The light within

A theatre production of visually challenged people focuses on universal human values

‘Bullah’ is a production that’s close to theatre director Harinder Sandhu’s heart for many reasons. “Working closely with the visually challenged members of the Divine Eyes group gave me so many new perspectives towards life and its many beautiful aspects, and it was a completely fulfilling experience, with so many people opening their hearts and homes to make this play possible, and sharing our joy, creativity and enthusiasm,’’ shares Sandhu, who works with children on varied theatre projects and is a pass-out of the Department of Indian Theatre, Panjab University.

Written by Pakistani author Shahid Nadeem, and adapted by Kuldip Singh, the play is an effort of the National Association for Blind (NAB) and is being staged on the occasion of International White Cane Day celebrations, with the NAB dedicated to the upliftment of the quality of life of the visually challenged and integrating them with mainstream society.

With the advent of technology, the visually challenged shifted to computers, and smartphones have made them better equipped to keep pace with the world, shares Vinod Chadha of the group.

“Theatre, art, music are areas that give them a chance to express themselves in creative ways, and all the artists and musicians in this play are visually challenged,’’ explains Sandhu, who has worked with students of the Blind School earlier, with many of them now in jobs and pursuing higher studies. It’s their zest for life, hard work and enthusiasm which made Sandhu take up this project, and they all chose a subject which was “bigger than all of us.”

Bulleh Shah was a celebrated Sufi poet and philosopher of the 16th century, renowned for his simple, yet deeply insightful and soulful language. Following the rich tradition of Guru Nanak and Kabir, Bulleh Shah connected with men and women on the street in an idiom and experience that they could easily share and imbibe in their mundane routines.

In Bulleh Shah’s writings, scriptures and values are woven into everyday events, and the message of equality and of universal human values is conveyed not as some abstract or metaphysical principle but as a natural state of community and society.

“The play’s message is direct and at the same time, it is lyrical and touches the heart and the brain,’’ reflects the director, adding that everyone involved in the play brought out the best in each other.

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The play, which has been supported by Amway Opportunity Foundation, will be staged at Tagore Theatre on October 15 at 5.30 pm.

Parul

Parul is a Principal Correspondent at The Indian Express in Chandigarh. She is a seasoned journalist with over 25 years of experience specializing in public health, higher education, and the architectural heritage of Northern India. Professional Profile Education: Graduate in Humanities with a specialized focus on Journalism and Mass Communication from Panjab University, Chandigarh. Career Path: She began her career covering local city beats and human interest stories before joining The Indian Express in 2009. Over the last decade and a half, she has risen to the rank of Principal Correspondent, becoming the publication’s primary voice on Chandigarh’s premier medical and academic institutions. Expertise: Her reporting is deeply rooted in the institutional dynamics of PGIMER (Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research) and Panjab University. She is highly regarded for her ability to navigate complex administrative bureaucracies to deliver student-centric and patient-centric news. Recent Notable Articles (Late 2024 - 2025) Her recent work highlights critical reporting on healthcare infrastructure, academic governance, and urban culture: 1. Public Health & PGIMER "PGIMER expands digital registry: Centralized patient records to reduce wait times by 40%" (Nov 20, 2025): A detailed look at the digital transformation of one of India's busiest medical institutes to tackle patient influx. "Robotic Surgery at PGI: Why the new urology wing is a game-changer for North India" (Oct 12, 2025): Reporting on the acquisition of state-of-the-art medical technology and its impact on affordable healthcare. "Shortage of life-saving drugs: Inside the supply chain crisis at government pharmacies" (Dec 5, 2025): An investigative piece on the logistical hurdles affecting chronic patients in the tri-city area. 2. Education & Institutional Governance "Panjab University Senate Election: The battle for institutional autonomy" (Dec 18, 2025): In-depth coverage of the high-stakes internal elections and the friction between traditional governance and central reforms. "Research funding dip: How PU’s science departments are navigating the 2025 budget cuts" (Nov 5, 2025): An analysis of the fiscal challenges facing researchers and the impact on India's global academic ranking. 3. Art, Culture & Heritage "Le Corbusier’s legacy in peril: The struggle to preserve Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex" (Dec 22, 2025): A feature on the conservation efforts and the tension between urban modernization and UNESCO heritage status. "Chandigarh Art District: How street murals are reclaiming the city’s grey walls" (Oct 30, 2025): A cultural profile of the local artists transforming the aesthetic of the "City Beautiful." Signature Style Parul is known for her empathetic lens, often centering her stories on the individuals affected by policy—whether it is a student navigating university red tape or a patient seeking care. She possesses a unique ability to translate dense administrative notifications into actionable information for the public. Her long-standing beat experience makes her a trusted source for "inside-track" developments within Chandigarh’s most guarded institutions. X (Twitter): @parul_express ... Read More

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