Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha inaugurates Tripura’s state-level Natya Utsav, emphasizing drama’s role as society’s mirror. The 15-day festival promotes social awareness through theatre, featuring over 600 artists and 33 theatre groups showcasing contemporary social issues.
Drama is more than just a form of entertainment; it is a powerful mirror reflecting society’s realities and a crucial medium to raise social awareness, stated Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha. He delivered these remarks while inaugurating the much-anticipated state-level Natya Utsav at Rajarshi Kalakshetra in Udaipur on Wednesday.
Addressing a gathering of theatre enthusiasts, artists, and dignitaries, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of keeping drama relevant to contemporary social issues. “The younger generation seeks reflections of their own challenges on stage. Social issues such as child marriage, drug addiction, and the alarming trend of children abandoning their elderly parents must be thoughtfully woven into theatre scripts to generate awareness and empathy,” he said.
Dr. Saha also highlighted the significance of street theatre as a dynamic way to reach a broader audience beyond traditional theatre halls. “Street theatre can capture the attention of everyday citizens and engage them in critical social conversations. Alongside stage performances, it deserves greater promotion,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister further urged theatre groups to innovate and create productions aligned with the evolving expectations of the audience. “Understanding what people want today and designing relevant content is key to winning their hearts,” he added, wishing the festival great success.
In a critical observation, Dr. Saha pointed to recent developments in neighboring West Bengal, stating that the state has witnessed a decline in cultural values. “Funds currently being diverted for political narratives could be better spent on fostering cultural growth and preserving artistic heritage,” he said, underscoring the role of culture in societal progress.
Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy also spoke at the event, tracing Tripura’s rich theatrical legacy back to its princely era. “Drama has always mirrored society and guided people toward the right path,” he said. He called upon theatre groups to take responsibility for promoting moral values through their productions.
The Director of the Information & Cultural Affairs Department, Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, welcomed participants and shared details about the festival. This year, 33 theatre groups are competing in the 15-day festival, which will conclude on December 24. Last year, the event saw participation from 38 groups.
The festival schedule is intensive: two plays will be staged from Monday to Friday, with three performances on Saturdays and Sundays, involving more than 600 theatre artists from across the state.
“Our department is committed to providing local artists a vibrant platform to showcase their talents,” Bhattacharjee said, inviting everyone to attend the festival.
Among the dignitaries present were MLAs Abhishek Debroy, Jitendra Majumder, Rampada Jamatia, Gomati Zilla Sabhadhipati Debal Debroy, Udaipur Municipal Council chairman Shital Chandra Majumder, State Cultural Advisory Committee chairman Subrata Chakraborty, and eminent theatre personality Shanti Mohan Rakshit.
The inauguration concluded with the performance of the play Kabila by Kalabhumi, a renowned theatre group from West Tripura, setting a promising tone for the festival.
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The Natya Utsav stands as a testament to Tripura’s vibrant cultural fabric and the continuing power of drama to enlighten, challenge, and unite society.
