By Matters India Reporter

Patna: A group of student cultural activists staged a series of street plays in ten schools in Patna to stress communal harmony.

The pointed message of the plays on February 2-4 was that India is a great nation because of its multi-religious heritage. People follow different religions, but live in harmony. Do not destroy the unity and integrity of the nation.

The group pointed out that the freedom of India was won by the united efforts of our countrymen and women whether they belonged to Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian communities.

The students took a pledge to uphold the religious diversity and harmony of our country, to celebrate the festivals of different religions, to respect each other’s religion in order to build a strong India.

The program was organized by Dr. Jose Kalapura, coordinator of Inter-Religious Dialogue Commission and Director of Xavier Institute of Social Research, Patna.

Three shows were put up in St. Dominic Savio School, Nasriganj, May Flower School and St. Mary’s Academy on Feb 2. The group staged four shows in St. Joseph’s Convent Schools and St. Xavier’s School on Feb 3. Three shows were staged in B. D. Public School, St. Michael’s School and Hartmann on Feb 4.

The nukkad natak (street play), Ek sadhe, sab sadhe (If one is controlled, all can be controlled) was written and directed by cultural activist Hasan Imam, director of Prerana Janwadi Sanskritik Morcha (Democratic Cultural Front). It was staged by a team of eight young members of Prerana (inspiration).

Beena Kumari, a ninth grader of St. Joseph’s School, said she now understands that the strength of our nation is in its unity despite diversity in religion, culture and language. “I am much inspired by the street play message,’ she told Matters India.

Hemant Kumar, an eleventh grader of May Flower School, said he is shocked to learn that there are anti-social elements who want to destroy the integrity of the nation.

The campaigners pointed out that Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation, had advised people to stand for sarva dharma sambhav (equal respect to all religions). ‘We must foster the unity and identity of our country by fighting communal hostility,” they appealed to the students.

The students both seniors and juniors got the message presented very powerfully, said Jesuit Father O A Jacob, principal of St. Xavier’s School.

Mrs. Glenda Galstaun, principal of St. Dominic Savio School, said nukkad natak is a powerful medium to communicate to students on the lofty message of communal harmony.

We would like to have many more nukkad performances in our school, said Mrs. Meera, principal of B D Public School.

Jesuit Father A. Christu Savarirajan, vice principal of St Michael’s School, said they would like to train their students in nukkad plays.

Father Kalapura said they would continue the campaign for religious harmony among students of other schools and colleges.