The Rangaprabhat Children’s Theatre Trivandrum, Presented Sabarmati Dooreyanu: Sabarmati is Far Away – A

Sabarmati and Noakhali, after Gandhi, represent two opposite values and attitudes both at physical and spiritual level. Are they the two sides of the same coin? Are they not the visible manifestations of the ever present and never ending struggle for survival and supremacy in two different ways? War and violence, peace and stability, exploitation and striving for justice are all embedded in the social order, or even basically in human minds. Gandhi reminds us of the frontiers of sacrifice, coexistence, respect for all forms of life, love for nature, personal commitment, equal respect for all previous human institutions like religions.

Sabarmati and Noakhali, after Gandhi, represent two opposite values and attitudes both at physical and spiritual level. Are they the two sides of the same coin? Are they not the visible manifestations of the ever present and never ending struggle for survival and supremacy in two different ways? War and violence, peace and stability, exploitation and striving for justice are all embedded in the social order, or even basically in human minds. Gandhi reminds us of the frontiers of sacrifice, coexistence, respect for all forms of life, love for nature, personal commitment, equal respect for all previous human institutions like religions. Sabarmati also represents eloquently these ideals while Noakhali reminds humanity of the negation of all these principles. Gandhi proved that the message of goodwill which, if conveyed, without malice and if communicated by someone who lived a prismatic life could perform miracles. Thus Sabarmati is life affirmation and Noakhali representing both destruction and rebuilding. It is this aspect of Noakhali, a theme central to human survival that this play seeks to project. Prof. Sankara Pillai who opened a new chapter in modern Indian theatre appeals to all of us to invoke the Sabarmati in each of us and not to be cowed down by the destructive side of Noakhali. Sabarmati holds out the olive branch of hope to humanity.

The story centres around a freedom fighter and his family. Venu, a freedom fighter who lost his sight in the ghastly riots and killings during the communal clashes is a dependent on his brother Madhavan, who does not share his brother’s philosophy of life. With them are their sister and a faithful servant. The play is presented in a dream sequence. Jubilations following India’s independence bring back old memories to Madhavan and Venu. The play ends with the next generation passionately shouting “we will reach Sabarmati” and they joyously march towards it.