About Us
Founded in 1976–77 in the culturally vibrant district of Begusarai, Bihar, Ashirwad Rangmandal stands as one of India’s most respected and enduring theatre institutions. Emerging from the industrial township of Barauni under the visionary leadership of Vijay Singh Pal, the organisation began its journey as Ashirwad Natya Kala Parishad—a passionate collective rooted deeply in the cultural consciousness of the region, often celebrated as the cultural capital of Bihar.
Over the decades, Ashirwad Rangmandal has evolved from a regional theatre initiative into a nationally and internationally recognised theatre movement, known for its artistic excellence, social engagement, and unwavering commitment to meaningful performance.
Our Artistic Journey
From its earliest years, the group established a strong identity through socially conscious and dramaturgically rich productions such as Ala Afsar, Sawa Ser Gehu, Inna Ki Aawaaz, and Jadoo Ka Kalin. These works earned acclaim for their sharp political insight, social sensitivity, and creative storytelling.
A defining moment arrived in 1982–83, when Ashirwad Natya Kala Parishad merged with Rang Sanstha Abhiyan, Begusarai, giving rise to the dynamic identity of Ashirwad Rangmandal. This union expanded the group’s creative horizon and ushered in a prolific phase marked by landmark productions including Trishanku Poster, Jati Hi Poocho Sadhu Ki, Khamosh Adalat Jari Hai, Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein, Mahabhoj, Madhavi, Adhayug, and Court Martial. Many of these productions earned recognition at prestigious national theatre festivals across India, firmly placing Begusarai on the country’s theatrical map.
Beyond Performance
Ashirwad Rangmandal’s contribution extends far beyond the stage. The group has played a significant intellectual role in shaping theatre discourse through its monthly magazine Ragkarma, edited by Umesh Aditya, including the widely acclaimed Mohan Rakesh Memorial Issue.
Equally important has been its commitment to training and pedagogy. Workshops supported by NCZCC, Prayagraj, and intensive training camps conducted in collaboration with National School of Drama (NSD) have helped nurture generations of theatre practitioners in the region.
Revival and Renewal
The mid-1990s brought a brief period of silence following the departure of key members. However, in 1997, the arrival of Amit Roshan marked a powerful revival. Under his leadership—later as Secretary—Ashirwad Rangmandal rediscovered its creative momentum, balancing traditional roots with contemporary theatrical language. His vision of theatre as cultural memory and social reflection guided the organisation through changing socio-cultural realities with clarity and purpose.
Theatre and Social Responsibility
Under renewed leadership, Ashirwad Rangmandal expanded its mission to include community engagement and social awareness. The group has organised numerous cultural programs and campaigns, including World AIDS Day initiatives, performances for SOS Balgram, folk festivals in collaboration with government cultural bodies, large-scale street theatre campaigns for women’s empowerment, and heritage preservation programs such as Mithila painting training under the Guru–Shishya tradition.
Festivals and Global Presence
A landmark achievement came in 2010 with the launch of the Ashirwad National Drama Festival, which has grown into one of the region’s most respected theatre festivals. Renowned theatre personalities from across India have participated, enriching dialogue, performance, and training.
In 2016, Ashirwad Rangmandal reached the global stage by organising the First Ashirwad International Theatre Festival, supported by the Ministry of Culture, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and the Department of Art, Culture & Youth. Theatre groups from Norway, Taiwan, the Philippines, Bangladesh, and across India participated, establishing Begusarai as a hub of international theatrical exchange.
Contemporary Work and Ongoing Legacy
In recent years, the group has continued to evolve artistically with productions such as The White Hands, Batohi, Two Women, Broken Wall, Bidesia, The Warden of the Tomb, Kathkarej, and Pashmina. These works reflect Ashirwad Rangmandal’s commitment to experimentation, blending realism with folklore, physical theatre with psychological depth, and tradition with innovation.
In 2023, the organisation marked another milestone with the Ashirwad Māsik Nātya Shrinkhalā, a year-long monthly theatre series that transformed the entire year into a continuous celebration of performance and dialogue.
Our Legacy Today
With over four decades of uninterrupted artistic exploration, Ashirwad Rangmandal stands today as a living cultural institution where performance, pedagogy, heritage, and social engagement converge. Dedicated to nurturing talent, preserving cultural memory, and expanding the expressive possibilities of theatre, the organisation remains committed to enriching Bihar’s cultural life and strengthening the spirit of Indian theatre.
Ashirwad Rangmandal continues to move forward—rooted in community, open to the world, and driven by the timeless power of performance.