Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 9: Natrang presented a Hindi play 'Aakhiri Boond', written and directed by Neeraj Kant, here today at Rani Park, Jammu.The play highlighted the importance of water conservation, community responsibility, and sustainable water management in rural India.The play Aakhri Boond beautifully and creatively portrayed the vision of the Jal Jeevan Mission, Jammu & Kashmir, using the powerful and engaging medium of theatre. Through compelling performances, thought-provoking storytelling, and impactful visuals, the production effectively highlighted the mission's core objective of ensuring safe and adequate drinking water for every household. The play not only entertained the audience but also sensitized them to the importance of water conservation and sustainable water management.
On the occasion, Director Balwant Thakur of Natrang informed that the theatre group had recently produced ten theatrical "quickies" dedicated to the Jal Jeevan Mission. These short yet powerful performances were showcased in a series of six shows and received an overwhelming response from audiences across the region. Encouraged by this appreciation and public engagement, Natrang decided to dedicate one of its Sunday theatre performances exclusively to Jal Jeevan Mission J&K, reaffirming its commitment to supporting socially relevant initiatives through the transformative power of theatre.
The story revolves around a village celebrating the successful implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission, under which clean tap water has reached every household. The play opens with a festive atmosphere as villagers celebrate "Jal Arpan Diwas" and "Jal Mahotsav", expressing their joy that water now flows directly into their homes.
Women in the village share how they no longer need to walk miles to fetch water, saving both time and effort. Children, especially young girls who previously spent hours collecting water, can now attend school regularly. Farmers and youth pledge their support for maintaining the system through active participation in Gram Sabha meetings and collective responsibility.
The narrative takes a critical turn when a villager is seen wasting water while washing his car. Through engaging dialogues, the characters emphasize responsible water usage and highlight simple conservation practices such as turning off taps while brushing, fixing leakages, reusing kitchen water, and utilizing purifier wastewater.
The play further addresses the looming threat of drought and depleting groundwater levels. Villagers discuss the need for rainwater harvesting, building ponds, recharging groundwater, planting trees, and ensuring that every drop of rain is conserved. The slogan "Save Water Today-Secure Life Tomorrow" reinforces the urgency of collective action.
In the final segment, women take the lead by testing water quality using field test kits and promoting laboratory testing through certified labs. They proudly call themselves "Water Guardians," symbolising empowerment and community ownership of water resources.
The play delivers a powerful message that government initiatives alone are not enough; sustainable water management requires active public participation, awareness, and responsibility at every level.
The artists who performed in the play included Pawan Verma, Kananpreet Kaur, Aadesh Dhar, and Kushal Bhat, who captivated the audience with their impactful performances and meaningful presentation. |
