and patience in life, he noted that just as a statue is carved from stone, success is achieved only by enduring hardships.
Dignitaries and theatre artists including Pradeep Khera, Dr. Rattan Singh Dhillon (college teacher of artist Avtar Sahni), Pramod Pabbi, Principal Dr. Pradeep Sharma Sanehi, Bharat Spori, Anil Mahant (Bittu Bhaji), Aman Sharma, Hitesh Jain, Shruti Jain, Vijay Sharma, Saddam, Vicky, Dev, Abhishek, Palak, Komal, Madhuri, Tanu, Shivam, Raghav, and Sukriti were present. Attendees lauded Maskhare Theatre for the successful organization of the festival.
In the end, Maskhare Theatre President Nagendra Sharma expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry of Culture (Government of India), the S.A. Jain Senior Secondary School management committee, the Principal, staff, all theatre artists, the guests, the audience, and everyone associated with the event.