Partition’s anguish brought alive on stage with ‘Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya…’
The echoes of Partition’s sorrow and resilience reverberated through Deshpriya Club on Friday evening, as theatre lovers witnessed a moving performance of the classic play “Jis Lahore Nai Dekhya O Jamyai Nai.”
Directed by Sanjay Lal, a National School of Drama alumnus, the play unfolded across 17 gripping scenes interwoven with poetry-based musical interludes. Written by acclaimed playwright Asghar Wajahat, the production recreated the deep scars of 1947—the separation of families, the longing for lost homes, and the resilience of ordinary people navigating the chaos of Partition.
The cast featured 30 young artists drawn from Ranchi’s colleges, universities, and theatre groups. Their heartfelt performances resonated strongly with the audience, moving many to tears. “In times when hatred on social media spreads within seconds, such theatre reminds us to rebuild unity in diversity,” remarked Sachin, an audience member.
The evening drew a distinguished gathering, including Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji and Prof. Kamal Bose, Head of Hindi Department at Sindh Jais College. Praising Deshpriya Club as a cradle of cultural unity, Maji revealed that the state government has approved the establishment of three major cultural academies—Sangeet Natya Academy, Lalit Kala Academy, and Sahitya Academy—25 years after Jharkhand’s formation. She also announced plans for three artist schools and assured government intervention in addressing high venue rents that burden emerging theatre groups.
Director Lal raised pressing concerns about the lack of affordable auditoriums. “Artists in Jharkhand struggle not just financially, but also for well-equipped stages. Without infrastructure, sustaining theatre is nearly impossible,” he said. Many highlighted that current venue rentals, often ranging between ?10,000 and ?15,000, are unaffordable for local performers. Responding to this, Maji promised to prioritise the issue, emphasising that theatre is not merely entertainment but a vital medium of cultural preservation and social reflection.
What made the performance especially significant was the overwhelming participation of youth, proving that even in an age of digitalisation and artificial intelligence, theatre retains its soul and power. Prof. Bose praised the play’s core message, saying, “It is not Hindus or Muslims who are to blame, but the evil within human beings. Such theatre fosters harmony our country needs today.”
As the curtains fell, Deshpriya Club once again emerged as a beacon of creativity and resilience. The performance stood not only as a tribute to Partition’s memories but also as a call to strengthen cultural roots and keep alive the bridge of empathy that art alone can build.
