NSD alumni meet at Advitiya'18

Drawing a curtain on the 43-day-long celebration of 'Advitiya', a platform for young theatrical talents as a part of the ongoing 8th Theatre Olympics, the National School of Drama (NSD) hosted a grand closing ceremony on March 31. While the renowned actor, lyricist, singer and NSD alumnus Swanand Kirkire was present as the chief guest, acclaimed actor and NSD alumni Pankaj Tripathi, Adil Hussain, Rasika Dugal, and Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, M L Srivastava were the guests of honour at the ceremony. Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Sujata Prasad felicitated the guests in the presence of thousands of young talented artists from across the country. Director, National School of Drama, Prof. Waman Kendre also attended the ceremony.

"Theatre is a glorious platform which connects the youth with art. Theatre should thrive in every city. I started my career with Waman Kendre Ji's production and today, I feel honoured to be here as the chief guest," said Swanand Kirkire during the closing ceremony.

The names of three winners of short playwriting for the youth of up to the age of 35 were announced during the event. The first prize of Rs 1 Lakh went to Vidya V. Rao of Bangalore for her English play 'Mughal Saga Through Their Eyes', while Nitish Dubey from Bhopal won the second prize of Rs 50,000 for his Hindi play 'Chandralok'. The third prize of Rs 25,000 went to Ipsita Kundu, a first-year student of NSD, Kolkata for her Bengali play 'An Ordinary Love Story'. A three-member jury comprising Asghar Wajahat, Prof. Tripurari Sharma, and Manohar Khushalani judged the winners of short playwriting.

52 colleges of Delhi University who presented street plays during the 8th Theatre Olympics were awarded a certificate and an appreciation amount of Rs. 5,000 during the event.

"The contribution of the audience, all the young artists, legendary theatre performers and eminent critics to this Theatre Olympics is 'Advitiya'," said Director, National School of Drama, Prof. Waman Kendre.

'Advitiya' is a youth forum in the 8th Theatre Olympics under which the dramatic societies of colleges presented street plays on a wide array of topics and theatre-loving youth participated in short playwriting and 'Be A Reporter'. In addition to over 50 colleges in Delhi, the segment witnessed around 150 performances all over India.

"I have been to different cities as a part of 8th Theatre Olympics and have seen the enthusiasm of youth towards this mega festival. I would like to congratulate the organising committee for its success," said Joint Secretary, Ministry of Culture, M L Srivastava.

"This is where I started, it is this place which has given me everything. I always thought what is the need of an artist in this society? While working as an actor I realised, art is like nutrition to society. It saves society from dying," said Pankaj Tripathi.

A colourful and musical parade marched from Mandi House metro station to the NSD campus. Presenting the folk music and dance, Dandiya performers from Gujarat and folk artists from Haryana and Odisha displayed their lavish cultural heritage. The first, second and third-year students of NSD performed folk and classical dance as well as theatre band of self-written-and-composed songs.

The 51-day Theatre Olympics will conclude in Mumbai on April 8.