JU’s Design Your Degree students presented a splendid performance in NSD's 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav.

Jammu, Feb 11: The students of Design Your Degree, University of Jammu presented a splendid performance of dramatic presentation of Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s Epic Poem 'Rashmirathi' under prestigious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav International Theatre Festival 2026 (World’s Largest Theatre Festival) by the National School of Drama, New Delhi under Academic Presentation Category. The performance was organized under the aegis of National School of Drama, New Delhi by the Department of Students Welfare in collaboration with SIIEDC, University of Jammu and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor University of Jammu complemented the students of Design Your Degree for this distinctive achievement. Shri B. R. Sharma IAS Retd., Former Chief Secretary, J&K Government was the Chief Guest and Padmashri Prof. Lalit Magotra, President Dogri Sanstha and Ms. Harvinder Kaur, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages were the Guest of Honour.

In his address, Sh. B.R. Sharma lauded the efforts of the entire team behind this spectacular performance by University students which was par excellence in all respects. He appreciated the confidence and energy of the participants and congratulated the University of Jammu for the successful presentation under World's Largest Theatre Festival. 

Prof. Lalit Magotra expressed his gladness and appreciation on watching the wonderfully presented theatre production by students which was at par with any professional production. 

Earlier, in her welcome address, Prof. Alka Sharma, Director SIIEDC, University of Jammu expressed gratitude towards Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor University of Jammu, Director, National School of Drama, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages, DSW, University of Jammu, Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Principal IMFA Prof. Shohab Inayat Mailk, Lokbharti Prakashan,Rajkamal Prakashan, Ms. Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA for their valuable contribution in the success of the play.

The writer of Rashmirathi, Padma Bhushan Ramdhari Singh Dinkar was a celebrated Hindi poet, essayist, and academic, renowned as a "Rashtrakavi" (National Poet) for his fiery patriotic compositions during India's freedom struggle.

It is pertinent to mention here that the production was envisioned by Prof. Umesh Rai and was aptly implemented by Design Your Degree students under the Direction of Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor, University of Jammu who is recipient of prestigious National Award for theatre direction. Design Your Degree is a four year undergraduate progremme launched by SIIEDC University of Jammu in the year 2023. This initiative aligns with NEP 2020 to offer flexibility, allowing students to create personalized, interdisciplinary pathways.

Rashmirathi (meaning "The Charioteer of the Sun") is a celebrated Hindi epic poem focusing on the life of Karna from the Mahabharata. The poem portrays Karna as a tragic hero of immense talent, honor, and generosity, whose life is overshadowed by social stigma and fate. Abandoned at birth by Kunti, Karna is raised fighting lifelong discrimination to establish his merit as a warrior. Despite his greatness, he remains deprived of the honour he deserved, finding a true friend only in Duryodhana, to whom he pledges absolute loyalty. The narrative follows his struggles, his prowess, his sacrifice of his armor (Kavach-Kundal) to Indra, and his unwavering friendship. Ultimately, Rashmirathi elevates Karna as a symbol of defiance against societal prejudice, choosing to stand by his duty (Dharma) and friendship until his death on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, rendering him one of literature's most poignant figures

Mounting a dramatic presentation of Rashmirathi, proved to be a deeply enlightening experience for both the director and a team of nearly 40 artists. The production became possible through the guidance and unwavering support of Prof. Umesh Rai, esteemed Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu, whose trust, encouragement, and guidance transformed the project into a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all participants. Working with actors who had no prior stage experience emerged as strength rather than a constraint, as their enthusiasm, openness, and dedication were boundless.

Those who are involved with the smooth conduct of production include Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Alka Sharma, Director SIIEDC, University of Jammu, and Faculty of Design Your Degree. Prof. Sadaf Shah - Coordination, Suraj Singh-Music Composer, Aakash Dogra, Nitika Aggarwal- Choreography, Sunil Soni-Acting Inputs, Dr. Bhagwati, Dr. Kaushika Sudan-Language Experts, Suraj Ganjoo, Pankaj Sharma-Lights, Kamal Sharma- Make-Up, Amit Anand, Mohit Kumar- Rhythm, Nitish Sharma, Lokesh Chander- Sound, Rohan Sharma, Avinash lakhnotra-Assistance, Shivani, Mahi, Arti, Tahira, Laksh-Singing. Performers of the play include Ishu Bharati Pandit, Nitin Rathore, Sayam Prajapati, Lovish khajuria, Shailja Sharma, Kaashvi Taggar , Rishita Gupta, Saaket Jandyal, Saksham Khajuria, Bhaviya Koul, Dhwani Gupta, Fatima Sayed , Himanshi Amla , Harshita, Arti Devi, Lavanya Singh, Vishali, Manan Sharma, Nishkarsh Singh Nagra, Meenali Gupta , Mehak Shan, Aditya Gupta , Sanchi Gupta, Muneeb Ajmer and Somil Narang.

Dignitaries were also felicitated on behalf of the University of Jammu by Prof. Alka Sharma and Prof. K. S. Charak.