How a Multimedia Play is Reviving Vadodara’s Forgotten Role in the Birth of 'Vande Mataram'
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
A new play at Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) is focusing on Vadodara's own history with the national song, Vande Mataram.
The play, titled Vande Bharatam, will be staged on Wednesday at the Prof C C Mehta Auditorium. It is organized by MSU's Dramatics Department and the Sangeet Natak Akademi. While the performance is part of a national festival marking the 150th anniversary of the song, this specific show focuses on the city's local connection.
In 1905, Sri Aurobindo lived in Vadodara and wrote one of the first English translations of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s song. The play highlights this moment, showing how the city played a part in spreading the song's message during the freedom struggle.
About 75 actors, dancers, and musicians are in the show, which uses acting, music, and videos to show how the song grew in popularity from 1875 onward. Along with local history, the story covers national events like Bhagat Singh's trial, Usha Mehta's underground radio station, and Birsa Munda's rebellion.
Prof Ajay Ashtaputre, Dean of Performing Arts, said the play is a cultural and academic project. He explained that they want to show local youth that Vadodara played an active role in the freedom struggle.
Prof Darshan Purohit, head of the Dramatics department, said the goal of combining drama, music, and multimedia is to help the younger generation connect with the history of the national song and the freedom movement.
