Kamal Ghorui
ROHTAK: Drumbeats, sung narratives, and the raw power of the spoken word filled the campus of Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLC SUPVA) today as the university hosted its first-ever ‘Sang Samagam’, a landmark cultural initiative aimed at reclaiming and reviving Haryana’s iconic folk theatre tradition of Sang.The event unfolded as a vibrant celebration of Haryana’s living cultural memory, with three towering Sang exponents delivering rousing performances that held the audience spellbound. Folk theatre lovers, cultural scholars, artists, and eminent custodians of Haryanvi traditions gathered in large numbers, turning the university campus into a pulsating space of voice, rhythm, and storytelling.Dr. Satish Kashyap and his team opened the evening with a deeply evocative presentation of “Sangt Kabir”, blending spiritual inquiry with folk narrative intensity. This was followed by Pandit Vishnu Dutt and his team, whose rendition of “Kissa Chap Singh” brought heroic lore and dramatic cadence alive on stage. The sequence culminated in an electrifying performance of “Leelo Chaman” by Pradeep Rai and his team, drawing thunderous applause for its emotional force and performative brilliance.The occasion was graced by a distinguished gathering of guests, including Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, former minister Manish Grover, Vice-Chancellor, Maharshi Dayanand University, Prof. Rajbir Singh, Ajay Gupta, Member, NCZCC, Shri Rajesh Jain, MD, LPS Bossard, Vice-Chancellor, CBLU Bhiwani, Prof. Deepti Dhamani, Vice-Chancellor, IGU Meerpur, Prof. Aseem Miglani, and Director, IIM Rohtak, Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, among many others.Welcoming the Chief Guest, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya underscored the university’s commitment to cultural responsibility and revival. Addressing the gathering, Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda praised the initiative and its deeper cultural resonance.“Sang Samagam reflects the true, earthy artistic soul of Haryana,” said Dhanda.“Today’s youth must not forget the fragrance of our cultural legacy while embracing modernity. I congratulate Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya for conceptualising this meaningful event and commend the students for their remarkable talent. They should work closely with the government and actively contribute to society through art and culture.”A particularly moving moment of the evening was the felicitation of families and collaborators of legendary Sang icons of Haryana—Shaheed Fauji Mehar Singh, Pandit Mange Ram, Pradeep Rai Nindana, Pandit Vishnu Dutt Ji, and Surya Kavi Baje Bhagat Ji. Honoured for their timeless contributions to the Sang tradition, family members and associates addressed the audience, expressing gratitude and emotion at seeing this powerful folk form being celebrated on an academic stage.Speaking on the significance of the event, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Amit Arya said,“Sang is not a relic of the past—it is a living, breathing form that carries Haryana’s social memory, courage, humour, and wisdom. At a time when this tradition is witnessing a gradual decline, Sang Samagam is our collective assertion that such forms must be heard, studied, and performed again. DLC SUPVA is committed to making cultural revival an active academic mission, with students at its very heart.”Earlier, Registrar Dr. Gunjan Malik, in her opening address, set the context of the event, outlining the vision behind Sang Samagam and emphasising the role of universities as custodians of intangible cultural heritage.Adding youthful vibrancy to the evening, students of DLC SUPVA regaled the audience with spirited song and dance performances, seamlessly bridging folk sensibilities with contemporary expression. The programme was energetically anchored by Shri Dushyant, Head, Acting Department, along with filmmaker Hariom Kaushik, whose stage conduct kept the tempo alive throughout.With Sang Samagam, DLC SUPVA has not merely organised an event—it has sounded a cultural call. At a time when traditional folk theatre forms face erosion, the university’s initiative stands as a decisive step towards revival, recognition, and renewal of Haryana’s rich Sang heritage, ensuring that this powerful tradition continues to speak—clearly, courageously, and aloud—to future generations.
