New Delhi: In a celebration of literature, theatre and creative expression, Roopantika organised the launch of two plays, Putle and Sunta Hai Koi, by eminent writer and playwright Dr Harisuman Bisht on October 18 at Uttarakhand Sadan in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. The event also featured a special discussion on his novel Hawaon Mein Ghira Aadmi, bringing together distinguished literary figures, critics and theatre practitioners to explore the depth and diversity of his creative work.

Dr Pratap Sehgal, eminent playwright and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, attended as the chief guest, while author and critic Pankaj Bisht presided over the programme. Dr Suvarn Rawat, critic, theatre practitioner and director, was the guest of honour. Bhupesh Joshi, theatre practitioner, director and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award recipient, delivered the introductory address.

A Deep Bond with Nature and the Mountains

Among the many aspects of Dr Harisuman Bisht’s writing discussed during the event, one stood out distinctly—his profound love for nature and the mountains. This intimate connection with the Himalayan landscape and the lives of people who inhabit it is woven naturally into his literary imagination. The mountains are not merely a setting in his works; they form an integral part of his creative vision, lending his writing a distinctive identity. His portrayal of the natural world and mountain life invites readers to connect with the landscape and the experiences it holds.

Exploring the World of Theatre and Fiction

The launch of Putle and Sunta Hai Koi opened up a stimulating conversation on their themes, dramatic structure and possibilities for stage interpretation. The discussion highlighted the literary qualities of the plays while considering how their ideas and characters could come alive through performance.

The session on Hawaon Mein Ghira Aadmi focused on the novel’s narrative approach, literary dimensions and wider social and cultural context. Speakers reflected on the relationship between literature and theatre, exploring how a writer’s ideas acquire new layers of meaning through different forms of artistic expression.

The discussion featured several distinguished voices from the literary and theatrical fraternity, including J. P. Singh, theatre practitioner, director and playwright; Pratap Singh, poet and film critic; Dr Meenakshi Joshi, writer and translator; Kalpana Manorama, fiction writer; Daksha Upadhyay, theatre practitioner and director; Mahesh Darpan, fiction writer and critic; and Prof. Harendra Singh Aswal, educationist. Their diverse perspectives added depth to the conversation and encouraged a wider engagement with Bisht’s literary and dramatic works.

Literature as a Dialogue with Life

What made the gathering particularly meaningful was its effort to go beyond the formal launch of books and engage with the creative world of the author. The discussions underscored the power of literature to offer fresh perspectives on lived experiences, the surrounding environment and the complexities of human life. By bringing together critical thought and theatrical insight, the programme created space for a deeper appreciation of the ideas, themes and artistic possibilities embedded in Bisht’s writing.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Sanjeev Agnihotri, radio jockey and secretary of Roopantika. Through this initiative, Roopantika reaffirmed its commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue between literature and theatre and creating platforms for serious engagement with contemporary writers and their works.