NTAS Launches 45th Annual ‘Jagte Raho’ Theatre Workshop in Patiala
Patiala, June 2
Continuing its proud tradition of over five decades, the National Theatre Arts Society (NTAS), in collaboration with the Punjab Language Department, inaugurated its 45th Annual 21-Day “Jagte Raho” Theatre Workshop, featuring acting and character-building classes, at Bhasha Bhawan.
The workshop was formally inaugurated by Seth Akshay Gopal, Managing Director of Hotel Flyover Classic and a noted patron of arts and social causes, along with film producer Engineer Harbans Singh Kullar, Managing Director of Kullar Productions. Renowned director duo Pran Sabharwal and Sunita Sabharwal, along with workshop associates, marked the opening by chanting hymns in praise of Lord Shiva. The event was attended by trainees, parents, citizens, and art enthusiasts.
Speaking on the occasion, Akshay Gopal said, “Theatre empowers individuals and strengthens determination.”
Harbans Singh Kullar added, “Theatre paves the way for cinema and creative excellence.”
Both distinguished guests were honored by NTAS for their support of theatre and cultural activities. In recognition of successfully organizing 45 annual theatre workshops and rendering 70 years of social and theatrical service, NTAS was presented with a cash award of ₹2,100 by the guests. The organization also felicitated them with honor awards, shawls, bouquets, and a copy of Sunita Sabharwal’s newly released Punjabi poetry collection, “Jo Hum Bure Bhale So Tere.
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Cash award cheques and gifts were also presented to NTAS artists during the ceremony.
According to Padma Shri awardee Pran Sabharwal, Director of NTAS and Workshop Convener, the two-hour inaugural event featured introductions by trainees, who showcased their talents and enthusiasm through various performances. Motivational speeches by parents added further inspiration to the occasion.
NTAS artists performed songs based on Ajmer Aulakh’s “Sukhi Kukh” and staged an anti-drug awareness skit. Workshop experts Harjeet Kanth, Surjit Absurd, M.S. Jaggi, and Gopal Sharma highlighted the importance of discipline and theatre in personality development.
A major highlight of the event was the presence of 88-year-old State Award-winning writer, artist, and social-theatre activist Sunita Sabharwal, who attended in a wheelchair. She recited poems from her recently published Punjabi poetry collection “Jo Hum Bure Bhale So Tere.” Her satirical poem “Chor-Chor” received enthusiastic appreciation from the audience.
Expressing gratitude to Patiala Deputy Commissioner Himanshu Aggarwal (IAS), the guests, parents, supporters, media representatives, and Punjab Language Department Director Jaswant Singh Zafar for their encouragement and support, Pran Sabharwal urged trainees to work with dedication, discipline, and commitment to achieve success and realize their full potential.
