Thu Jan 23 01:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Young Subhas Chandra Bose: New Children’s Play Highlights Leader’s Early Life
**Cuttack, Odisha –** A new children’s play, “Bal Nayak: Subhas,” sheds light on the formative years of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, highlighting his early acts of leadership and social responsibility. Written by Dr. Sudhir Azad, the play is set in Cuttack during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when a devastating plague ravaged the city.
The play contrasts the organized and hygienic neighborhood of Bapupara, where young Subhas resided, with the chaotic and disease-ridden Udia Bazaar. Twelve-year-old Subhas, known for his compassion and discipline, organizes a youth service group to combat the plague’s effects in Udia Bazaar. The group provides medical aid, cleans the streets, and offers emotional support to the terrified residents.
The play also introduces Haider Ali, a local bully initially resistant to Subhas’s group. However, a personal family tragedy softens Haider Ali’s heart, leading him to witness Subhas’s selfless service firsthand and ultimately change his attitude.
“Bal Nayak: Subhas” is more than a children’s play; it’s a powerful narrative emphasizing the importance of hygiene, community spirit, and selfless service. The play’s depiction of Subhas’s early actions underscores how even young individuals can make a significant difference in society. It also showcases the importance of a supportive and disciplined environment in shaping a child’s character. The play uses the backdrop of the plague epidemic and the contrasting environments of Bapupara and Udia Bazaar to highlight the stark reality of the situation and the impact of community action. The play successfully combines historical context with a compelling narrative that’s both engaging and morally instructive for young audiences. Dr. Azad’s work serves as a potent reminder of the seeds of greatness sown in childhood and the enduring relevance of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s legacy.
First Piper 