Shillong, Aug 14: A play on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, ‘Rashtraputra’, depicting his life and legacy, was staged at Assam Rifles on Thursday.
In recognition of Netaji’s unparalleled role in the freedom struggle, the Netaji Institute of Skill Development (NSID) has produced and staged the play, which apart from imparting skills aims to build character and patriotism among the youth using theatre to being to life the struggles and ideals of India’s national heroes.
Written and scripted by Abhaya Kashyap, Director of Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan, the play has previously been performed at the India International Centre and the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi.
NSID has formed an amateur theatre group to present a series of plays on the lives of national heroes. Following Rashtraputra, the group is working on a new production on the life of former Lok Sabha Speaker Purno A. Sangma, under the working title Son Rises from the East, scheduled for staging on September 1, 2026.
As part of the Independence Day 2025 celebrations, “Rashtraputra” was staged at the Rai Auditorium, Headquarters DGAR, Laitkor, from 11 am to 1 pm. The event was organised under the aegis of Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, Director General, Assam Rifles and sponsored by the PA Sangma Foundation and Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who graced the occasion as the chief guest said stories of freedom heroes and their life should be portrayed to educate today’s youth on the sacrifice and commitment they had for the nation. “Our freedom is hard earned and we should always be reminded of the sacrifices of our leaders, for whom we live an independent life today,” he said.
Netaji’s ideals remain a guiding light for the nation. It was Netaji who bestowed upon Mahatma Gandhi the title of Rashtrapita.
“It is equally fitting that we honour him as Rashtraputra — the son of the nation. His life is a testament to courage, sacrifice, secularism, and patriotism. Today, as Netaji’s statue stands in eternal vigil on Kartavya Path, it calls upon every Indian — especially the youth — to uphold and protect the hard-earned freedom for which he gave his life. Through Rashtraputra, we hope to inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps and serve the nation with the same unyielding spirit”, said a statement issued by Assam Rifles.
In 2022, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary, 23rd January, would be commemorated as Prakram Diwas. As part of this tribute, a grand statue of Netaji now stands at Kartavya Path, India Gate, symbolising his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India’s freedom, the statement added.
