Vadodara Theatre Group's War Heroine Play Wins National Recognition
A powerful theatrical production from Vadodara has earned national acclaim by bringing to light one of the most remarkable yet lesser-known stories of courage from the 1971 Indo-Pak war. The Triveni Theatre Group's micro-drama Virangana 1971 recently secured the second-best production award at THESPIS – the prestigious National Micro Drama Festival.
Honoring Extraordinary Civilian Valor
The award-winning play dramatizes the incredible true story of 300 women from Madhapur village in Kutch, Gujarat, who performed an act of immense bravery and patriotism during the December 1971 conflict. When Pakistani forces bombed the Indian Air Force airstrip in Bhuj, crippling defense operations, these rural women stepped forward to undertake what seemed impossible.
Risking their own safety amidst ongoing hostilities, these determined women managed to completely repair the severely damaged airstrip within just 72 hours, ensuring that Indian Air Force operations could resume swiftly. Their contribution proved crucial to India's military efforts during that critical period.
Creative Excellence in Compact Format
Directed by Nisarg Raval with a script penned by acclaimed playwright Makarand Musale, Virangana 1971 features original music composed by Mishal Bhatiya and Mansi Desai. The production successfully met the unique challenges of the THESPIS festival format, where each competing play must deliver a complete, emotionally resonant narrative within a strict 10-minute timeframe.
P S Chari, general secretary and creative head of Triveni Theatre Group, emphasized the significance of the story: "It was a unique feat where rural women rose in defence of the nation. Their contribution represents an extraordinary chapter in India's military history that deserves wider recognition."
National Platform for Powerful Storytelling
The National Micro Drama Festival, organized in association with Bharat Rang Mahotsav by the National School of Drama, provides an important platform for compact yet impactful theatrical works. This season featured an impressive 30 micro-plays staged in a single day, with Virangana 1971 standing out for its historical significance and emotional depth.
The festival's format challenges theatre-makers to distill powerful narratives into concise performances that maintain dramatic intensity and emotional resonance. The Vadodara group's success demonstrates how regional stories with national significance can find recognition on prestigious national platforms through skilled artistic interpretation.
This recognition not only honors the creative team behind Virangana 1971 but also serves as a tribute to the 300 women whose wartime contribution has now been immortalized through theatrical art, ensuring their story reaches new generations of Indians.
