BENGALURU, JANUARY 31: World Forum for art and culture honoured Padamshiri Balwant Thakur for his presentation in the Expressions Summit-2025 which was held at the International Centre of Art of Living in Bengaluru. Under the programme BHAAV-Parivartan, Balwant Thakur presented his journey of using theatre and arts for bringing peace in the troubled Jammu & Kashmir. In the process of reviving the age-old theatre tradition-Bhand Pather he has also been instrumental in bringing community life of Kashmir back to rails. In a period of three years he trained 60 young playwrights and directors who produced 60 different plays in Bhand Pather style which were performed all over Kashmir. In Jammu division he through Natrang produced two urdu major plays ‘Choona Hai Aasmaaan and ‘Parvaaz’ which were staged extensively in the districts of Poonch, Rajouri, Reasi, Doda, Udhampur, Ramban, and Kisthwar. In the play ‘Choona Hai Aasmaan’ a youngman wants to lead the world. He also wants to be like the people of the most progressive nations of the world. Despite making all-out efforts he finds that he is unable to make any headway in the present circumstances. He is shattered by finding that people out here are engaged in petty fights initiated by the anti-nationals. Young minds are being infused with negative thoughts, thus ruining their life and career. He finds himself trapped in such a system where people instead of supporting him and his vision are pushing him towards darkness where he will end up ruining himself. The people out here are being exploited and pushed to a path of darkness for small petty political gains. He feels strongly that peace is the prerequisite for any kind of progress and development.
World Forum for Art and Culture, which has already made world history by creating 12 Guinness world records with the participation of 190 countries and 2.9 million artists, acknowledged Balwant Thakur’s contribution to the enrichment of Indian theatre and his initiatives of using theatre for peace won accolades and appreciation from all.
With over 6000 national/international cultural events, Balwant Thakur is credited for revolutionising the cultural landscape of this troubled region of the country. He initiated experimental theatre, traditional theatre, children theatre, theatre for youth and theatre for social change. He brought the regional theatre particularly Dogri theatre to the international limelight through his highly innovative experiments with the traditional narratives and cultural expressions. He travelled over 100 international cities and showcased the vibrant artistic forms of Jammu & Kashmir. A rare combination of creativity and cultural administration he served on the prestigious cultural positions including Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Regional Director Indian Council for Cultural Relations in the Ministry of External Affairs and the Cultural Diplomat of India to South Africa and Mauritius. Currently heading NATRANG which is the ultimate brand name of performing arts in India. Showcasing of J&K’s vibrant culture by Natrang in G20 conference created all time records for being the biggest ever cultural show which attracted immense appreciation and accolades for J&K’s culture from the global audience.