To commemorate the birth anniversary of William Shakespeare, Mosaic: The Cultural Club of the School of Liberal Arts, hosted “Bard’s Day” drama competition on 21 April 2025 in the SLA Seminar Hall. The event celebrated the timeless genius of the playwright through an eclectic programme of monologues, dialogues, group scenes and sonnet singing performed by students from diverse disciplines.
The afternoon opened on a ceremonial note with the lighting of the lamp by esteemed guests Mrs Anuradha Joshi, Vice President, Sushila Devi Centre for Professional Studies and Research; Prof Rajesh Bahuguna, Pro Vice- Chancellor, Uttaranchal University; Prof (Dr) Shravan Kumar, Director, SLA; and faculty members, followed by the University Kulgeet. The event witnessed solo renditions of iconic monologues of characters like Shylock and Cleopatra, interwoven with spirited dialogue of Othello and Desdemona and a lively group staging of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. A recitation of Shakespeare’s sonnets provided lyrical interludes, their iambic cadences echoing through the hall.
The performances were adjudicated by Ms Malika Payal and Dr Deepak Bijalwan, Assistant Professors at SLA, who assessed acting skills, expressions, stagecraft, costumes, articulation and fidelity to Shakespearean language. After intense deliberation, Ayesha Hussain, MA Clinical Psychology 4th semester was declared the Winner for her emotionally layered portrayal of Othello. Jyotishmoy Barua, BAJMC, 4th Semester earned First Runner-up honours with a spirited portrayal of the character of Sylock, while Pratishtha secured Second Runner-up for a nuanced take on Hermia.
The esteemed guests presented the winners with ornate trophies, while all participants received certificates applauding their artistry and courage. Duly coordinated by Ms Ritu Baluni, the event not only showcased dramatic talent but also reaffirmed SLA’s commitment to fostering cultural literacy and creative expression. “Bard’s Day” concluded with thunderous applause, leaving the audience enriched.
