Play on 3 RSS chiefs begins statewide tour, first show at Khamgaon in Vidarbha today
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Nagpur: As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) commemorates its centenary year, a special two-act Hindi play, 'Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath', based on the lives of the first three Sarsanghchalaks, began its statewide tour, Shatabdi Sangh Yatra, from Nagpur on Saturday.
The first show will be staged at Khamgaon in Buldhana district on Sunday, where Maharashtra minister of labour, Akash Fundkar, is expected to be present.
The 150-minute production marks a major cultural initiative in the centenary year of the RSS which was established in 1925. A 30-member cast will stage the play in 15 cities across Maharashtra, with a goal of completing 100 shows across India. The plan is also to stage the play at international platforms.
Written by Shridhar Gadge and directed by Sanjay Pendse, the play chronicles the journey of the Sangh through the lives of RSS founder Dr Keshav Baliram Hedgewar, Madhav Sadashivrao Golwalkar, known as Guruji, and Madhukar Dattareya Deoras, popularly known as Balasaheb Deoras.
The tour was flagged-off at Jamnalal Bajaj Hall, Barrister Abhyankar Smarak Trust, Dhantoli. "It began about a year ago in a discussion with Bhaiyyaji Joshi, the then RSS general secretary.
We agreed the play must reach audiences across India and beyond, so we chose Hindi to ensure it transcended language barriers," Pendse said recounting the origins of the project.
Pendse also spoke about the challenge of presenting the vast contributions of the three leaders in a two-and-a-half-hour show. "We focused on crucial turning points, moments that not only defined their lives but also inspired generations of swayamsevaks," Pendse said.
Krida Bharti national committee member Prasanna Hardas, the chief guest of the flagging off ceremony, highlighted the ideological foundation of the RSS. "Dr Hedgewar always maintained that nothing in the Sangh was his alone. The ideology we uphold is rooted in the Sanatan Dharma, an ancient philosophy of global peace and service handed down by our sages."
Hardas shared an anecdote from Guruji's life, emphasising his relentless dedication.
"Even while suffering from a high fever, Guruji insisted on keeping to his travel schedule. Only once, on a doctor's insistence, did he pause and felt under the weather the whole day. But the very next day he addressed swayamsevaks and he was fine again. That's the spirit this play brings to life."
Blending storytelling, music, dramatization, and multimedia, 'Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath' offers audiences a vivid look at the RSS's 100-year journey. Entry to all shows is free. The event is supported by the Tararani Foundation and Vishwaraj Environment.
Dharampeth Mahila Bank president Nilima Bavane, senior theatre artist and Natya Parishad office bearer Rakesh Khade, along with Nayantara Foundation founder Sarika Pendse were present at the flagging-off ceremony.
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