IIM Jammu Hosts Hindi Play ‘Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun’ in Association with Natrang
The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu recently hosted the acclaimed Hindi stage play “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun,” written and directed by Padma Shri Balwant Thakur. This event, held on February 8, 2026, was organized in collaboration with Natrang Jammu, a prominent cultural organization. The performance drew a large audience, including students, faculty members, administrative staff, and their families, showcasing the institute’s commitment to holistic education through cultural engagement.
About the Play
“Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun” is a thought-provoking play that addresses the challenges faced by the younger generation. It highlights the pressures that arise not from external sources, but from the expectations imposed by parents and the immediate social environment. The narrative encourages parents, educators, and guardians to reflect on themes such as materialism, consumerism, and unbridled ambition. The play serves as both a mirror to society and a compelling call for introspection and change.
Event Highlights
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including:
- Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu
- Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, Writer and Director
- Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean (Academics)
- Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, Chief Administrative Officer
- Faculty members, officers, staff, and students of IIM Jammu
Significance of the Performance
Padma Shri Balwant Thakur expressed his delight in presenting the play at IIM Jammu, describing the occasion as a renewed engagement with theatre. He shared that “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun,” originally written in 1994, has evolved into one of the longest-running children’s theatre productions in India. The play has received wide critical acclaim, extensive media coverage, and numerous awards.
Thakur emphasized his vision of developing theatre for children and by children, utilizing a structured training methodology that highlights discipline, ethical storytelling, and artistic integrity as essential components of theatre practice. He also expressed gratitude to Prof. B. S. Sahay for his ongoing support of cultural initiatives at the institute.
Reflections from IIM Jammu
In his address, Prof. B. S. Sahay congratulated the young performers for their powerful performances and noted the play’s continued relevance. He remarked that parental aspirations should not overshadow the individual dreams of children. Prof. Sahay reaffirmed IIM Jammu’s commitment to fostering platforms that promote art, culture, and creativity alongside academic excellence.
Production Details
The production featured:
- Music composed by Suraj Singh
- Rhythm support by Rakesh Kumar
- Production management by Neeraj Kant
- Coordination by Pawan Verma, Kushal Bhat, and Kananpreet Kaur
Future Prospects
Notably, “Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun” has been selected for presentation at the world’s largest International Theatre Festival. The play will be staged at the LTG Auditorium in New Delhi under the aegis of the National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. This recognition further underscores the importance of the play and its themes.
Conclusion
The event at IIM Jammu reinforced the institute’s vision of integrating performing arts into education, positioning it as a vibrant space for cultural dialogue and societal reflection. By supporting such initiatives, IIM Jammu not only enhances the educational experience of its students but also contributes to the broader cultural landscape of the region.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the latest updates as of February 2026.
