Dogri Play ‘Jasma’ staged on closing ceremony of  25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, at the Matrika Auditorium, SMVDU

KATRA: The Department of Performing Arts, School of Humanities and Liberal Arts (SHLA), Cluster University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Board of Cultural Activities (BCA), Mata Vaishno Devi University, Kariyal, Katra, under the aegis of the National School of Drama (NSD), proudly staged the Dogri play Jasma today at Abhinav Theatre.

Organized under the patronage of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu, Prof. K. S. Chandrasekar, the event marked a significant cultural milestone for the university. The chief guest on the occasion was Vice-Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, who was welcomed on the occasion by Ms. Ankur Mahajan, JKAS, Registrar of Cluster University of Jammu. Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar applauded the performance of the students of the Department of Performing Arts, Cluster University of Jammu, and he also asked the department to stage the shows of the Jasma play in other universities and educational institutions of the country, which will portray the folk theatre forms and folk musical forms of Duggar among the students.

The performance formed part of the prestigious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, recognized as the world’s largest international theatre festival. The staging of Jasma assumes historic importance as one of the official entries from Jammu & Kashmir, but the exclusive one presenting the vibrancy of the Dogri language and the richness of regional folk theatre on a distinguished national platform. 

The event was graced by Ms. Ankur Mahajan, JKAS, Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu; Dr. Monika Sharma, Dean, Arts School of Humanities and Liberal Arts, Cluster University of Jammu; Ms. Kajal Jasrotia, Finance Officer, Mata Vaishno Devi University; Dr. Kuldeep Raina, Coordinator, Department of Performing Arts, Cluster University of Jammu; Dr. Rakesh Thussu, President, Board of Cultural Activities (BCA), Mata Vaishno Devi University; and Sh. Rahul Sharma, Vice President, Board of Cultural Activities (BCA), Mata Vaishno Devi University. Others who remained present were faculty along with family and the students of the university, faculty, and students of Cluster University of Jammu. Jasma is a celebrated adaptation of the Gujarati folk legend originally written by Shanta Gandhi.

The Dogri adaptation was undertaken by the late Kavi Rattan, widely regarded as the father of modern Dogri theatre. Reimagined within the vibrant cultural ethos of Duggar, the narrative centers on Vaishno, a woman of extraordinary virtue, beauty, and unwavering loyalty belonging to a community of master craftsmen. When the tyrannical King Bhairo, driven by obsession, murders her husband, Basant, Vaishno transforms into a fierce manifestation of Devi, annihilating injustice and restoring honor and moral order. The Department of Performing Arts has been introduced in the School of Humanities and Liberal Arts, Cluster University of Jammu.

The department offers a master's in art, music, and theater that enables students to pursue special education in performing arts within Jammu and Kashmir. The production was co-directed by Dr. Abhishek Bharti and Ms. Aparna Kohli. The performance was widely appreciated for its compelling dramaturgy, visual dynamism, and the committed performances of the students of the Department of Performing Arts. The musical score was composed by Vishal Pandita, while the lyrics were penned by Mr. Karan, a student of the MPA program.

Notably, the stage properties and set elements were conceptualized and crafted from scratch by the department's students, reflecting their creative engagement and technical proficiency. The staging of Jasma Odan stands as a landmark initiative in revitalizing regional theatre traditions and fostering a renewed cultural consciousness among young performers in Jammu & Kashmir. This show also marked the closing ceremony of the 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav (BRM) 2026, showcasing over 277 productions across 228 Indian and international languages, including several underrepresented tongues, at more than 40 locations across the globe by the National School of Drama, New Delhi.