The soul-stirring solo play ‘Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana De’, performed by acclaimed theatre artist Lucky Gupta, captivated students and faculty at Auckland House School for Boys with its powerful narrative and heartfelt message. This one-hour performance celebrated the enduring bond between teachers and students while reigniting essential values such as gratitude, perseverance, and hope among the young audience.
Adapted from a Punjabi story by the late Mohan Bhandari, the play follows the inspiring journey of a young village boy from a labourer’s family who, despite poverty and personal tragedy, strives to pursue his education. Nicknamed ‘Little Tagore’ by his teacher for his poetic talent, the boy is forced to leave school after his father’s untimely death and his mother’s illness. Motivated by his teacher’s unwavering encouragement — “Never give up in life” — he overcomes adversity, retakes his exams, tops the state, and ultimately returns as a teacher to uplift other disadvantaged children.
The performance’s interactive style, with Lucky Gupta portraying multiple characters and engaging students directly, created an immersive and emotional experience without relying on elaborate sets or special effects. This approach deeply resonated with the audience, emphasizing the significance of gratitude toward parents, teachers, and society, as well as the transformative power of determination.
Lucky Gupta, who began his theatrical journey in Jammu in 2000, has performed over 50 plays and led more than 100 children’s workshops. ‘Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana De’ is his signature work, having reached over 5 million viewers across more than 1,000 towns and cities in 28 states, fueled solely by his passion and audience support.
The event at Auckland House School for Boys was more than just a cultural presentation—it was a poignant lesson in empathy, resilience, and the value of dreams, leaving students inspired to appreciate the unseen sacrifices of their mentors and to strive for greatness themselves.
