LAHORE: A Punjabi play to discourage gender discrimination was staged by Sanjan Nagar Education Trust at Alhamra Art Centre on Tuesday.

Written and directed by Huma Safdar, the play, titled Naang Val, attracted a large audience comprising mostly children as well as their parents, families and other guests.

The play revolved around a couple where the husband is a shirker, timid and unintelligent, while his wife is brave and wise. It shows that when the man gets into a big trouble, his wife saves him from that trial shrewdly and daringly.

The play stressed that women need not be considered less wise and bold than men. The way the whole universe is meant for all human beings, man and woman should also be considered equally capable and competent. Men and women are equal in every aspect. Gender discrimination must be discouraged in society and empowering women will spur productivity and economic growth.

The background music was played by a live orchestra coupled with live singing by children. The opening of the play showed children playing different games and swings wearing vibrant dresses. The performance was lauded by the audience.

Sanjan Nagar is synonymous with quality education for the disadvantaged communities where education truly transforms not only the child who is studying, but also the entire family as envisaged by its patron and sponsor, philanthropist Raza Kazim.

Published in Dawn, January 15th, 2020