CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The All India Rupak Festival, organized by the Central Sanskrit University, concluded at the Anjani Auditorium, Ravindra Bhavan, after three days of theatrical and cultural performances.
Before the closing ceremony, performances of Koundinya Prahasanam, Pallikamalam, and Odissi dance were presented. Koundinya Prahasanam, directed by Central Sanskrit University’s Sadashiv Campus, Puri, Odisha, was a humorous play highlighting the divine food culture of Puri’s Jagannath Temple. Through comedy, the play emphasized the necessity of food for human survival alongside air and breath.
On the same day, the Bhopal campus of Central Sanskrit University staged Pallikamalam, written by Director Ram Chaudhary. The play revolved around Kamalkalika, the daughter of Brahmapada and Tarangini, who falls in love with Rupkumar, an orphaned yet philosophical boatman. The drama depicted the highs and lows of Kamalkalika’s life, eventually leading to her union with Rupkumar. The roles were performed by Jagriti Jain (Kamalkalika), Aryan Sharma (Rupkumar), Anjali (Kanchankalika), Chanda (Sarika), Smriti (Tarangini), and Deepak (Brahmapada), bringing the stage to life. Additionally, Kalyani Fagre, Director of the Natya Shastra Study and Research Center, presented an Odissi dance performance.
The closing ceremony featured distinguished guests, including Brahmarishi Mudgulanagfani Sharma (Padma Shri awardee, Hyderabad), Dr. Margimadhu (Director, Kutiyattam Nepathya Center, Kerala), Prof. R.G. Muralikrishna (Registrar, Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi), Dr. Meera Dwivedi (Sanskrit Department, Delhi University), and Director Ganapati Hegde (Principal, M.L.A. School, Malleswaram). The event was presided over by Prof. Ramakant Pandey, Director, Central Sanskrit University, Bhopal. Program Director Madhukeshwar Bhatt welcomed all the dignitaries.
Event coordinator Neelabh Tiwari presented a report, highlighting that the four-day festival captivated audiences with profound performances on themes ranging from ancient to contemporary India. The plays shed light on various societal conditions while portraying the inner conflicts of the human mind and emotions.
Prof. R.G. Muralikrishna congratulated the organizers and encouraged students and participants, calling them the “lifeblood” of the university. He emphasized that their active engagement in academics and extracurricular activities elevates the university’s reputation.
In his presidential address, Prof. Ramakant Pandey praised all the artists and contributors. He emphasized that theater refines an artist’s personality and enhances both actors and audiences through live character portrayals. He noted that experiencing rasa (aesthetic delight) not only brings joy but also helps manage emotional complexities.
Prof. Pandey expressed gratitude to Vice-Chancellor Srinivasa Varakhedi of Central Sanskrit University, New Delhi, for entrusting the Bhopal campus with the responsibility of organizing this year’s festival. He assured that, given the enthusiasm of the participants and audiences, such performances will continue in the future.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Sanandan Kumar Tripathi, while Kripa Shankar Sharma successfully anchored the proceedings.
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