The three-day 8th Navras National Theatre Festival concluded at Diwan Bal Krishan Rangshala in Jind with a performance of the play 'Chhodo Kal Ki Baaten' by artists from Kurukshetra. The festival was organised by Active Theatre and Welfare Society, Jind, in collaboration with the Haryana Arts Council.
 

Written by Jaivardhan and directed by Vikas Sharma, the play was staged on the concluding day of the festival. Jind Additional Deputy Commissioner Pradeep Kumar attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest.
 

Organised by Ramesh Banwala, the three-day theatre festival featured an unusual presentation of three plays written by the same playwright, Jaivardhan. On the opening day, the audience watched 'Ghar Ka Na Ghat Ka'. The second day featured 'Daroga Ji Chori Ho Gaye', directed by Ramesh Banwala. The festival concluded with the staging of 'Chhodo Kal Ki Baaten'.
 

Story Highlights Friendship and the Spirit of Living in Old Age
 

The story of 'Chhodo Kal Ki Baaten' revolves around three elderly friends who live together in an old-age home during the final phase of their lives.
 

The play begins with a humorous exchange between Master Jaglal and Tappu, the caretaker of the old-age home. Another elderly resident attempts to resolve the situation. Meanwhile, Postmaster Mahavir is portrayed as a lively and humorous person who frequently tries to tease Jaglal.
 

Through the lives of these characters, the play conveys the message that the desire to live life fully and the warmth of friendship do not diminish with age.
 

Play Addresses Loneliness and Family Neglect
 

The storyline also highlights the emotional challenges faced by elderly people. Mahavir is forced to live in the old-age home because of his son's indifference. Jaglal, meanwhile, has lost his family in an accident and has chosen to stay there to overcome his loneliness.
 

Uma and Ghanshyam also live in the old-age home without revealing their identities, presenting themselves as strangers.
 

The story takes an unexpected turn when their son sends a notice announcing plans to sell the old-age home. At this point, the elderly residents reveal that the property actually belongs to them. They make it clear that nobody can force them to leave their own home.
 

Through humour, friendship and an emotional storyline, the play explores old-age loneliness, family relationships, neglect and the importance of dignity in later life.