Rashtranayak: A Play Highlighting the Life and Legacy of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee

The play Rashtranayak explores the life of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, beginning with his childhood and his father Ashutosh Mukherjee instilling patriotism in his children. As an adult, Dr. Mukherjee served as the Minister of Industry representing the Congress Party before political differences with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru led him to resign from the government.

Following his resignation, he sought advice from Shri Madhav Sadashiv Golwalkar (Guruji) and established the Bharatiya Jana Sangh alongside Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya. Dedicated to the ideology of “One Nation, One Constitution, and One Flag,” Dr. Mukherjee strongly opposed the permit system implemented by Sheikh Abdullah in Jammu and Kashmir. He entered Jammu and Kashmir without a permit in protest, was arrested, and died in custody under mysterious circumstances.

Writer

Jyoti Jeliya, a Delhi University graduate with 20 years of dedication to theatre, wrote Rashtra Nayak Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee. She has received a junior fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and serves as a member of the Film Certification Board in Mumbai.

Director

Sajjad Hussain Khan is a senior graduate of the National School of Drama with thirty years of experience in theatre. His directorial credits include Rashtra Nayak Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, alongside various other stage plays, films, and web series. He is a recipient of a senior fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

Director’s Note

Director Sajjad Hussain Khan noted that the play centers on the biography of Rashtranayak Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, tracking his early life in Calcutta and his efforts to form the Jana Sangh Party for the nation. He highlighted Dr. Mukherjee's opposition to the Jammu and Kashmir permit system, preventive detention laws, taking the Jammu and Kashmir issue to the United Nations, and his subsequent arrest and martyrdom within 44 days.

Group

Jyoti Arts is a registered theatre group operating for 13 years across Delhi and India, focusing on art, culture, education, social awareness, and social service through theatre events, street plays, and workshops. Registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 with the Government of the NCT of Delhi, the group is also registered with the Song and Drama Division and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.