Lucknow: A powerful poetic theatrical production titled “Purja Purja Kat Mare” was staged by Manjushree Sanstha at Sant Gadge Ji Maharaj Auditorium, celebrating the spirit of patriotism, sacrifice, and cultural pride. The evening also witnessed the presentation of the prestigious Manjushree Samman to distinguished personalities for their notable contributions to art, literature, culture, and media.
The programme commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Chief Guest Dr. Dileep Kumar Agnihotri, State Information Commissioner, Uttar Pradesh. Among those honoured with the Manjushree Samman were Ritu Suhas, IAS and Additional Director, Local Bodies Directorate; Vibha Singh, Vice Chairperson, Uttar Pradesh Sangeet Natak Akademi; Dr. Amita Dubey, Chief Editor, Uttar Pradesh Hindi Sansthan; Dr. Parveen Azad, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Lucknow; and Jyoti Kiran Ratan, a versatile talent and prominent media personality from Lucknow.
Programme Convenor Nalini Srivastava and Media In-charge Vivek Shukla informed that the play is inspired by the famous and spirited line “Purja Purja Kat Mare” penned by Guru Gobind Singh. Conceptualised and directed by Shailesh Srivastava, the production draws upon the Guru’s immortal message that even if one’s body is cut into pieces, one must remain steadfast in one’s resolve—particularly in service and sacrifice for the nation. The phrase, deeply revered in Sikh tradition, symbolises unparalleled courage, dedication to humanity, and supreme sacrifice, recalling the martyrdom and resilience of the Guru’s own family.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest remarked that the women achievers honoured during the ceremony represent the transformative power of opportunity and leadership in shaping society. He added that the play’s narrative would inspire the younger generation to uphold patriotic values and national pride.
The drama interwove poetic excerpts from the works of eminent Hindi literary stalwarts Jaishankar Prasad, a pillar of the Chhayavad era, and Gopal Das Neeraj, whose verses enriched the production with lyrical depth. The storyline paid tribute to countless unsung heroines and martyrs who laid down their lives for India’s freedom, reinforcing the enduring relevance of sacrifice and collective courage.
The cast delivered impactful performances, with Karuna Shankar Upadhyay portraying Hammuddeen, Syed Alekh Mehdi as Kunwar Ranvijay Singh, Ashutosh Pandey as Rana Kesari, Aditi Tiwari as Tarini, Anshumala as Rajmata, Anil Kumar as Rajguru, and Poonam Yadav as Maharani. Each actor left a lasting impression with their compelling stage presence.
The production seamlessly blended tradition with modern theatrical techniques. Abhishek Kharwar’s sound design, complemented by the musical contributions of Ajit Srivastava and Pooja, lent a melodious dimension to the performance. Lighting effects by Vikas Dubey and stage management by Sanjay Srivastava and Anil Kumar effectively recreated the historical ambience. The choreography by Ayush Srivastava brought poetic compositions to life through expressive movement.
The ensemble effort of supporting artists—including Kirtika Srivastava, Srishti Srivastava, Sheikh Mohammad, Arsalan, Khushi Rastogi, Divya Negi, Jasleen, Priyanshu, Rishabh Pandey, Gaurav Agarwal, Ajit Das, Shailendra Kumar, Arvind Kumar, Kaushalendra Srivastava, Aditi Tiwari, and Upendra Soni—was met with resounding applause from the audience.
Throughout the evening, the cast paid heartfelt tributes to Jaishankar Prasad and Gopal Das Neeraj, whose poetry formed the backbone of the presentation. The production stood as a stirring reminder of India’s rich cultural heritage and the timeless values of bravery, devotion, and sacrifice that continue to inspire generations.
