Indian Heritage and Cultural Association (IHCA) of New Jersey that is synonymous with Natya Darpan wrapped up another year with resounding success. This year, IHCA showcased five plays with varied subjects by local award-winning actors and diverse groups from community. They were ‘Bad Seed’ in English, ‘Purushartha’ in Hindi, ‘Sonata’ in Marathi, ‘The Priest and the Prostitute’ in English adapted from Sanskrit and ‘Self-Less’ in Marathi. The five plays were selected by a panel of judges from over 34 entries with thought provoking content. Over 65 local artists were a part of the various plays this year and wowed the audiences with their brilliant performances.
Held at the Middlesex County College, the Natya Darpan was last held in the Spring of 2019 and skipped in 2020 due to the global pandemic.
Among those present at the event were Deputy Consul General of India (NY) Dr. Varun Jeph, Middlesex County Commissioner Shanti Narra, Padmashri Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Dr Raj Pandya of Pandya Foundation, Assemblyman Sterley Stanley of the 18th District in NJ and Edison Township Councilman Ajay Patil.
A special tribute was given to late Ashok Vanjari who was an Executive Advisor to Natya Darpan, a mentor and an artist himself. Mr. Vanjari passed away last year leaving everyone at the organization in shock. An excerpt from his play ‘Ji Jaisi Aapki Marzi’ was enacted in his honor.
