State-Level Theatre Festival Organised on the Occasion of ‘Srasta’ Theatre Group’s Annual Celebration

Balasore, February 4 (Krushna Kumar Mohanty): Who is not captivated by the natural beauty of a pond filled with blooming water lilies? Yet, does that very pond ever realise that countless buds perish in its womb before even one flower fully blooms? Still, even if a single lily survives and blossoms, someone kind-hearted may gently pluck it from the mire. But who is that “plucked lily”? After being plucked, does it wither away or does it continue to live? Is it merely a flower, or a beautiful young woman who resembles a lily?

A water lily may appear insignificant to some, yet it has an undeniable right to live. Even when a woman is proclaimed a jewel, society remains reluctant to value her beyond a trifle. Why does this contradiction persist? Is an individual alone responsible for this distorted mindset, or is it rooted in a deeply male-centric social structure?

Addressing such urgent and contemporary social concerns, the play Saunta Kain was staged yesterday as part of the ongoing theatre festival.
With support from the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture, the 48th Annual Festival of the theatre group Srasta, along with its Fourth State-Level Theatre Festival, entered its third evening, observed as Dr Prafulla Chandra Acharya Memorial Evening, at the Gandhi Smruti Bhavan.

The programme was graced by retired principal and eminent playwright Major Dr Pradeep Bhaumik as the chief guest, while youth leader and social activist Bikram Panda attended as the guest of honour. Both reflected on the play from multiple perspectives. The secretary of 'Srasta' and noted playwright Hemendra Mahapatra presided over the event, while Alok Kumar Sahu delivered the introductory address. Vice-President Prasanna Kumar Das conducted the stage proceedings.

After concluding remarks by playwright Pitambar Das, the play 'Saunta Kain', written by Panchanan Das and directed by Satyabrata Das, was staged by the Odisha Nataka Samaroh Samiti, Brahmapur, bringing the evening to a thoughtful and impactful close.