The Indian Heritage and Cultural Association (IHCA) of New Jersey that is synonymous with Natya Darpan, wrapped up another successful year of theater and the arts Oct. 23, 2021.
The organization showcased 5 plays with varying themes, performed by local award-winning actors and diverse groups in the Indian-American community.
The five plays selected by a panel of judges from more than 34 entries, were ‘Bad Seed’ in English, ‘Purushartha’ in Hindi, ‘Sonata’ in Marathi, ‘The Priest and the Prostitute’ in English adapted from Sanskrit, and ‘Self-Less’ in Marathi.
More than 65 local artists participated in the various plays this year and “wowed the audiences with their brilliant performances” a press release from organizers said. They noted that despite the challenges posed by Covid regulations, the festival held at the Middlesex County College was a sold-out event a few days in advance of the performances.
Founded in 2013 by Ashok Chaudhary, the annual Natya Darpan was last held in the Spring of 2019, interrupted by the global Covid pandemic.
A lamp-lighting ceremony kickstarted the event at noon, in the presence of invited guests Deputy Consul General of India in New York Varun Jeph, PhD; Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra; Padma Shri Dr. Sudhir Parikh of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold; Dr Raj Pandya of Pandya Foundation; Assemblyman Sterley Stanley of the 18th District in New Jersey; and Edison Township Councilman Ajay Patil.
“This multilingual short play festival promotes the US based talent in performing arts, thus giving an opportunity to artists to express their vision without any boundaries and bringing communities together to discuss the social issues that the festival highlights every year,” Dr. Chaudhary is quoted saying at the festival.
Organizers acknowledged the ‘strong support’ received from Dr. Parikh, and Dr. Anand and Rachana Kulkarni who are on the Board of Advisors. This year the festival was also supported by Pandya Foundation.
Dr. Parikh congratulated IHCA and especially Chaudhary “for putting up an excellent cultural program to empower the second generation. That is the most important thing we can do as the first generation. … So please keep supporting them…. We all are with you.”
India’s Consul General in New York Randhir Jaiswal sent a special video message to Natya Darpan.
Assemblyman Stanley presented a special proclamation from Governor of New Jersey Phil Murphy. to IHCA congratulating it for the Natya Darpan festival.
Edison Mayor Tom Lankey also sent a citation lauding the IHCA and its activities, that was presented by Councilman Patil.
Commissioner Narra said Middlesex County had been supporting IHCA and Natya Darpan, “Because we are committed to having the diversity of our own County celebrated any time we can. And this particular event is wonderful.”
A special tribute was paid to late Ashok Vanjari, a mentor, an artist, and executive advisor to Natya Darpan, by staging an excerpt from his play ‘Ji Jaisi Aapki Marzi.’
The IHCA says that through its performing arts events, it focuses on social issues such as women’s empowerment, human trafficking, immigration, LGBTQA+ advancement, community relationships, mental illness and more.
For the last couple of years, IHCA and Natya Darpan have received a grant from the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders as well as the Consulate General of India in New York.
