The acclaimed play Pruthvi Che Shetkari by theatre director Darshan Mahajan takes centre stage, garnering praise from top officials and recognition from the UN Food and Agriculture Department
Renowned theatermaker Darshan Mahajan has made waves with his ground-breaking play, "Pruthvi Che Shetkari (Farmers of the Earth): The Story of Millets," a unique blend of dance and music. Released in July 2023, the play has captivated audiences and earned acclaim from the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Department.
The play, meticulously crafted to highlight the pivotal role of millets in agriculture and sustainable food practises, recently took centre stage at Maharashtra's premier Agriculture University, Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri.
Showcased at the state-level conference "Millets Forever," jointly organised by the Maharashtra state government, Agriculture Department, and the university, the play garnered attention from farmers, students, faculties, and key government officials, including the Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture, Anoop Kumar (IAS).
Lauding the production, Anoop Kumar (IAS) expressed his admiration, stating, "The play was too good, too captivating, and intense. It exceeded my expectations! I cannot imagine a play on a subject like millets and agriculture can be articulated so effectively through a play."
Darshan Mahajan, the visionary behind the project, shared his aspirations, saying, "As we celebrate the international year of millets, this play celebrates our agri-culture while creating awareness about our millets and the lives of our farmers through the medium of art and theatre. We hope to take this play across India and the globe, adapting it into different languages and collaborating with talents nationwide."
"Pruthvi Che Shetkari (Farmers of the Earth): The Story of Millets," released in July 2023, features a cast and crew of 25 with a concept and storyline by Vibhishan Chaure (Director, Directorate of Cultural Affairs) and direction by Vidhyanath Surve and Darshan Mahajan.
Vaishali Vaidya choreographed the dances, encompassing folk and traditional forms. At the same time, the title song, sung by international artist Abby V and composed by Manan Mehta and Adi Verma, adds a captivating musical dimension.
This recognition aligns seamlessly with the global focus on millets, highlighted by the timely nomination of the song 'Abundance in Millets,' featuring Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
This convergence of music, policy, and agricultural innovation underscores the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges, emphasising the vital role millets can play in building a sustainable and abundant future. As the world eagerly awaits the 2024 Grammy Awards, Darshan Mahajan and his play emerge as prominent ambassadors in the international year of Millets, embodying the fusion of art, agriculture, and global awareness.