BARAMULLA: World Theatre Day 2026 was celebrated with cultural fervour in Baramulla on Thursday, with the staging of a socially relevant Kashmiri play that highlighted the struggles of ordinary people and the importance of preserving local artistic traditions.
The programme was organised by the Mehboob Cultural Society in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at the auditorium of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School.
On the occasion, a Kashmiri play titled Mueon Kay Tcho (What You Think of Me), written by noted playwright and President of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, Mohammad Amin Bhat, was staged before a packed audience.
The play received wide appreciation for its poignant portrayal of the struggles of a common man and for addressing pressing social issues while also exploring possible solutions. Through compelling storytelling and natural performances, the artists brought the narrative to life and left a deep impression on the audience.
The performance aligned with the global theme of World Theatre Day 2026, “Theatre and a Culture of Peace”, highlighting theatre’s role as a platform for dialogue, empathy and mutual understanding.
Speakers on the occasion stressed the importance of promoting local art forms and preserving Kashmiri cultural heritage through such initiatives. They said theatre continues to be a powerful medium not only for entertainment, but also for education, awareness and social reflection.
The cast of the play included Ghulam-ud-Din Bahar, Shabir Ahmad Hakak, Ashraf Nago, Jaffar Bin Bashir, Mohammad Muttqi, Mujeeb Javed, Faizan Hameed, Sahil Ahmad, Sanam, Zain Bin Riyaz, Mohammad Hamza, Uzair Javaid, Mohammad Haziq, Rehan Khurshid, Mir Salik, G.A. Waza, G.M. Mahir, Muzaffar Ahmad Bhat, Bashir Ahmad Bhat and Hafeez Gul, whose performances were highly applauded.
Among those present were Yaser Farooq, Syed Abid, Irshad Ahmad Wani, political leader Mohammad Rafiq Rather, Abdul Khaliq Shams, Rashid Roshan, Zamir Ansari, Aqeel Ashraf, General Secretary of Baramulla Writers Forum, Mushtaq Karmani, Ashfaq Ahmad Shah, Maroof, Chairman of Human Aid Society, Bashir Ahmad Mir, Majrooh Kashmiri, Dr. Manzoor Ahmad, Cultural Academy representatives Jameel Ansari and Mohammad Ashraf Najar, along with Majid Ganaie and media persons Sheikh Dawood and Anzar Mehjo.
Speaking on the occasion, Mohammad Amin Bhat said theatre remains one of the most effective ways to reflect society and that the play was an attempt to portray the emotions, concerns and challenges faced by common people. He thanked the Cultural Academy, the school administration and all contributors for making the event successful.
Principal of St. Joseph’s Higher Secondary School, Suresh Britto, said he was pleased that the institution hosted such a programme for the first time and expressed hope that more literary and cultural events would be organised in future.
The event drew large participation from students, artists, poets, writers and theatre lovers, reflecting Baramulla’s growing interest in cultural and creative pursuits.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by former SSP and senior member of the society, Tameel Bashir.
