Chandigarh, October 5, 2026: The Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Goswami Ganesh Dutta Sanatan Dharma College, Chandigarh, organised a workshop titled Theatre as Social Journalism under the PM-USHA Scheme on Saturday. The workshop aimed at introducing students to theatre as a powerful medium of communication capable of highlighting social issues, creating awareness and engaging audiences through creative expression.

The workshop was conducted by Mr Vinod Bharti, theatre artist, writer and director, and an alumnus of the Department of Theatre, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Through an engaging and activity-based session, he familiarised students with various aspects of theatre and acting, including Rasa Theory, Natya Shastra, emotions and the essential components of acting.

He also explained the traditions of Indian theatre and discussed how bhava and rasa work together to evoke an emotional response among audiences.

Emphasising the therapeutic and expressive dimensions of theatre, Mr Bharti conducted a series of theatre exercises and practical activities focusing on psychic relief, patience,emotional control, enactment and improvisation. The interactive exercises enabled students to understand how body, voice, emotion and spontaneity contribute to effective performance and communication.

Adding a practical dimension to the workshop, the students of B.Voc Media & Entertainment and BA Journalism enacted two short plays on the themes of ‘Corruption in the System’ and ‘Cyber Fraud’. The students got an opportunity to showcase their acting and creative skills,
translate socially relevant issues into compelling narratives and reinforce the workshop’s central theme of theatre as a form of social journalism.

Principal Dr Ajay Sharma appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of experiential learning in complementing classroom education. Dr Priya Chadha, Head, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, highlighted the value of such workshops in broadening students understanding of communication beyond conventional media platforms.