Manohar Singh Jayanti Celebrated in Mandi

Mandi: The Himachal Academy of Art, Culture and Language, in collaboration with the Department of Language and Culture, Himachal Pradesh, organised a grand event on Saturday to mark the birth anniversary of renowned theatre personality Manohar Singh. The commemorative function was held at the conference hall of Sanskrit Sadan, Kangni Dhar, Mandi.

Presiding over the event, Dr. Pankaj Lalit, Secretary of the Academy and Director of the Language and Culture Department, said that Manohar Singh was not only a jewel of Himachal Pradesh but also a towering figure in Indian theatre.

“He was a true source of inspiration for generations of theatre practitioners across the country,” he remarked. Dr. Lalit announced that efforts will soon be made to initiate various programs, in consultation with the government, to support and expand opportunities for artists and writers in the state.

Push for Greater Public Engagement in Arts

Emphasising the need to enhance public participation in cultural events, Dr. Lalit urged the artistic community to make serious efforts to connect audiences with art and performance. He also assured that the Academy will work toward bringing innovative programs to promote art forms at the grassroots level.

The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Shyam Verma, Assistant Secretary of the Academy, who outlined the purpose and significance of the program.

Rich Tributes from Theatre Fraternity

Renowned theatre director and former Director of the National School of Drama (NSD), Suresh Sharma, presented a detailed paper on Manohar Singh’s artistic journey. He highlighted Singh’s contribution to the maturity and elevation of Indian theatre, drawing attention to his legacy as a performer and mentor.

Chief Guest Shri Shrikant Srinivas Joshi, a veteran litterateur, columnist, and retired IAS officer, fondly recalled his personal interactions with Manohar Singh. “He was truly devoted to theatre — a man whose name was synonymous with artistic integrity and stagecraft,” he said, reflecting on Singh’s achievements in Himachal and beyond.

Dr. Rekha Vashisht, addressing the gathering as the special guest, remarked that those associated with theatre inherently undergo struggle and perseverance. “Unity and coordination among theatre practitioners are essential for the collective progress of the art form,” she added.

Personal Reminiscences and Calls for Preservation

Veteran artist and director Sanjay Sood, while conducting the program, shared his personal memories with Manohar Singh and made an appeal to fellow artists and institutions to collect and preserve valuable documents — including audio, video, and print material — related to Singh’s life and works for educational purposes.

Senior litterateur Gangaram Raji described Singh as a multi-talented individual who dignified the struggle associated with theatre. Writer Murari Sharma pointed out that Singh had brought national recognition to Himachal through his performances. “His journey began in village chaupals, passed through All India Radio, the Public Relations Department, Gaiety Theatre, and culminated at the National School of Drama, television, and the silver screen,” he said.

Artistic Presentations Highlight Singh’s Legacy

The second session of the event featured dramatic performances of two acclaimed literary works.
• “Gunjan Sharma Bimaar Hai”, written by Vivekananda, was directed and performed by Seema Sharma.
• “Weekend”, a popular story by Nirmal Verma, was staged under the direction and performance of Daksha Sharma.

Both presentations were organised under the banner of Himachal Sanskrit Research Institute, Param Mandal, Mandi.

Widespread Participation from Across the State

The function saw participation from over 35 artists representing Shimla, Mandi, and Bilaspur.
Among those present were renowned theatre personalities and writers including Bharti Kuthiyala, Roop Upadhyay, Daksha Thakur, Kehar Singh, Ved Kumar, Deep Kumar, Krishna Thakur, and Kedar Thakur. Many paid heartfelt tributes to Manohar Singh, sharing anecdotes and praising his relentless dedication to theatre.

District Language Officer Revati Saini graced the event with her presence, while the Academy’s research officer Rakesh Kumar, Superintendent Atmaram, and Madan Singh also attended.

The event concluded with a collective call for recognising and institutionalising Manohar Singh’s contribution to Indian theatre, and for nurturing a new generation of artists inspired by his life and legacy.

Munish Sood