Port Louis (Mauritius): The President of the Republic of Mauritius His Excellency Mr. Prithvirajsing Roopan launched the book on Balwant Thakur at the State House (President House), Mauritius at an exclusive function. He was joined by Her Excellency the High Commissioner of India Mrs K. Nandini Singla.
Book on Balwant Thakur is a narrative on his fantastic inspiring journey as a playwright, theatre director and a cultural administrator. He is the rarest combination who possesses immensely both the creative skills and administrative acumen. Despite having post-graduation in Law and Journalism he completed two national and one international research fellowships in creativity and culture.
Looking at his consistency and steady growth in career, he has set an example that nothing seems to be impossible to achieve. As a creative person he set high standards of creating arts and made many histories by producing the most outstanding theatre spectacles like ‘Bawa Jitto’, ‘Ghumayee’, ‘Mahabhoj’, ‘Suno Eh Kahani’ Rangla Jammu’, ‘Gulab Gatha’, ‘Mata Ki Kahani’, Mere Hisse Ki Dhoop Kahan Hai’, ‘Aap Hamaare Hain Kaun’, ‘Hum Hain Naa’, ‘Choona Hai Asmaan’, ‘Lok Tantra Ka Mantra’, and ‘Udaan’.
Majority of the world which had never heard of the word ‘Dogri’ Balwant Thakur through his consistent efforts took the entire essence of Dogri language and culture to UAE, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Russia, Germany, England, South Africa, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Bhutan and Mauritius. His creativity brought him the highest Indian honour in performing arts in addition to the Sanskriti Award and Padamshree. As cultural administrator he created history for many cultural institutions and government departments which he headed as cultural administrator.
He held very prestigious cultural positions of the country including as Secretary J&K Academy of Art Culture and languages for over Eight years, Regional Director of Indian Council for Cultural Relations in Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India for over Six years, Cultural Diplomat of India to South Africa for two years and now as Director of world’s biggest cultural centre of India abroad based in Phoenix, Mauritius. Look at his fascinating career graph as the cultural administrator.
Starting from a non-governmental organization ‘Natrang’ based in a tiny lane of old Jammu to the world’s biggest cultural centre is no less an achievement. All has been possible due to his consistency, positive attitude and focused approach in his professional life. People fail to achieve in their native lands but he established his might beyond continents. What an amazing journey which can inspire generations to aspire, excel and achieve the ultimate heights in one’s professional life.
On the occasion the President of the Republic of Mauritius also felicitated Balwant Thakur and his wife Deepika B. Thakur.
