DOGRA HERALD BUREAU
Jammu, jULY 19
Natrang Director Padamshree Balwant Thakur was felicitated here today by Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu for the outstanding presentation of his new play ‘Naye Yug Ki Naari’ during the orientation program of Phd, MBA and EMBA at the majestic auditorium of IIM campus, Jammu. The honours were done by the Director IIM Prof B S Sahay who appreciated the innovative work of Balwant Thakur and his team Natrang and desired to introduce theatre in IIM with the aim to position IIM Jammu as one of the finest business schools in the world. Terming theatre as magical in transforming personalities, he desired to utilise this medium in enhancing confidence and communication skills of the students. Earlier an AV showcasing the remarkable theatre journey of Balwant Thakur was screened before the jam packed audiences. Popularly known as the magicman of Indian theatre, Balwant Thakur holds the record of having designed and directed over 6000 shows with over 350 National/International participations as director around the world. Decorated with the highest honour in performing arts, Balwant Thakur has also been conferred Tagore Samman, Sanskriti Award, in addition to Padamshree.
Through the presentation of the play ‘Naye Yug Ki Naari’ he introduced a new style of chorus theatre presentation in which whatever may be the number of performers on stage the effectiveness of storytelling will never be affected.
Through a spectacular innovative language of images, he powerfully narrated a pathetic story of the women today. Performed by thirty young girls, the vibrating performance received the repeated applause and standing ovation. The play beautifully highlighted the plight of women today and carried a huge social message aimed at changing the mindset of the society.
The participants who gave engrossing performances included Mahi Verma, Payal Khanna, Shalini Bhagat, Aradhana Soodan, Akriti Jamwal, Ayushika Rajput, Harmandeep Kour, Pratishtha Sharma, Ayushi Sharma, Pooja Thakur, Palak Thappa, Prerna Sharma, Simran Rajput, Meenu Sharma, Geeta Thakar, Richa Dutta, Lakshita Devi, Pratibha Verma, Anshika Mangoch, Anshika Choudhary, Parul Magotra, Kibriya Gohar, Isha Gupta, Aditi Verma, Divyanshi Sharma, Pragi Sharma, Simran Bhagat and Mitali Sarmal.
