Padma Shri Balwant Thakur | Theatre, Dogri & The Spirit of Jammu

Guest: Padma Shri Balwant Thakur (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Balwant...)

Host: Ashok Sharma (  / ashok-sharma-54a4237b  )

Presented by: True Roots Media

In this inspiring episode, host Ashok Sharma sits down with Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, one of Jammu & Kashmir’s most celebrated cultural figures — a theatre legend, director, and promoter of Dogri language and heritage. Known for his groundbreaking work in Indian theatre and for taking Dogri art to international stages, Thakur shares his life journey, creative inspirations, and his tireless efforts to preserve regional identity through culture.

The conversation moves beyond theatre — touching upon themes of youth empowerment, cultural responsibility, language revival, and the subtle energies that either uplift or weaken a society’s creative spirit.

Listeners will gain deep insights into:

The making of "Bawa Jitto", a play that became Jammu’s cultural emblem.
How Dogri theatre found its voice on global platforms.
Why protecting our native language is essential for preserving our identity.
Balwant Thakur’s message to the new generation of artists and thinkers.

This episode is not just about art — it’s about the soul of Jammu, and the people working quietly to keep it alive.

00:00:00 TimeStamps
00:00:00 Intro
00:03:43 How Did It Begin?
00:09:31 How Natrang started ?
00:13:53 Achievements & why Dogri plays ?
00:19:58 The Making of Baba Jitto
00:21:37 Discussion on Dogri
00:24:49 Role of previous generation in Dogri
00:31:43 Young generation on Dogri
00:39:39 Role of Educators in Dogri culture
00:42:15 What we can learn from other Cultures?
00:45:14 Steps we can take to revive Dogri?
00:47:20 Dogri is our constitutional right
00:50:00 Payment delays in jammu
00:55:57 Changing Mindsets
00:58:31 Importance of Civic sense
01:05:20 Rapid-fire round
01:10:29 Message

🎧 Tune in, reflect, and rediscover the pride of Dogra culture.