In a grand celebration of performing arts and India’s rich legacy of theatre, Vadodara-based Parul University marked the grand inauguration of the Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Mahotsav, a four-day national theatre festival celebrating the timeless essence of Indian drama and storytelling. Over the course of 4 days, the festival will give a stage to the best line-up of plays and sessions led by some of the most renowned theatre and film personalities of the country, along with interactive sessions for aspiring students.
Renowned actor Shri Yashpal Sharma graced the event as the Chief Guest in a grand inauguration ceremony to formally unveil and commence the festival. During his opening address, he engaged in an intimate talk session with students, sharing the values instilled by theatre, saying, “Theatre teaches you self-esteem, to respect others, to build imagination power, instill leadership qualities, and everything that makes you a good person.” He further expressed his views on how every child from a young age must be exposed to theatre and its art to foster a sense of cultural belonging. Following this, acclaimed actor Mr. Ashish Vidyarthi set the stage for the cultural extravaganza by delivering an inspiring PU Talks session and delighted students with a stand-up interaction, encouraging them to pursue life with resilience. He remarked, “In life, you will never be known by your weight, height, and colour, but by the work you do. So don’t be bothered by what others say.” Further, delivering a stand-up session that was equal parts motivating and entertaining, he left the students with golden advice saying, “You don’t need to seek permission from others to be happy.”
On this occasion, Dr. Parul Patel, the Vice President of Parul University, shared the vision of the institution in hosting such a mass festival, “It is with the help of Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Utsav that we hope to restore the theatre spirit in its pristine form and ensure that our students get to learn from the roots and experiences of the luminaries of the stage.”
The Vadodara Rashtriya Natya Utsav stands as a reflection of Parul University’s vision to nurture cultural expression and creative thinking. The festival aims to strengthen the university’s belief in the role of theatre as not only an art form, but also as an effective tool of learning, values, and social interaction by providing a platform where stories converge with audiences.
