The stage came alive at Sukanta Academy as children showcased diverse talents in the vibrant Ankur Natyamela festival.
In an atmosphere charged with anticipation and the infectious energy of youthful creativity, the Sukanta Academy Auditorium in Agartala transformed into a vibrant cultural hub on March 30 as it played host to Ankur Natyamela—a unique theatre festival dedicated to the budding talents of Tripura. The festival, a first-of-its-kind initiative in recent years, was organized by the Chhanda-Roop Foundation of Arts and Culture with support from the Department of Information & Cultural Affairs, Government of Tripura.
The morning air buzzed with excitement as the event kicked off with a soulful inaugural song by the young artists of Chhanda-Roop, led gracefully by the foundation’s secretary, Mousumi Chakraborty. The auditorium soon filled with the presence of notable guests and theatre aficionados, including artist and cultural activist Haridas Saha, and theatre stalwarts Narayan Deb and Partha Majumder, all of whom came to support and celebrate the rising stars of Tripura’s cultural landscape.
At the heart of Ankur Natyamela lies the vision of Chinmoy Rudrapal, founder of the Chhanda-Roop Foundation. As he addressed the gathering, Rudrapal reflected on the organization’s 20-year journey of nurturing children in classical music, drama, and recitation. “In Tripura, children rarely get a platform to showcase their talent in theatre. That’s how the idea of Ankur Natyamela was born,” he shared, his voice filled with purpose and passion.
The festival was not just about performances—it was also a learning ground. A special session on “Angik Abhinaya and its Role in Indian Theatre” by Partha Majumder offered a deep dive into the classical physical expressions of Indian drama. The session came alive with a brilliant live mime performance by young artist Ayantika Majumder, leaving the audience spellbound.
As the day progressed, the stage came alive with stories that were poignant, thought-provoking, and at times, playfully imaginative. The children performed plays that tackled social issues, environmental awareness, and scientific curiosity, all through the lens of innocence and raw creativity. Every act resonated with the audience, earning applause and admiration.
The festival culminated in an award ceremony judged by Narayan Deb, Partha Majumdar, and Seema Das. The coveted First Prize was awarded to Nabo Prantik Children’s Home, whose production was a result of the creative workshop module led by the Sambodhi Foundation of Arts and Culture—a project that works with underprivileged children. Their performance stood out for its emotive strength and powerful message.
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Neelkantha Social and Cultural Organisation took home the Second Prize, earning accolades for their energetic storytelling and thematic depth. In addition to group awards, five young stars—Olivia Chakraborty, Binoy Debnath, Rituraj Ghosh, Raunak Das, and Adhyay Dutta Majumder—were honoured for their outstanding individual performances.
The atmosphere throughout the day was filled with joy, as spontaneous performances of music, dance, recitation, and mime by the children brought smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. It was a celebration of not just theatre, but the sheer potential that lies within the young minds of Tripura.
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As the curtains fell on Ankur Natyamela, one thing was clear—the event had opened a new chapter in Tripura’s cultural narrative. It was more than just a festival; it was a movement, a platform, and a promise that the future of theatre in the state is in safe and spirited hands.
And at the helm of it all stands eminent theatre personality of the state Chinmoy Rudrapal, whose dedication to cultural preservation and talent nurturing continues to inspire a generation.
