JU’s Design Your Degree students to perform in world’s largest theatre festival

Jammu February 10: It is a matter of pride for the region that a dramatic presentation of Rashmirathi, the epic poem by Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, staged by the students of Design Your Degree, SIIEDC, University of Jammu, has been selected for the prestigious 25th Bharat Rang Mahotsav International Theatre Festival 2026 (World’s Largest Theatre Festival) organized by the National School of Drama, New Delhi under the Academic Presentation Category. The performance is being presented under the aegis of the National School of Drama, New Delhi by the Department of Students Welfare in collaboration with SIIEDC, University of Jammu and J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages. The play is scheduled for Wednesday, 11th February 2026 at 5:00 pm at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, congratulated the Design Your Degree students for this distinctive achievement.

While lauding the team, Prof. Umesh Rai stated that this recognition is not merely an artistic accomplishment but also a reflection of the University’s vision of holistic education. He noted that theatre builds empathy, discipline, collaboration, and cultural awareness—qualities that lie at the heart of the Design Your Degree programme. Prof. Rai observed that Rashmirathi is far more than a stage production; it is a philosophical exploration of dignity, duty, and social justice rooted in India’s rich literary tradition. He expressed confidence that participation in Bharat Rang Mahotsav will inspire the students to aim higher in both creative excellence and personal growth.

The writer of Rashmirathi, Padma Bhushan Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, was a celebrated Hindi poet, essayist, and academic, revered as “Rashtrakavi” (National Poet) for his powerful patriotic writings during India’s freedom struggle.

It is pertinent to mention that the production was envisioned by Prof. Umesh Rai and brought to life by Design Your Degree students under the direction of Sumeet Sharma, Drama Instructor, University of Jammu and recipient of the prestigious National Award for Theatre Direction. Design Your Degree is a four-year undergraduate programme launched by SIIEDC, University of Jammu in 2023 in alignment with NEP 2020, offering students flexibility to design personalized, interdisciplinary learning pathways.

Rashmirathi (meaning “The Charioteer of the Sun”) portrays the life of Karna from the Mahabharata as a tragic yet noble hero. Abandoned at birth, Karna rises through hardship, battles lifelong discrimination, and proves his valor on the battlefield. His sacrifice of the Kavach-Kundal to Indra, his  loyalty to Duryodhana, and his steadfast commitment to Dharma make him one of the most poignant figures in Indian literature. The poem ultimately elevates Karna as a symbol of dignity, defiance against injustice, and moral courage.

Mounting this production proved to be a deeply enriching experience for the director and nearly 40 young performers. The play became possible through the guidance and encouragement of Prof. Umesh Rai, whose faith in the students transformed this into a once-in-a-lifetime learning journey. Despite many actors being first-time stage performers, their enthusiasm, discipline, and dedication turned the challenge into a creative strength.

The production team includes Prof. Prakash C. Antahal, Dean Students Welfare; Prof. Alka Sharma, Director SIIEDC; and the Faculty of Design Your Degree.

Creative contributors include: Suraj Singh (Music Composer), Aakash Dogra and Nitika Aggarwal (Choreography), Sunil Soni (Acting Inputs), Dr. Bhagwati and Dr. Kaushika Sudan (Language Experts), Suraj Ganjoo and Pankaj Sharma (Lights), Kamal Sharma (Make-Up), Amit Anand and Mohit Kumar (Rhythm), Nitish Sharma (Sound Track), Rohan Sharma and Avinash Lakhnotra (Assistance), Shivani, Mahi, Arti, Tahira, and Laksh (Singing).

Performers include: Ishu Bharati Pandit, Nitin Rathore, Sayam Prajapati, Lovish Khajuria, Shailja Sharma, Kaashvi Taggar, Rishita Gupta, Saaket Jandyal, Saksham Khajuria, Bhaviya Koul, Dhwani Gupta, Fatima Sayed, Himanshi Amla, Harshita, Arti Devi, Lavanya Singh, Vishali, Manan Sharma, Nishkarsh Singh Nagra, Meenali Gupta, Mehak Shan, Aditya Gupta, Sanchi Gupta, Muneeb Ajmer, Somil Narang, and Anil.

Members of the civil society are cordially invited to witness the performance on 11th February 2026 at 5:00 pm at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.