After setting up Theatre in Education Center in Srinagar, NSD, the foremost theatre training institutions in the world and the only one of its kind in India has been on toes to promote theatre in Kashmir and ventured by organizing first time International Theatre Festival BHARAT RANG MAHOTSAV 2023 in Jammu & Srinagar and conducted two workshops one in the month of Dec.2021 and another in the month of March 2023 and also participated in VITASTA Festival of Kashmir with presentation of late Dina Nath Nadim’s Classic Musical Opera VITASTA.
After the opening of NSD’s TIE Centre in Srinagar, Director NSD. Prof.(Dr.) Ramesh Chandra Gaur visited Srinagar during the opening ceremony of BRM on 23rd Feb 2023 and on the same day He took over the charge of assets allotted to the NSD by J&K Government. On 23rd June 2023, Prof. Gaur again visited Srinagar during the Kashmir VITASTA Festival where NSD presented Classic Musical Opera VITASTA at SKICC auditorium, Srinagar.
During these visits Director, NSD Prof.(Dr.) Gaur reviewed the present theatre scenario of Kashmir and started looking for the ways to promote the theatre in Kashmir.
In this context, a delegation comprising of 2 high level representatives of NSD Ms.Vani Tripathi Tickoo, NSD Society Member (Renowned actor, producer and theatre personality) and Registrar , NSD. Shri Pradeep Kumar Mohanty visited Srinagar , Kashmir on 13th July 2023 to assess the ground situation of theatre in Kashmir. On reaching Srinagar they made a visit to the office premises of TIE Centre Srinagar. Afterwards Ms. Vani Tripathi Tickoo and Shri Pradeep Kumar Mohanty along with coordinator NSD.TIE. Centre Srinagar Shri Gulzar Ganaie had an important meeting with Hon’ble Lt.Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha and briefed him about the programmes / plans of National School of Drama for the promotion of theatrical activities in Kashmir. Hon’ble Lt. Governor assured the delegation for every support from the Government for taking initiatives for the betterment and promotion of theatrical activities in Kashmir.
On 14th July the delegation met Shri. Anok Kumar (IRS) Principal Secretary School Education and discussed with him about how drama / Theatre In Education methodology plays an important teaching / learning tool and how it develops a sense of creativity in students. On the same day one more meeting of NSD representatives held at Centre Office of the J&K, Cultural Academy with the Secretary of Academy Shri. Bharat Singh Manhas (KAS) and other senior officials of the Academy. During the discussion Registrar NSD Shri. Mohanty and Secretary Academy Shri. Manhas discussed in details how to instill a new spirit into the Theatre of Kashmir. Secy. Academy Shri. Manhas assured Registrar NSD for every support from their end for conducting workshops based on training in theatre crafts and other programmes and plans to take the theatre of Kashmir to new heights.
To make direct contact with theatre practitioners of Kashmir and analyse the problems they are facing at times and the support they need for the upliftment of theatre and theatrical activities in Kashmir ,on 13th July and 14th July society member NSD Ms. Vani Tripathi Tickoo and Registrar NSD Pradeep Kumar Mohanty called on the local theatre practitioner of all ages for the interaction and two separate interaction sessions held at the NSD TIE Centre, Srinagar.
During the interaction NSD representatives and local theatre practitioners exchanged their views how to promote the theatre in Kashmir and how local theatre practitioners would learn modern skills of theatre craft.
On the conclusion of interaction session NSD society member Mr. Vani Tripathi Tickoo and Registrar NSD assured the all representatives of theatre groups of Kashmir that all measures will be taken soon to promote and return the glory of theatre in Kashmir.
