Mandi Theatre Celebrates International Women’s Day in Chicago

March 22, 2022

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Surabhi Kumar speaking at the recent International Women’s Day celebration in Chicago hosted by Mandi Theatre. She is the spouse of India’s Consul General in Chicago Amit Kumar. Photo courtesy Indian Consulate

Surabhi Kumar, spouse of the Consul General of India in Chicago Amit Kumar, was the Guest of Honor at the special cultural event with the theme “Break the Bias” hosted by Mandi Theatre to celebrate International Women’s Day and Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav (75^th anniversary celebrations of India’s independence).

Organizers and guests pose for a photo at the International Women’s Day celebrtions organized by Mandi Theatre in Chicago. Photo: Indian Consulate

Surabhi Kumar shared her thoughts on the issue of women’s empowerment and equality, a press release from organizers said. She addressed issues such as internalized misogyny, deliberate or unconscious biases at different levels, her experience as an educator and the spouse of a diplomat. She also noted how normative expectations of a mother and father’s roles has undergone a significant change.

She also presented commendation certificates to select artists.

India’s Consul General in Chicago Amit Kumar speaking at recent International Women’s Day celebration hosted by Mandi theatre. photo: Indian Consulate

Consul General Kumar also addressed the gathering, inter alia, paying tribute to Pandit Birju Maharaj who had notably blurred the role of gender in Kathak performances. A documentary on him was screened at the event.

The cultural program comprised sitar recitation, tabla and violin jugalbandi, Kathak performance and enactment of a Hindi play – Khandit Yakshini.
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The Mandi Theatre team led by Alka Sharma has over the years taken up several social issues through the medium of theater. The Consulate has also organized joint activities with them in the past.