NSD reaches out to the lesser privileged children in their 8th Bal Sangam

The charm and the enthusiasm for children at the 8th Bal Sangam has already gathered pace and children along with their parents from all walks of life are flocking the NSD Campus at Mandi House in the Capital. This is reminiscent of other engagements by the NSD in the recent years, but what is really heartwarming to note is the fact that this year not only children from the well-heeled are enjoying the flavor of the festival but also lesser privileged and specially-abled children are getting special attention by Theatre in Education Co and NSD.

As a special initiative by the T.I.E Co, NSD, Bal Sangam- 2013 has reached out to these specially-abled and under privileged children. For this NSD has received active participation from School’s like Blind School Amar colony, Institute for Mentally Handicapped, Anchal Special School NDMC and Gyanshakti Vidyalaya. With this initiative NSD intends to inspire and include the specially-abled children and create a mass movement by encouraging their participation for the next year’s event.

 Waman Kendre, NSD, Director said “This year by including the specially-abled children we are looking forward to their participation in the next year’s festival. We want to educate, entertain and initiate folk art and traditional theatre’s knowledge with them. We would further want to give them a platform in the near future and see them performing and entertaining us.”

 Focusing education of children, Sanskaar Rang Toli (T.I.E Co) this time is holding special performances in the morning session with various schools who has tied up with NSD. The students will also have discussion sessions with artists who are experts of the art form presented and attend various workshops organized during the day.

 With special focus on North East Region, Bal Sangam 2013 brings the unexplored talents and for many un-witnessed traditional performing arts by children from this region. It took six months of hardwork in finding these 11 traditional folk performers (child artist groups) from all over the North East by T.I.E. Co. The artists are not trained or taught; rather they have inherited from their families who still practice these performing arts which are now on the verge of extinction.

The fanfare and hubbub of Bal Sangam 2013 started from 14th November and will continue till 20th November, 2013 at the New Delhi Campus of NSD at Bhagwandas Road. Timing 4:00PM to 8:00PM from 14th to 17th November and 6:00PM to 8:00PM from 18th to 20th November.