my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 15 Mar: A two-day programme was held at Art India Academy of Performing Arts, Dalanwala, here, on the occasion of World Theatre Day 2026.
The first day’s programme began with a flute recital of the devotional piece, ‘Vaishnav Jan Toh’ by renowned flautist and music composer GS Rajan. The ceremonial lighting of the lamp was performed by Harikrishna Sharma, Professor at Iowa State University.
On this occasion, senior theatre personality TK Agrawal was honoured with the “Lalit Mohan Thapliyal Memorial Award”. This annual award has been instituted this year by Art India Academy of Performing Arts.
Lalit Mohan Thapliyal (1920–2004) was a renowned playwright, director and storyteller in Garhwali and Hindi theatre.
The award was presented to TK Agrawal by the Chairperson of the Academy, Vibha Thapliyal. Actor Anil Dutta from the theatre group ‘Through My Window’ and the founder of the Academy, Anjana Thapliyal Rajan, honoured Mr and Mrs Agrawal in the traditional manner by presenting them with shawls. The Academy’s patron, Beena Jayal, also presented them with a plant.
Artists of the theatre group Through My Window, directed by Anjana Rajan, presented dramatic readings of two stories. The first was “Gurmukh Singh Ki Wasiyat” by Saadat Hasan Manto, which poignantly portrays the tragedies of the Partition and the complexities of human relationships during that period. The story also highlights how personal interests and social circumstances can alter human emotions and sensitivities.
The second story was “Jagga Gunda” written by Lalit Mohan Thapliyal. The story revolves around a man labelled a “goon” by society, yet whose life circumstances and humane side reveal a deeper truth. It also presents a sharp satire on so-called civilised society. The artistic presentation of both stories was highly appreciated by the audience.
A short film based on Lalit Mohan Thapliyal’s story “Swapnadrashta” was also screened. The film was directed by Anjana Rajan, with music composed by GS Rajan and cinematography by Divas Bhandari.
It is worth noting that Art India Academy was established in May 2025 by Anjana Rajan Thapliyal. Its aim is to provide a platform for art enthusiasts in Uttarakhand where training is offered in Hindi and Garhwali theatre, Bharatanatyam, tabla and classical raga music. The Academy also regularly organises quality programmes of theatre, music and dance.
Several distinguished guests attended the programme, including Shirish Dobhal, Alok Ulfat, Kailash Kandwal, Professor in the Theatre Department at Doon University, as well as Nivedita Banthiyal, Jagrati Dobhal and Sushma Barthwal.
On the second day of the programme, three short plays were staged. The first play, “Suicide”, written and directed by Alok Ulfat, depicts the meeting of two strangers on a high cliff. Each has arrived there with different troubles and intentions. Through their conversation, the audience discovers their pain, struggles and perspectives on life. The play sensitively portrays the fragile emotional state of a mind oscillating between despair and hope. The performances of Vaibhav Tiwari and Siya Joshi were widely appreciated.
The second play was “Qayamat Aa Rahi Hai”, written by Lalit Mohan Thapliyal and directed by Anjana Rajan, with music by GS Rajan. The play illustrates how those in power attempt to manipulate ordinary citizens through fear and authority. It also raises an important question: how will the common person react in such circumstances — will they submit to fear or confront the truth? The performances of Dehradun-based actor Amit Semwal and senior Through My Window artist Vibha Thapliyal were highly praised by the audience.
The third play was “Kalpana Ke Khel”, also written by Lalit Mohan Thapliyal, directed by Anjana Rajan with music by GS Rajan. Despite being written decades ago, the play remains remarkably relevant due to its theme. The story revolves around a group of Non-Resident Indians living in New York City who, during a dinner gathering, decide to stage a play in their own living room. Through this process, the depths of human relationships unfold — love, the pain of loss, and unfulfilled desires that shape our personalities and relationships. The performances of TK Agrawal, Kaushalya Agrawal, Sushma Barthwal, Anil Dutta, Sanchita Dutta, Amit Semwal and Deepak Kumar were appreciated by the audience.
The relevance of the plays and their exploration of sensitive human relationships deeply impressed the viewers.
The programme was hosted by Abhay Rathore and Richa Dubey, and at the end, artist Deepak Kumar from Through My Window proposed the vote of thanks.
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