 Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 8, 2026: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu hosted a compelling theatrical presentation of the acclaimed Hindi stage play “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun”, written and directed by Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur, at its campus. The event was organized by IIM Jammu in association with Natrang Jammu and witnessed an enthusiastic response from students, faculty members, officers, staff, and their families. The occasion was graced by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, along with Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur. Also present were Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean (Academics), Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer, IIM Jammu, faculty members, officers, staff, students, and their family members.
The play jolts parents, educationists, and guardians out of a deep reverie of materialism, consumerism, and unbridled ambition. It powerfully addresses the contemporary challenges faced by the younger generation pressures imposed not by external forces, but by their own loved ones and immediate social surroundings making the production both a mirror to society and a compelling call for introspection and change.
Notably, this acclaimed production has been selected for presentation at the world’s largest International Theatre Festival and will be staged at the LTG Auditorium, New Delhi, under the esteemed aegis of the National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Addressing the gathering, Padma Shri Sh. Balwant Thakur warmly welcomed the audience and expressed his delight at presenting the production at IIM Jammu, describing it as the beginning of a renewed engagement with theatre.
He stated that “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun,” written in 1994, has evolved into one of the longest-running children’s theatre productions in India. He observed that as the final rehearsal often becomes the last theatre experience for many, the play has received wide critical acclaim, front-page media coverage, and multiple awards. He further shared that he has travelled across the length and breadth of the country with the production and noted that its selection for the world’s largest International Theatre Festival, where it will be staged at the LTG Auditorium, New Delhi, under the aegis of the National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, marks a significant milestone. Padma Shri Balwant Thakur Ji emphasized that through children’s theatre he is attempting to create a new theatrical form, supported by a structured methodology for training young minds, which he described as his contribution to the field of theatre. He further highlighted the practical nuances of theatre, emphasizing the importance of discipline, training, and ethical storytelling, and shared his vision of building theatre for children and by children. He also acknowledged the four prestigious awards received by the production and expressed his sincere gratitude to Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, for gracing the occasion and for his continued support of cultural initiatives. |
