The National School of Drama (NSD), along with Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and the Ministry of Culture, successfully presented the play "Kalaam the Journey" (The Missile Man) day before yesterday. Held at Rajah’s Higher Secondary School (RHSS) in Thanjavur, the performance marked the grand ending of a 30-day National Children’s Summer Theatre Workshop. The initiative is the first such step by NSD in Tamilnadu.
The event was attended by Guests Shri K.K. Gopalakrishnan (South Zone Cultural Centre), Dr P. Pragadeesh, Headmaster, RHSS, and Dr. E. Gajalakshmi (Librarian & PRO i/c, NSD, New Delhi), who is also a proud alumna of RHSS.
The play was written and directed by Shri Abhishek Garg, with assistance from Ravi V., and performed entirely by the school's students. The workshop was held with the able coordination Mr. Baskar, BT Assistant, RHSS
The show started with an energetic South Indian folk dance before shifting to a modern scene where village children were fighting over a small playground and complaining about the lack of facilities in their area. To inspire them, their teacher took them 95 years back in time to Rameswaram to show them the life of a young boy who proved that determination overcomes all difficulties: India’s former President, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam.
The production showed important moments from Dr. Kalam’s life, beginning with young Kalam's curiosity about flight and his dedication to helping his family by selling newspapers during World War II. It also featured a powerful classroom scene where a new teacher treated young Kalam unfairly, which was quickly corrected by the temple's chief priest, Pakshi Lakshmana Shastri, who stood up for equal education. Finally, a science lesson from his teacher, Subramanyam Iyer, on how birds fly inspired Kalam’s lifelong dream to conquer the skies.
By the end of the story, the modern-day children promised to stop complaining and instead focus on learning and helping society. The play ended with a beautiful visual tribute where students held candles to the song "Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai" and created live scenes representing boats, birds, airplanes, and the famous Agni missile. In the final scene, the performers gathered to form the shape of the map of India around Dr. Kalam, proudly waving the national flag.
On popular demand, the performance will also be held for audiences in Delhi, an additional show of this inspiring play will be performed on June 21st at the Abhimanch Auditorium, National School of Drama, New Delhi.