Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosts acclaimed Hindi stage Play “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun” in association with Natrang

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosted a compelling theatrical presentation of the acclaimed Hindi stage play “AapHamaare Hain Kaun”, written and directed by Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur, at its campus. The event was organized by IIM Jammu in association with Natrang Jammu and witnessed an enthusiastic response from students, faculty members, officers, staff, and their families. The occasion was graced by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along with Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur. Also present were Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean (Academics), Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, faculty members, officers, staff, students, and their family members.

The play jolts parents, educationists, and guardians out of a deep reverie of materialism, consumerism, and unbridled ambition. It powerfully addresses the contemporary challenges faced by the younger generationpressures imposed not by external forces, but by their own loved ones and immediate social surroundingsmaking the production both a mirror to society and a compelling call for introspection and change.

Notably, this acclaimed production has been selected for presentation at the world’s largest International Theatre Festival and will be staged at the LTG Auditorium, New Delhi, under the esteemed aegis of the National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Addressing the gathering, Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur warmly welcomed the audience and expressed his delight at presenting the production at IIM Jammu, describing it as the beginning of a renewed engagement with theatre. He stated that “AapHamaare Hain Kaun,” written in 1994, has evolved into one of the longest-running children’s theatre productions in India. He observed that as the final rehearsal often becomes the last theatre experience for many, the play has received wide critical acclaim, front-page media coverage, and multiple awards. '

He further shared that he has travelled across the length and breadth of the country with the production and noted that its selection for the world’s largest International Theatre Festival, where it will be staged at the LTG Auditorium, New Delhi, under the aegis of the National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, marks a significant milestone. Padma Shri Balwant Thakur Ji emphasized that through children’s theatre he is attempting to create a new theatrical form, supported by a structured methodology for training young minds, which he described as his contribution to the field of theatre.He further highlighted the practical nuances of theatre, emphasizing the importance of discipline, training, and ethical storytelling, and shared his vision of building theatre for children and by children.

He also acknowledged the four prestigious awards received by the production and expressed his sincere gratitude to Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, for gracing the occasion and for his continued support of cultural initiatives.

In his address, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, Indian Institute of Management Jammu, congratulated the performers and extended a standing ovation to the young artists for their powerful and moving performances. Reflecting on the play, he noted that although it was written in the 1990s, its message remains deeply relevant and impactful in the present context. Speaking from the perspective of a parent, he observed that the play sensitively conveys how unfulfilled parental ambitions are often imposed on children, whereas young minds must be encouraged to live their own lives and pursue their individual aspirations.

He further emphasized that while such creative platforms were limited in earlier times, today’s generation must be supported through evaluation, guidance, and constructive feedback. He wished the performers a bright future and expressed confidence that they would excel on any platform they choose. He also underlined the need to sensitize society towards films, theatre, art, culture and painting, reaffirming IIM Jammu’s commitment to developing sustainable platforms for theatre and cultural expression. He concluded by thanking Natrang Jammu and Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur for bringing meaningful and socially relevant theatre to the campus.

The production was further enhanced by strong technical and artistic support. The music for the play was composed by Sh. Suraj Singh, with Sh. Rakesh Kumar providing rhythm support. Sh. Neeraj Kant served as the Production Head, while the show was efficiently coordinated by Sh. Pawan Verma, Sh. Kushal Bhat, and Sh. Kananpreet Kaur.

The event reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s commitment to holistic education, integrating art, culture, and creativity with academic excellence and positioning the Institute as a vibrant platform for dialogue, reflection, and societal engagement through the performing arts.