Premchand’s Legacy Celebrated with Theatre Performances in Patna

Diya Behl

Patna: In commemoration of Katha Samrat Munshi Premchand’s birth anniversary on Wednesday, the Department of Art, Culture, and Youth, Government of Bihar, organized a vibrant event at Premchand Rangshala.

The ceremony commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Harjot Kaur Bamrah, Additional Chief Secretary, alongside Ruby, Director of Cultural Affairs, and Anil Kumar Sinha, Secretary of Bihar Sangeet Natak Academy, among other dignitaries. Floral tributes were paid at the statue of Munshi Premchand gracing the venue.

Highlighting the program was the theatrical rendition of Premchand’s timeless tale “Kafan,” presented by Imagination, Patna, under the direction of Kundan Kumar. The play delves into societal inequities that diminish the dignity of labor, as reflected in the characters of Gheesu and his son Madhav, who, upon receiving funds for a burial shroud, prioritize self-indulgence over dignity.

Following this poignant performance, the stage was graced by “Ye Kaisi Dillagi..?”, a theatrical adaptation of Premchand’s “Vinod,” presented by the Association for Social Harmony and Art, Chapra, directed by Mohammad Jahangir. The play unfolds in a college setting, exploring the repercussions of ragging on a simple-minded student, Chakradhar, shedding light on contemporary challenges faced by students amid academic pressures.

Premchand’s narratives, as portrayed in these plays, continue to resonate, offering poignant reflections on societal norms and individual struggles.