GCW Parade Stages Rangyug’s acclaimed Dogri Play Chanchlo

Jammu, Sept 29: The Department of Performing Arts, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu in collaboration with Rangyug – Theatre for Social Change and Self-Realisation and 92.7 BIG FM under their initiative Hands for Humanity, successfully staged the much-acclaimed Dogri play Chanchlo at the college auditorium here today.

RJ Dr. Juhie Mohan, the talented artist who translated, adapted and performed the entire piece single-handedly, delivered an electrifying performance. The play is designed and directed by veteran theatre personality Shri Deepak Kumar.

The event witnessed a packed hall with faculty members, students, theatre enthusiasts including Dr. S.P.Saraswat, Dr Vijay Puri, Dr. Randheer Kaur, and members of the cultural fraternity attending the performance. The audience responded with rapt attention throughout the 90-minute play and gave a rousing standing ovation, a powerful testimony to the play’s artistic merit and social relevance.

An adaptation of Nadira Zaheer Babbar’s iconic Hindi play Sakubai, the Dogri rendition of Chanchlo brought to life a poignant narrative that left the audience deeply moved. RJ Dr. Juhie Mohan’s emotionally charged and nuanced performance powerfully highlighted the struggles and resilience of a domestic worker, navigating displacement, exploitation and survival.

Speaking on the occasion, Nodal Principal All Colleges Jammu Division, Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo lauded the initiative, highlighting its educational value for the students, especially those in the college’s Skill courses.

The Principal stated, “GCW Parade is deeply committed to skill development, and we already run specially designed courses for women, including Theatre, to equip them for various professional careers. This staging of ‘Chanchlo’ was particularly crucial because it served as a live masterclass for our students who are currently undergoing hands-on training in theatre under these skill courses.

“This production beautifully demonstrated every single facet of theatre, from the intricate sets and props to the technical brilliance of lights, the commanding acting and direction, and the flawless stage management, showcasing all these fields as viable career paths. Our students, who are learning the ropes of theatre production, got to observe and learn from every technical and artistic element of the professional theatrical process, which greatly enhances the skills they are acquiring.”

Deepak Kumar, Director Rangyug, speaking on the occasion, emphasized the role of Rangyug in collaboration with GCW Parade’s Theatre in Education initiative in preparing women for holistic development. He highlighted that the programme goes beyond theatre, fostering personality development, confidence-building, effective communication and creative expression, while giving students practical exposure to live performances.He added, “Through productions like Chanchlo, we aim to inspire young minds, raise awareness about social issues, and provide our students, especially women, with exposure to professional theatre, nurturing their artistic, personal and social growth.”

The performance was supported by a dedicated creative and backstage team including Ashish Sharma as Assistant Director and lights operation, Shivan Gupta on music and sound, make-up by Shammi Dhamir, and props by Neharika. Production support was provided by Sumit, Poonam and students of the Skill course in Theatre.

The performance at GCW Parade also reflects Rangyug’s and 92.7 BIG FM’s commitment under the Hands for Humanity campaign to link art with humanitarian causes, including ongoing relief efforts for flood-affected families in Jammu & Kashmir.