By Saikat Sinha, Senior Culture Editor
LinkedIn | Last Revised: June 21, 2025
Key Highlights
- Event: Flag-off of two-act Hindi play Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath
- Date & Venue: June 21, 2025, 1 PM at Jamnalal Bajaj Hall, Dhantoli, Nagpur
- Attendance: MLAs Pravin Datke, Mohan Mate; MLC Sandeep Joshi; Prasanna Hardas (Krida Bharti) and other dignitaries timesofindia.indiatimes.comtimesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Tour: 30-member cast to perform 100 free shows across 15 Maharashtra cities from June 22 onward timesofindia.indiatimes.com
What Happened?
As the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) marks its 100th anniversary, it unveiled a specially commissioned theatrical production, Sangh Ganga Ke Teen Bhagirath, celebrating the lives of its first three Sarsanghchalaks (chiefs). The flag-off ceremony took place on June 21 at Jamnalal Bajaj Hall, Dhantoli, in Nagpur, drawing prominent local leaders and cultural figures. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
5 Key Takeaways
- Vision and Language Choice
- Written by Shridhar Gadge and directed by Sanjay Pendse, the play was conceived in Hindi to transcend regional barriers, aiming for national and even international stages. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Narrative Focus
- Dr K B Hedgewar (Founder): His emphasis on collective leadership—“nothing in the Sangh was his alone”—sets the ideological tone.
- M S Golwalkar (Guruji): Anecdotes of resilience (e.g., addressing swayamsevaks despite illness) highlight personal sacrifice.
- Balasaheb Deoras: Known for organizational reforms and broader outreach.
- Artistic Elements
- Blends narration, dramatization, live music, and multimedia to bring pivotal moments—such as the Sangh’s early expansions and community health drives—to life.
- Community Engagement
- Entry is free, reflecting the Sangh’s principle of accessible public service (seva).
- Supported by Tararani Foundation and Vishwaraj Environment Ltd, indicating NGO and corporate collaboration.
- Centenary Tour
- 30 actors will visit 15 cities (including first show at Khamgaon, Buldhana) to complete 100 performances across India, with plans for overseas showcases. timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Expert Commentary
“Presenting a century of organizational history in 150 minutes is an ambitious feat,” says Dr Vidya Bhave, Associate Professor of Theatre at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. “The creative team’s focus on turning points—from grassroots mobilization to national expansion—ensures both educational depth and emotional resonance.”1
What Happens Next?
- June 22 onwards: Tour kicks off in Maharashtra cities—Akola, Pune, Aurangabad, and Nashik among them.
- Audience Outreach: Special matinées for students and underprivileged communities.
- Digital Archive: Excerpts and behind-the-scenes footage to be released on the official RSS centenary portal.
Daily Digest
Stay updated with rolling coverage of the centenary events:
- Tomorrow (June 22): First public performance at Khamgaon, Buldhana (Maharashtra Minister of Labour Akash Fundkar to attend).
- JUNE 25: Workshop on “Theatre as a Tool for Cultural Education” at Nagpur University.
- JUNE 28: Panel discussion with the playwright and director in Mumbai (via live stream).
Fact-Check
| Claim | Source | Verification |
|---|---|---|
| Flag-off ceremony held on June 21 at Jamnalal Bajaj Hall | Times of India report | timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| Play written by Shridhar Gadge; directed by Sanjay Pendse | Ceremony coverage | timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
| 100 performances planned across 15 cities | Statewide tour announcement | timesofindia.indiatimes.com |
