Jammu, Jany 22: Renowned theatre director and cultural ambassador, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, has been invited as the Guest of Honour at the prestigious World Forum for Art and Culture’s (WFAC’s) cultural festival ‘BHAAV’, scheduled to be held at the Art of Living International Centre in Bengaluru from January 23 to 26.
The event, spearheaded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, is set to bring together celebrated international personalities, including Padma Vibhushan Sonal Man Singh, Padma Shri Uma Maheshwari, and Padma Shri Waman Kendre, among others.
Thakur, who is celebrated for his revolutionary contributions to the theatre world, will participate in an exclusive session at the forum, where he will share his innovative approaches in using theatre as a tool for peace and social change. His presentation will highlight his work in harnessing traditional performing arts to foster unity, resilience, and transformative social change in communities.
With a career spanning over 6000 national and international cultural events, Balwant Thakur has played a key role in elevating regional theatre, particularly Dogri theatre, to the global stage. Through his innovative use of traditional narratives and cultural expressions, Thakur has brought the vibrant culture of Jammu and Kashmir to over 100 international cities, garnering global recognition.
As the head of Natrang, a leading name in Indian performing arts, Thakur has been instrumental in showcasing Jammu & Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage. Notably, his leadership in presenting Jammu & Kashmir’s culture at the G20 conference set new records for the largest cultural show, earning widespread acclaim. Thakur’s distinguished career also includes serving in pivotal cultural positions, such as Secretary of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, Regional Director of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, and as India’s Cultural Diplomat to South Africa and Mauritius.
