National Theatre Festival 2026 – Kargil celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram with theatrical tribute by Ranthag Theatre.

National Theatre Festival 2026 – Kargil celebrates 150 years of Vande Mataram with theatrical tribute by Ranthag Theatre.
Kargil, July 15, 2026: In a spectacular commemoration marking the historic occasion of 150 Years of Vande Mataram (Rashtra Geet) and Mahakavi Kalidasa Jayanti, Ranthag Theatre Kargil captivated a massive audience at the National Theatre Festival 2026 with the staging of their highly anticipated play, “Soday Chan In” (meaning “Whoever sacrifices for patriotism holds no regret”).
The special cultural event—themed “Bharat Speaks Through Theatre / युवा रंगमंच से राष्ट्र जागरण”—was organized by Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi (National Academy of Music, Dance and Drama, an autonomous body of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India), in close collaboration with the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC), Kargil.
Before the curtains went up, the atmosphere inside the auditorium turned profoundly emotional and patriotic. In a grand display of respect, the entire audience alongside the performing artists stood together to sing the Vande Mataram Rashtra Geet followed by the National Anthem.
Adding to the prestige of the evening, a special recorded audio message from Dr. Sandhya Purecha, the esteemed Chairperson of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, was played to welcome the gathering and share the vision behind the festival, officially setting the stage for the drama to unfold.
Performed entirely in the local Purgi language with a gripping 1-hour duration, “Soday Chan In” is a deeply moving tribute to the resilient spirit of the people of Kargil. Written by playwright Mohd Abass Yawar and directed by Kachoo Ahmad Khan, the narrative beautifully captures the historic and unwavering bond between the local border communities and the Indian Army, highlighting the civilians who have consistently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the armed forces in safeguarding the nation.
Staged at the packed Syed Mehdi Memorial Auditorium Hall in Kargil, the event was graced by an esteemed panel of guests who praised the production’s emotional depth and cultural significance:
Chief Guest: Dr. Niyaz Munshi, who lauded the artists for bringing the vital, untold stories of border heroism to the stage.
Special Guests: Mr. Khadim Hussain (Regional Transport Officer) and Mr. Raza Ali (Assistant Director, Information Department), both of whom commended Ranthag Theatre for its role in fostering national integration through the arts.
The venue was packed to maximum capacity, drawing a massive crowd of locals, art enthusiasts, and dignitaries. The audience was visibly moved by the powerhouse performances, sharp writing, and seamless direction, responding with standing ovations and resounding applause throughout the evening.
By blending local history with the national celebration of Vande Mataram, Ranthag Theatre Kargil, with the vital support of the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and LAHDC Kargil, has set a new benchmark for community-driven cultural expression in the region.