Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosted a powerful theatrical presentation of the acclaimed Hindi stage play “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun”, written and directed by Padma Shri awardee Shri Balwant Thakur, at its campus. The event was organised in association with Natrang Jammu and witnessed enthusiastic participation 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 Shri Balwant Thakur. Also present were Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean (Academics), Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, faculty members, officers, staff, and students.
The play offered a poignant commentary on contemporary societal pressures, particularly the emotional and psychological burdens placed on children by parental expectations, materialism, and unchecked ambition. Serving as both a mirror to society and a call for introspection, the production resonated deeply with the audience for its relevance and emotional depth. Notably, the play 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 aegis of the National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Balwant Thakur expressed his delight at staging the play at IIM Jammu and shared insights into the evolution of the production, which has become one of India’s longest-running children’s theatre performances. He highlighted his vision of nurturing theatre for children and by children through disciplined training and ethical storytelling.
In his address, Prof. B. S. Sahay congratulated the young performers, noting the enduring relevance of the play’s message even decades after it was written. He reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s commitment to holistic education by integrating art, culture, and creativity with academic excellence.
The event was supported by evocative music composed by Shri Suraj Singh, rhythm support by Shri Rakesh Kumar, production leadership by Shri Neeraj Kant, and coordination by Shri Pawan Verma, Shri Kushal Bhat, and Shri Kananpreet Kaur. The programme reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s role as a vibrant platform for cultural engagement and societal reflection.
