Dateline Dehradun: The winners of the VoW Iti Natya 2024 theatre festival was Shri Ram Centennial School securing the first position, followed by Jaswant Modern Sr Sec School in second place, while Doon Global School & Gyananda School tied for the third place.
With an overwhelming response to the Third Edition of Iti Natya 2024 invite, close to a dozen schools from Dehradun and neighbouring district of Haridwar brought Kalidasa’s masterpiece, “Abhigyan Shakuntalam,” alive on the stage.
On Sunday morning of May 5th, Valley of Words (VoW), in collaboration with IGNFA, Dehradun, Young Indians, Dehradun Chapter and CII, proudly presented the third edition of ‘Iti Natya,’ the theatrical segment of the esteemed literary festival. Held at the Hari Singh Auditorium, IGNFA, FRI Campus, Dehradun, the event aimed to foster a deeper appreciation for the art of theatre among the community, while also celebrating the rich cultural heritage of India.
The day commenced with a warm introduction of Young Indians (YI), followed by thought-provoking sessions conducted by the YI Team. Dr. Ankita Priyadarshini shed light on mental health, emphasizing its importance in today’s fast-paced world. Road safety was addressed by Mr Kumal Puri with diligence, raising awareness on traffic rules and safe driving practices, and the Masoom presentation provided a comprehensive exploration of safety measures concerning internet usage, shedding light on the potential dangers and pitfalls that lurk online. Through engaging visuals, real-life examples, and interactive discussions, the presenters effectively conveyed the gravity of these issues, capturing the undivided attention of the audience.
The distinguished panel of judges, comprising Ms. Meghana Anne Wilson, Ms. Shalini Rao and Mr. Siddhant Arora, provided valuable insights and encouragement throughout the event.
The Young Indians’ speech, led by Chair Jamanveer Singh Sahni, highlighted the importance of confidence-building among young minds, highlighting the pivotal role of platforms like Iti Natya in nurturing talent and fostering growth.
Ms. Jyoti Dhawan, Board Member and Curator of Valley of Words Iti Natya and Children Vertical reflected on the festival’s growth over eight consecutive year and its mission to develop performing arts skills while providing a platform for budding artists. She drew parallels between Kalidasa, “The Shakespeare of India,” and his timeless portrayal of love in “Abhigyan Shakuntalam,” setting the stage for the day’s performances.
Our esteemed Chief Guest, Shri Jagmohan Sharma (IFS), APCCF & DG, EMPRI, Bengaluru, who also serves as the Director of Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy (IGNFA), Dehradun, graced the occasion. He expressed gratitude for the collaborations between IGNFA, Valley of Words, and Young Indians, emphasizing the significance of exposing youth to India’s cultural heritage by giving them a befitting stage.
Thanking the schools, teachers and its collaborating partners, Festival Director of Valley of Words, Literature and Arts Festival, Dr Sanjeev Chopra stated, “The third edition of Iti Natya appears to surpass the previous years, and I hope it continues to thrive in the same manner.”
As the curtains drew to a close on Iti Natya, a celebration that intertwines music and dance, poetry and enactment, teamwork and conceptualization, the organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and supporters for their unwavering enthusiasm and commitment, making this annual theatre festival a memorable event for theatre enthusiasts.
Looking forward to another promising fourth edition the organisers thanked students and teachers of prominent educational including Doon Global School, Doon International School, Gyananda School, Him Jyoti School, Jaswant Modern Sr. Sec School, Maa Anandmai Memorial School, Shri Ram Centennial School, St. Kabeer School, The Oasis School, Tonsbridge School, and Wisdom Global School, Haridwar for their dedication and passion that contributed in making Iti Natya a resounding success, ensuring an engaging and enriching experience for all attendees.
