Agra | Special Report – Times of TAJ
On Sunday, the legendary Mahabharata heroine Draupadi came alive on the Surasadan auditorium stage in Agra, embodying courage, resilience, and unwavering self-respect. Presented by the She Will Inspire organization in collaboration with Abhushan Jewellers, the grand monologue “Draupadi – The Unbound Spirit” offered a powerful exploration of feminine consciousness and empowerment.
The program began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting by Mayor Hemlata Diwakar, UP Small Industries Corporation Chairman Rakesh Garg, Footwear & Leather Industry Council President Puran Dawar, MLA Purushottam Khandelwal, social workers Anand Prakash and Ashu Mittal, ADA Vice-President Arun Mauli, Aparna Rajawat, Mansi Chandra, Jitendra Chauhan, Dr. Ranjana Bansal, and Rashi Garg, founder-chairperson of She Will Inspire.
A Celebration of Multidimensional Womanhood
The event showcased the multifaceted strength of women. It began with an inspiring documentary by the organization, followed by a Walk of Strength performance, highlighting feminine self-reliance and empowerment. Participants included Dr. Bhaskar Jyoti, Pooja Luthra, Divya Gupta, Ruchi Gupta, Kritika Khanna, Dimple Raj, Diksha Ashwani, Navya Khanna, Kirti Khandelwal, Sanya Dawar, Ayushi Garh, Meenakshi Kishore, Pooja Agarwal, Rituka Jindal, Parul Jain, Deepika, Harmeet, Niyati, among others.
Anjana Chandak’s Unforgettable Draupadi
Renowned actress Anjana Chandak redefined Draupadi’s character with a modern lens, presenting her emotions, courage, and defiance with breathtaking intensity. On stage, Draupadi emerged as a woman who refuses to stay silent in the face of injustice and humiliation, boldly asking:
“Who owns my existence, my dignity, my rights?”
Chandak’s brilliant dialogue delivery and expressive performance turned this question into a timeless and revolutionary statement.
Symbol of Every Woman
Rashi Garg, founder-chairperson of She Will Inspire, stated, “This performance is not just a play; it is the voice of every woman who dares to stand against injustice. Draupadi symbolizes women of every era—those who question, resist, and ultimately embrace their power.”
The proceeds from the event were dedicated to the Tears Mandbuddhi Foundation, supporting children with special needs.
The event marked a first-of-its-kind cultural experience in Agra, celebrating feminine consciousness, empathy, and empowerment. The audience left the auditorium deeply moved, witnessing Draupadi as a reimagined, strong, and awakened figure inspiring women across generations.
