Arunachal Rang Mahotsav

Itanagar, Aug 10: The Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati came alive with cultural vibrancy as the four-day theatre festival, Arunachal Rang Mahotsav, kicked off.

This initiative, led by Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, seeks to shed light on Arunachal’s lesser-known history through captivating drama performances. With plays like ‘Chowpha-Plang-Lu,’ ‘Arunachal Ek Safarnama,’ ‘Poju Mimak,’ and ‘Ninu 80,’ the festival is a concerted effort to showcase the state’s transformative journey from its North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) era to the present day.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu, speaking at the festival’s inauguration, lauded the initiative and its potential to unveil the hidden historical treasures of Arunachal Pradesh to the world. He emphasized the need to document and share the state’s rich history, which often remains obscure due to a lack of proper documentation. The plays serve as a medium to bridge this gap, offering a window into significant historical events that have shaped the region.

‘Arunachal Ek Safarnama,’ a particularly impactful play, caught Chief Minister Khandu’s attention during a performance in Itanagar. The play’s portrayal of the state’s history left him mesmerized, revealing narratives that even the native population was unaware of. This festival, spanning across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Guwahati, represents the state government’s sincere commitment to sharing Arunachal Pradesh’s cultural heritage and historical significance.

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Khandu commended the theatre team, led by Riken Ngomle, an assistant professor at the National School of Drama (NSD) and NSD alumni, for successfully presenting their plays in different cities. He highlighted the immense talent of youths in Arunachal Pradesh and the entire North East, emphasizing the importance of providing them with platforms to showcase their skills and creativity. The Chief Minister also revealed ongoing discussions with NSD to collaborate in nurturing local talent and offering them opportunities to further develop their artistic prowess.

The festival’s opening play, ‘Chowpha-Plang-Lu,’ took the audience on a historical journey to 1839 when Arunachal Pradesh set the stage for the revolutionary spirit that would later sweep through the Indian mainland in the form of the first Indian Independence movement. With a cast of over 130 artists, the play recounted the migration and uprising of the Tai Khamti community in 1839. It spotlighted Khamti leaders like Phara Taka, whose migration from Myanmar led to his becoming a ruler in Sadia (present-day Assam) and Lamtanga (present-day Arunachal).

Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the performance, highlighting the regional unity and shared cultural heritage that transcends state boundaries. The presence of dignitaries and theatre enthusiasts at the event underscored the festival’s significance in not only preserving but also celebrating Arunachal Pradesh’s unique history and contributions to the larger cultural mosaic of India. As the Arunachal Rang Mahotsav continues to captivate audiences, it serves as a poignant reminder of the power of art to illuminate the past and shape the future.