''Ramayana'' in Sanskrit at Lucknow varsity centennial celebration

The centenary celebrations of Lucknow University, in November, will have an adaptation of the Ramayana in Sanskrit as a major highlight of the events. The play will be presented by a drama group of south India which is specially being invited to perform during the function.

According to Lucknow University (LU) vice chancellor Alok Kumar Rai, "Drama is one of the themes of the centennial celebration. It has been decided that three plays in English, Hindi and Sanskrit will be performed at the event. The play in Sanskrit will be an adaptation of the Ramayana."

The Sanskrit play is likely to display subtitles in Hindi and English so that the audience can understand it. For this, the committee is in talks with the artistes of the group.

The centenary celebrations will begin on November 19.

Rai said that events that had been planned for seven days, include the convocation of students, heritage walks, sports, science fests, art festivals and cultural programmes, poetry sessions and alumni meets.

A documentary on the university and its 100 years of achievements is also being prepared which will be released.

Nishi Pandey, convenor of the Centennial Celebrations Committee, said that poet Kumar Vishwas, bhajan singer Anup Jalota would put up their performance during the celebrations.

DJ Narain will also perform at his alma mater and relive his college days when he and his band named `Dreams` was famous as the Beatles of Lucknow University.

"Students are the strength of any institution and we are happy that not only former students but people who have made a mark in their respective fields will join the celebrations to make it a grand affair," Rai said.

He said that while Kumar Vishwas has confirmed his presence, Gulzar has said he would pen something for the university and actor Anupam Kher will also join the celebrations virtually.

The story has been taken from a news agency