IIM Jammu Launches 'Rang Tarang', a Four-Day Theatrical Festival
128 student performers from Batch IV of the Integrated Program in Management (IPM) are taking part, thus making the festival a compelling exhibition of talent, collaboration and change. Festival Director Balwant Thakur emphasised in his speech the event's distinctive vision: it is a movement of leadership, expression and change rather than merely a cultural event. As the title suggests, 'Rang Tarang' is a vibrant wave of colour, energy and youth that honours the power of performing arts to transform individuals and societies. The festival presents a rich variety of plays, ranging from ageless world classics such as "Dear Departed" to celebrated Indian productions such as Bhartendu Harishchandra's "Andher Nagri.".
Most of the plays are adaptations of gripping short stories by literary masters like Anton Chekhov, Munshi Premchand, Krishan Chander and Upendranath Ashk, giving audiences a rich variety of international and Indian storytelling traditions. What really sets 'Rang Tarang' apart is its provenance: it is the culmination of a specially designed performing arts course designed specifically for management students. This program differs from the conventional academic module, emphasis instead being placed on experiential learning, emotional intelligence and expressive leadership. Through performance-based learning activities like improvisation, role-playing, scene work, movement exercises, storytelling and theatre games, students were encouraged to reach their full potential and improve their empathy, communication, and self-awareness.
Each moment on this stage is an example of discipline, courage and self-growth, Thakur said. This festival is a testament to the fact that performing arts can be a transformative tool not merely to produce artists, but to craft emotionally intelligent, resilient and visionary leaders. As the curtains go up for 'Rang Tarang', IIM Jammu invites students, faculty and esteemed guests to be a part of this celebration of creativity, dedication and character. The festival presents not only breathtaking performances but also a powerful vision of how education and the arts can collaborate to inspire genuine excellence. A group of experienced Natrang experts, comprising Neeraj Kant, Pawan Verma, Sunny Mujoo, Kananpreet Kaur and Brijesh Avtar Sharma, coordinates and supports the Young Tarang festival.