Grand Play DRAUPADI:
Jain Vishwa Bharti of North America, JVBNA - a non-profit organization based in NJ in association with Timeless Mahatma Trust, Mumbai presented a play “DRAUPADI” in Hindi on May 19th, 2012 at Union County Performing Arts Center, Rahway, NJ. The sold out performance was attended by more than eleven hundred audience from the tri-state area.
The unique feature of this magnificent show was to present the empowerment of women through the mythological story of Draupadi from Jainism perspective and the ups and down in the social status of a woman. At times revealing the woman’s status of reverence and dignity, at other times how they suffered from the utter disgrace in social stratum. The Draupadi’s story depicts a personality of woman who did not deviate from their values in most compelling circumstances of life and awakening their own constructive conscience.
The play was conceived and written by Samani Sanmati Pragyaji, JVBNA and directed by well know director from India, Mr. Ashwini Sakhamitra of Studio ABCD. The lead character of princess Draupadi was played by popular TV, film and theatre artist Upasana Singh from India and a team of more than forty local cast members and volunteers from JVBNA. The audio and music track was created and produced by Studio ABCD, India involving professional artists and composers from the industry. The historical ambience was created by periodic costumes and meticulously designed backdrops.
A combined team of more than 125 volunteers from both US and India worked tirelessly for several months under the able guidance of Samani Sanmati Pragya and Samani Jayant Pragya from JVBNA, and Studio ABCD to a present a grand and well-publicized show. The mesmerizing event was highly appreciated by the entire audience and presented the unique Jain philosophical aspect to the story of Draupadi. The show was graced by the presence various non-profit organizations and community leaders from the tri-state area.
At beginning Mr. Ramesh Parmar, the president introduced JVBNA, Surendra Kankariya, the chairman extended thanks to the cast and Madhumita Sacheti done the MC of the play. Both Samanijis, the guide of the JVBNA appreciated the entire group who made it successful. JVBNA has many regular activities of Sunday School for children-Gyanshala, Meditation classes, Jain studies, Cultural Programs of Diwali & Holi Milan and Jain festivals.