Deeksha: A Play Based on Padma Shri Narendra Kohli's Novel

The play Deeksha is based on the novel of the same name by Padma Shri Narendra Kohli. Maintaining the traditional dignity of the Ramayana narrative, the play is interpreted in a contemporary modern context, offering a perspective on understanding Rama on a human level.

The production features a novel description of the Ahalya episode, presenting it with factual accuracy while removing mythological exaggerations. Through characters like Gautam, Indra, and Ahalya, the play addresses social themes, the state of intellectuals, and the helplessness of exploited individuals. In the narrative, Rama is initiated by Sage Vishwamitra.

Writer: Dr. Narendra Kohli

Dr. Narendra Kohli (January 6, 1940 – April 17, 2021) was a renowned Hindi writer who created more than a hundred literary works and initiated the genre of the 'epic novel' in Hindi literature. Known as a culturally nationalist writer, he received the Padma Shri in January 2017. Posthumously, his birth anniversary on January 6th was established as 'Writer's Day' in the Hindi literary world.

Director: Alok Chatterjee

Alok Chatterjee (1960/1961 – January 6, 2025) was an Indian theatre actor and director known for productions such as Death of a Salesman, Nat Samrat, and Anandamath. A gold medal recipient for best acting from the National School of Drama (NSD) Delhi, he taught at institutions including NSD, FTII in Pune, Actor Prepares in Mumbai, and the Madhya Pradesh School of Drama in Bhopal. He was also awarded the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for 2019 by President Droupadi Murmu.

Theatre Group: Darpan Gorakhpur

Established in 1976 with the staging of Pagla Ghoda, Darpan Gorakhpur has a long history of staging various plays, including Abu Hasan, Mahabhoj, Rashmirathi, and Samrat Ashok. The organization has collaborated with institutions such as the Sangeet Natak Akademi, National School of Drama, and Sahitya Akademi, and has participated in festivals including the Theatre Olympics-2018 and Bharat Rang Mahotsav.