Kolkata to Commemorate 100th Anniversary of Premchand’s Rangbhoomi

West Bengal Hindi Speakers’ Society to Commemorate Centenary of Landmark Hindi novel

Kolkata, July 23, 2025 – The West Bengal Hindi Speakers’ Society is set to host a significant seminar on July 31, 2025, marking the centenary of a seminal Hindi novel that continues to resonate with contemporary issues. The event will take place at the historic Premchand Library in north Kolkata.

The novel, published a century ago, delves into the plight of a poor man displaced from his land, a theme Ashok Singh, general secretary of the Society and former head of the hindi department at Surendranath Evening College, highlighted as “more relevant than ever.” Singh noted that the societal challenges depicted by the author, munshi Premchand, have “acquired monstrous forms” in modern India.”In the words of critic Ram Vilas Sharma, Rangbhoomi represents the period that saw the beginning of the farmers’ movement against landowners in the Hindi belt in the 1920s,” stated Singh, drawing parallels between the novel’s narrative and past farmer agitations. he emphasized the protagonist, a blind beggar named Surdas, urging unity among farmers and laborers. Surdas’s dying words, “We may have lost, but we have not deserted the game, let us catch our breath and we will come back, we will learn from you with each defeat and will eventually defeat you someday,” are seen as prophetic by the Society.

Singh elaborated on the enduring relevance of Premchand’s work: “Today, on one hand, the government is working in the interest of the corporates by displacing farmers from their lands, but on the other, an organised peasant movement has forced the government to withdraw three anti-farmer laws.”

Since its establishment in 1999, the Paschim Banga Hindi Bhashi Samaj has consistently championed literary and cultural events, honoring figures such as rahi Masoom Raza, Mrinal Sen, and Ritwik Ghatak.

Singh also addressed contemporary sociopolitical discourse, asserting that “the main objective of the language communalism you see in the country these days is to distract people from burning problems such as unemployment, inflation, poor education and privatisation of the health sector.” He referenced remarks made by Chief minister Mamata Banerjee during the 2019 elections regarding Hindi-speaking people in West Bengal, deeming it an initiation of such communalism.

How does *Rangbhoomi*’s depiction of farmer exploitation resonate with contemporary agricultural issues in India?

A Century of Social Commentary: Rangbhoomi in Kolkata

This year,Kolkata,the cultural heart of India,is gearing up for a series of events to mark the 100th anniversary of Munshi Premchand’s seminal play,Rangbhoomi (The stage). The commemoration isn’t just a festivity of literary achievement; its a reflection on the play’s enduring relevance to contemporary Indian society. Rangbhoomi, first published in 1925, remains a powerful critique of social injustice, exploitation, and the complexities of rural life. Kolkata’s deep connection to Hindi literature and theater makes it the perfect location for this important milestone.

Understanding Rangbhoomi: A Synopsis & Key Themes

Rangbhoomi isn’t a conventional play with a linear narrative. It’s a ‘natak-samvad’ – a play in dialog – offering a series of interconnected scenes that expose the harsh realities faced by villagers.

Key themes explored within the play include:

Exploitation of Farmers: The play vividly portrays the plight of farmers burdened by debt and oppressive landlords.

Social Hierarchy & Caste System: Premchand masterfully depicts the rigid social structures and the discrimination inherent within the caste system.

corruption & Abuse of power: Rangbhoomi doesn’t shy away from exposing the corruption prevalent within the administrative and legal systems.

The Power of Theatre as Social Commentary: The play itself is a meta-commentary on the role of theatre in raising awareness and challenging societal norms.

Rural Poverty and Distress: A central focus is the economic hardship and desperation experienced by rural communities.

Kolkata’s Commemorative Events: A Detailed Schedule

Kolkata’s celebration of Rangbhoomi’s centenary will span several months,culminating in a major festival in November. Here’s a breakdown of planned events:

July – August: University Seminars & Workshops: Several Kolkata universities, including the University of Calcutta and jadavpur university, will host seminars and workshops focusing on Premchand’s works and the socio-political context of Rangbhoomi. These events will feature leading scholars of Hindi literature and theatre studies.

September: Dramatic Readings & Street Theatre: Expect to see dramatic readings of excerpts from Rangbhoomi in various public spaces across Kolkata. Street theatre groups will also perform adaptations of the play, bringing the story directly to the people. Locations will include College Street, Park Street, and the Esplanade.

October: Film Screenings & Documentaries: A series of film screenings will showcase adaptations of Premchand’s stories and documentaries exploring his life and legacy. The Nandan cinema hall is a likely venue.

November: The Rangbhoomi Centenary Festival: This will be the centerpiece of the commemoration. The festival, planned at the Rabindra Sadan and Academy of Fine Arts, will include:

Multiple stage productions of Rangbhoomi by diffrent theatre groups.

A national-level conference on Premchand and modern Indian theatre.

Exhibitions showcasing original manuscripts,photographs,and other memorabilia related to Premchand.

Musical performances inspired by the themes of the play.

The Meaning of Kolkata as a Venue

Kolkata’s historical and cultural significance makes it an ideal location for this commemoration.As YoMetro highlights, Kolkata is a major educational, commercial, and cultural center of Eastern India. The city has a long tradition of theatre and a strong gratitude for Hindi literature,fostered by its large Hindi-speaking population and its historical ties to North India.

Moreover,Kolkata’s intellectual climate encourages critical engagement with social issues,aligning perfectly with the themes explored in Rangbhoomi.The city’s vibrant artistic community ensures that the commemoration will be a truly engaging and thoght-provoking event.

Rangbhoomi‘s Enduring Relevance in 2025

Despite being written a century ago, Rangbhoomi continues to resonate with audiences today. Issues of farmer distress, social inequality, and corruption remain pressing concerns in contemporary India. The play’s unflinching portrayal of these problems serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges that still need to be addressed.

The play’s relevance is amplified by current events, such as ongoing farmer protests and debates surrounding social justice. Rangbhoomi provides a historical perspective on these issues, demonstrating that they are not new phenomena but rather deeply rooted in India’s social and economic structures.

Resources for Further Exploration

Premchand’s Works: Explore translations of Rangbhoomi and other novels and short stories by Premchand.

Hindi Sahitya sammelan: This organization promotes Hindi literature and culture and may have data about commemorative events.

National School of Drama: The NSD often stages productions of classic Indian plays, including those by Premchand.

Kolkata Tourism Website: Check for updates on event schedules and locations.

University of Calcutta & Jadavpur University: Visit their respective