Witty and thought-provoking Sanskrit play Bhagavadajjukam was staged to a fully packed hall at the Nehru Centre (ICCR) in London recently. Organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Centre as part of its MoU signed with the world’s only multi-campus language University- Central Sanskrit University, the event marks Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations.
The amazing evening began with the opening words by Sanjay Sharma, Deputy Director of the Nehru Centre, shloka recitation by Samragyi Pokhrel and Samriddhi Pokhrel of Sanskrit at St. James, and song by Shalini Jeevanigi and Jyothirmayi Rampeta. Honourable Union Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy sent his best wishes to this event, which was read out by Sushil Rapatwar.
A detailed outline of the play in English was presented by Radhika Joshi and Jyothirmayi, followed by the play. Invocation (Vandana) to the presiding deity of the play Lord Shiva was presented by Ragasudha Vinjamuri. Believed to be written in the 7th century by Mahakavi Bodhayana, Bhagavadajjukam is a satirical comedy and a literary masterpiece revolving around the main characters disciple Shandilya (played by Ravish Hegde) and Guru (played by Dr Raghavendra Bhat).
Directed by Prof. Ramakant Pandey, the play also had two people joining locally from the UK. Dr Rishi Handa- Head of Sanskrit at St James School Boys School, Sanskrit poet and examiner Acharya Durga Prasad Pokhrel and poet-politician Cllr. Sharad Kumar Jha were felicitated on the occasion.
Shri Kapil Dev, Minister of Public Diplomacy & Consular at the High Commission of India attended the event as a special guest. Prof. Ramakant Pandey presented the Vote of Thanks.
The audience gave excellent feedback about how unique the event was, and how enthralling it is to see an original Sanskrit play in the UK. Organisers were congratulated for this milestone and all artists were immensely appreciated. It took several months of preparations by the organisers, from conceiving the idea of presenting an original Sanskrit play in this part of the world, to the execution and delivery. It is heartening to see a high-calibre and high-quality presentation by the artists.
Readers like you, make ESHADOOT work possible. We need your support to deliver quality and positive news about India and Indian diaspora - and to keep it open for everyone. Your support is essential to continue our efforts. Every contribution, however big or small, is so valuable for our future.
