Apeejay School, Model Town hosts an engaging Nukkad Natak competition on social awareness

A powerful display of creativity, confidence, teamwork, and social awareness unfolded at Apeejay School, Model Town, Jalandhar, as students came together for the Inter-House Nukkad Natak Competition. Students used street theatre as a medium to spark reflection on important social issues.

The competition saw young performers bring meaningful social messages to life through impactful acting, energetic presentations, and powerful performance. True to the spirit of nukkad natak is a traditional Indian form of street theatre known for its raw, direct communication with the public. Students used dramatic storytelling to raise awareness on social themes, engaging the audience through both performance and message.

The event was judged by a panel comprising Vikas Mongia, an actor, comedian, and anchor with extensive experience across television, films, theatre, and drama education, and formally recognised as a drama artist with All India Radio and Jalandhar Doordarshan; and Dr. Shailly J. S. Dhupar, Assistant Professor in Law at KCL Institute of Laws, Jalandhar. Their combined expertise in performing arts and academia brought a well-rounded and insightful perspective to the evaluation process.

Each house brought its own creative interpretation and energy to the stage, resulting in a competitive yet enriching experience for both performers and the audience. After closely evaluating the performances, the judges announced Vindhya House as the winner, securing the first position for their compelling and well-executed performance. Nilgiri House secured the second position, followed by Shivalik House in third position, and Aravalli House rounding off the results in fourth position.

Individual excellence was also recognised, with Best Actor Awards presented to Tushin Shukla and Saanvi Jindal for their outstanding performances. These students stood out for their confidence, expression, and ability to connect with the audience emotionally.

Beyond the competitive element, the event served as a platform for students to engage meaningfully with social issues, using theatre as a tool for advocacy and awareness. Through their performances, students demonstrated not only their acting abilities but also their understanding of social themes, translating complex issues into accessible, impactful storytelling for a wider audience.

The competition also fostered essential life skills among participants, including teamwork, public speaking, confidence, and creative expression. Students worked collaboratively within their houses to write, direct, and perform their pieces, reflecting the spirit of collaboration that nukkad natak inherently demands. Through this initiative, the School nurtures conscious, expressive, and confident individuals.