To celebrate the International Theatre Day, a seminar on various aspects of Theatre was held in Dogri Sanstha Jammu on March 27, 2021.
Three scholarly Papers on ‘My Journey through Theatre, Theatre and Social Responsibility and Theatre and Youth were presented by well known theatre activists Deepak Kumar, Rajeshwar Singh Raju and Sumit Sharma respectively. Dr. Lalit Gupta the famed art historian was the Chief Guest in this programme which was presided over by Prof. Lalit Magotra, President of the Dogri Sanstha. A large number of writers and theatre activists were present on this occasion and a lively discussion took place during the Paper reading session.
Speaking on this occasion, Dr. Lalit Gupta recalled the past history of theatre movement in Jammu and paid special tributes to late Kavi Rattan for his unique contribution for introducing the modern theatre in Jammu. He also pointed out the lopsided approach and planning of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages towards promoting theatre. He said that whereas there is no dearth of talent in the field of theatre in Jammu, the lack of infrastructure and encouragement on the part of the Government is severely hindering the growth of theatre in this region.
Earlier, Prof. Lalit Magotra, while welcoming the audience recounted the significant contribution of Dogri plays in the earlier phases of development of Dogri literature. He also remembered Prof. Ram Nath Shastri and Dinu Bhai Pant for their visionary initiatives in having penned down the first few Plays in Dogri and also their participation as actors in these Plays. He said that Theatre is the strongest tool of taking literature directly to people. He coaxed the Dogri writers to write plays in Dogri to meet the needs of modern theatre.
The proceedings of the Seminar were conducted and coordinated by Pawan Verma, who is himself a well accomplished theatre artist. At the conclusion of the programme, Dr., Nirmal Vinod, the General Secretary of Dogri Sanstha presented the vote of thanks.
