Shimla, September 15
Students of the prestigious St Bede’s College in Shimla presented a compelling stage adaptation of noted Himachali writer S R Harnot’s widely acclaimed short story ‘Nadi Gayab Hai’ (The River Has Disappeared) on the occasion of Hindi Diwas.
Hindi Diwas is observed every year with schools, colleges and government and private offices organising various activities to promote the language. However, Hindi’s significance extends far beyond a single day, with the language continuing to serve as a powerful medium for expressing contemporary social and environmental concerns.Harnot, a prominent Himachali storyteller, has consistently highlighted environmental issues through his writings. His works reflect growing concerns over the impact of development, environmental degradation and the conflict between development and destruction.
His story ‘Nadi Gayab Hai’ explores these concerns and raises important questions about environmental conservation and the consequences of unchecked development. The story, originally written in Hindi, brings these issues to the forefront through a powerful literary narrative.As part of this year’s Hindi Diwas celebrations, students of St Bede’s College presented an original theatrical adaptation of the story. Students from the BCom, BA and BBA programmes participated in the performance, showcasing their creativity, dedication and acting skills.
The performance also highlighted the evolving role of Hindi as a medium not only for preserving cultural heritage but also for addressing contemporary issues and encouraging social awareness.
The students prepared for the performance through days of rehearsals and presented the story with confidence and creativity. Their efforts were appreciated for demonstrating the relevance and expressive power of Hindi beyond the traditional celebration of the language as merely a carrier of Indian culture.
The students’ dedication and hard work received appreciation from the college community.
