Plas Manch 43rd “Night of Plays and Songs” in Ludhiana calls for unity of pen, art
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), May 2, 2026: The 43rd edition of the “Night of Plays and Songs,” organised by Plas Manch, was held at the Balraj Sahni Memorial Open Air Theatre, Punjab Bhawan, Ludhiana, marking International Labour Day with a strong cultural and political message of solidarity, resistance, and artistic expression.
This year’s event was dedicated to struggles against war and fascism, including opposition to alleged US-Israeli military actions against Iran and other countries, as well as a tribute to the centenary of martyrdom of the Babbar Akali movement.
The programme was jointly supported by the Punjabi Sahit Akademi and several allied cultural and social organisations.
The evening began with a large procession of men and women carrying anti-war placards, banners, and candles from Grass Park, which later entered the auditorium. Participants stood in collective pledge against war and fascism while paying tribute to martyrs.
A major highlight of the event was a photography exhibition by artist Inderjit Singh (Jalandhar), showcasing global resistance movements against war and fascism through a blend of images and poetry.
Addressing a packed audience, Plas Manch President Amolak Singh extended greetings on May Day and paid homage to martyrs of labour struggles and revolutionary movements, including the Babbar Akali movement. He emphasized the role of literature and art in people’s struggles and called for a stronger unity between “pen, art, and mass movements.”
Several prominent personalities including Ranjit Lahra, Balli Singh Cheema, Paramjit Chak Desh Raj, and Kulwant Kaur Nagar were honoured for their contributions to literature, theatre, and music. They were felicitated with shawls and the “Gursharan Lok Kala Samman” by representatives of Plas Manch and allied organisations.
Books were also released on the occasion, including the major publication “Jang Te Zindagi”, edited by Amolak Singh and Yash Pal.
The cultural evening featured performances by Lok Sangeet Mandli Bhadaur (Master Ram Kumar), revolutionary Kaviishri Jatha Rasulpur, and various singers and performers including Sara, Disha, Mausam, Jasbir Jassi, Rubi, Rabita, and Ram Singh Hathur. A book exhibition also drew significant public interest.
A major attraction was the choreography “Who Brought This War?” presented by Lok Kala Manch Mandi Mullanpur under Harkesh Chaudhary, featuring songs by Amolak Singh, Gurbhajan Gill, and a Pakistani writer.
Several theatre groups staged socially themed plays including “Two Broken Roti”, “Burning Souls”, “Head on the Platter”, “Splashes”, “Sons of the Same Soil”, and “Chained Dreams”. IPTA artists also presented a special performance titled “Bhands Visit Punjabi Bhawan.”
The cultural night continued from 7 PM to 5 AM, drawing a large audience of families, youth, and elders, and successfully conveying a message of collective resistance against imperialism, corporate dominance, and fascist forces.
The event concluded with acknowledgements to supporting organisations, including Bhartiya Kisan Union (Ekta Ugrahan), which managed food arrangements for artists. The proceedings were conducted by Plas Manch General Secretary Kanwaljit Khanna.