Lucknow: On July 20, 2024, at 1090 Chauraha, students from Spring Dale College, Lucknow, presented an impactful street play titled “The Fascinating Digital World: Is It All Sunshine?” This performance was part of the college’s annual Awareness Week, which is dedicated to the founders of Spring Dale College, Mr. B.S. Sood and Mrs. Krishna Sood. They initiated this Awareness Week as a means to address various social issues and contribute necessary items to those in need. Their legacy has been continued by their daughters who are the present directors of Spring Dale Instituions, Mrs. Reeta Khanna and Mrs. Sangeeta Midha, and have been carrying forward this tradition for many years. This year’s theme focused on the various aspects of digital media and its potential risks.
Director of Spring Dale College Reeta Khanna on the occasion stated: “We have been trying to spread social message though nukkad natak and other ways of communication. Apart from getting education in school, students should know how to spread awareness in the society and be a part of that change.”
Purpose of Awareness Week
Spring Dale College organizes a special Awareness Week each year, focusing on different social issues. This year’s theme was ‘The Fascinating Digital World: Is It All Sunshine?’ aimed at raising awareness about the allure and potential dangers of digital media. Previous years have seen similar weeks addressing important issues such as environmental conservation, health, and education.
Street Play Performance
The street play began with the resonant call of ‘Let’s Watch the Street Play,’ capturing the audience’s attention. Through their compelling performances and dialogues, the students highlighted both the benefits and hidden dangers of digital media.
In the initial scene, a student ignored her mother’s request for water while being engrossed in her phone. The vivid portrayal of the mother’s complaints and nostalgic memories made the audience reflect on how today’s generation is increasingly dependent on digital devices. “Today’s youth is so immersed in the world of digital devices that they are overlooking the simple pleasures of real life,” a dialogue in the play stated.
In another scene, a teacher tried to emphasize the importance of books and real knowledge, but the students preferred the mobile phone world. The teacher revealed the dangerous realities of social media, explaining how the race for likes, comments, and shares is causing us to forget real relationships and cultural values. “In the race for social media fame, we are forgetting the important aspects of real life and human connections,” the teacher’s dialogue prompted deep reflection among the audience.
The entrance of digital media with a humorous touch surprised everyone. It explained how digital media connected people and provided timely information during the lockdown. However, it also emphasized that the responsible use of digital media and avoiding its potential dangers is up to us. “Digital media connected us and provided information, but its misuse can be harmful. It is our responsibility to use it wisely,” this dialogue made the audience ponder deeply.
Audience Reaction
The street play at 1090 Chauraha captured the attention of passersby. The audience applauded the students and appreciated their effort to raise awareness about the digital world. “This play makes us think about the dual nature of digital media. We need to be more cautious beyond its sparkle,” said one of the spectators.
Message
At the end of the play, the students delivered an important message: “The magic of the digital world is appealing and beautiful, but is everything truly golden here?” Through this message, they warned that not everything that glitters is gold and urged people to avoid getting lost in the illusions of the digital world.
“Understanding the reality of the digital world and taking steps towards its responsible use is our responsibility,” the students’ message clearly indicates the importance of balancing the benefits and risks of digital media.
Spring Dale College’s unique initiative is expected to significantly raise awareness about the proper and safe use of digital media and contribute positively to societal change. This event has provided a new perspective on digital media and played a crucial role in enhancing societal awareness.
