Key Points

Shillong hosted the play "Rashtraputra," celebrating Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's legacy on Independence Day. The event was graced by Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma and organized by Assam Rifles. A new play on Purno A. Sangma is set for 2026. Netaji's ideals continue to inspire patriotism and national service.

Key Points: Shillong Stages Netaji Play Rashtraputra to Honor Freedom Fighter

  • Play honors Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's freedom struggle legacy
  • Written by Abhaya Kashyap of Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan
  • Supported by PA Sangma Foundation and Assam Rifles
  • Next play to feature Purno A. Sangma's life
2 min read

Meghalaya: Shillong stages play 'Rashtraputra' dedicated to Netaji's Inspiring Legacy

Meghalaya celebrates Netaji's legacy with "Rashtraputra," a play staged in Shillong, supported by Assam Rifles and CM Conrad Sangma.

"His life is a testament to courage, sacrifice, secularism, and patriotism. – Press Release"

Shillong, August 15

In recognition of Netaji's unparalleled role in the freedom struggle, the Netaji Institute of Skill Development (NSID) produced and staged a play "Rashtraputra", depicting the life and legacy of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Written and scripted by Shri Abhaya Kashyap, Director of Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan, the play was previously performed at the India International Centre and the India Islamic Cultural Centre, New Delhi, according to a press release.

In 2022, the Hon'ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi declared that Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose's birth anniversary, 23rd January, would be commemorated as Prakram Diwas. As part of this tribute, a grand statue of Netaji now stands at Kartavya Path, India Gate, symbolising his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to India's freedom.

NSID has formed an amateur theatre group to present a series of plays on the lives of national heroes. Following Rashtraputra, the group is working on a new production on the life of the great leader Shri Purno A. Sangma, under the working title Son Rises from the East, scheduled for staging on 1 September 2026.

As part of the Independence Day 2025 celebrations, "Rashtraputra" was staged in Shillong on 14 August 2025 at the Rai Auditorium, Headquarters DGAR, Laitkor, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event was organised under the aegis of Lt Gen Vikas Lakhera, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles and sponsored by the PA Sangma Foundation and Rashtriya Jagriti Sansthan.

The Hon'ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Shri Conrad K. Sangma, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. A special evening show was also organised for the jawans of Assam Rifles and their families.

Netaji's ideals remain a guiding light for the nation. It was Netaji who bestowed upon Mahatma Gandhi the title of Rashtrapita. It is equally fitting that we honour him as Rashtraputra -- the son of the nation. His life is a testament to courage, sacrifice, secularism, and patriotism.

Today, as Netaji's statue stands in eternal vigil on Kartavya Path, it calls upon every Indian -- especially the youth -- to uphold and protect the hard-earned freedom for which he gave his life. Through Rashtraputra, we hope to inspire the next generation to follow in his footsteps and serve the nation with the same unyielding spirit, said the release.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While I appreciate the effort, I wish they had chosen a local Meghalaya freedom fighter for the first production instead of Netaji. Our northeastern heroes often don't get the recognition they deserve in mainstream narratives.
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Rohit P
Attended the show with my family yesterday! The actor who played Netaji gave me goosebumps with his performance. The scene where he forms INA was particularly powerful. More such plays should be organized across India.
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Sarah B
As someone new to India, I'm fascinated by how Netaji's story continues to inspire generations. The play sounds like a great way to understand India's freedom struggle beyond textbooks. Are there English subtitles available?
K
Karthik V
Good to see cultural events happening in Northeast India. But why only 2 hour show? Netaji's life deserves a full length feature film or web series. Hope some OTT platform picks this up!
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Nisha Z
The part about honoring Netaji as Rashtraputra is so moving ❤️ We need more such initiatives that bring our diverse cultures together under the umbrella of patriotism. Waiting for the Purno Sangma play next!

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