Port Blair: The spirit of patriotism and India’s rich cultural heritage will take centre stage in Sri Vijaya Puram on July 15 as school students present two specially curated theatrical productions during the Mahakavi Kalidasa National Theatre Festival 2026, a nationwide initiative commemorating 150 years of the national song Vande Mataram.
Organised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the festival is being held on the occasion of Mahakavi Kalidasa Jayanti under the theme “Bharat Speaks Through Theatre (Youth Theatre for National Awakening). The event is being conducted in collaboration with the Department of Education, Andaman and Nicobar Administration.
As part of the celebrations, two schools from the Islands will stage 20-minute theatrical performances simultaneously at 6 pm on July 15 at separate venues in Sri Vijaya Puram. The Govt. Girls Senior Secondary School, Sri Vijaya Puram, will present ‘Kalapani – Cellular Jail ki Pukar’, directed by Naba Kumar Dhar, at the school’s auditorium.
Meanwhile, Govt. Secondary School, Junglighat, will stage ‘Netaji – Azadi ka Jwalamukhi’, directed by Arup Kumar Roy, at the Govt. Model Senior Secondary School Auditorium. The performances aim to inspire young minds by revisiting significant chapters of India’s freedom struggle through the medium of theatre while showcasing the artistic talent of students from the Islands.
The organisers have invited members of the public to attend the performances and join in celebrating the nation’s heritage, patriotism and vibrant theatrical tradition.
