Maj. Gen. M. Indrabalan (retd.) never expected his disciplined military career would segue into the vibrant world of theatre. Yet, as he approached the conclusion of his service in the Indian Army, he found himself captivated by the world of drama—not just for its aesthetic and creative elements, but more so for its profound impact on society.
It was during the 50th-anniversary celebrations of the historic 1971 Indo-Pak war that Indrabalan, whose late father, Capt. K. Govindan (retd) of the 17 Madras Regiment, had served in the conflict, found his calling. These celebrations were marked by a victory torch making a commemorative journey through India’s states—an event widely covered by the media. As the torch was relayed among dignitaries, Indrabalan envisioned a different kind of torch being passed—one that could ignite a sense of patriotism and historical awareness amongst the youth.
Stationed in Bihar as the Additional Director General of the National Cadet Corps, he orchestrated a 20-minute street play focusing on the 1971 war with the help of around 20 NCC cadets. Under his guidance, the cadets took to the streets, embarking on a cycle tour of Bihar’s district headquarters, where they performed their play to engage the public directly.
The concept proved to be a success, resonating with the masses and seeding awareness about the war’s significance in a uniquely approachable format. Encouraged by the street play’s popularity, Indrabalan realized the potential of theatre as a vehicle for educational outreach. He subsequently embarked on a year-long collaboration with a theatre company to craft a Hindi script that matured into a full-fledged production.
The resultant play, titled ‘Operation Vijay 1971,’ took another year of preparation before gracing the stage in Patna in August 2023. The transformative power of this artistic endeavor was amplified by the contributions of the art and theatre group Surangan and the women’s empowerment-focused nonprofit organization, Gulmohar Maitri.
‘Operation Vijay 1971’ soon expanded its reach, touring to various cities including Chennai, where Indrabalan had settled in his post-army life. The retired Major General found himself in the heart of Chennai’s artistic community, living on Flagstaff Road within the cantonment area.
Continually adapting, an English version titled “Birth of Bangladesh” was produced by NCC UDAAN TN and directed by S.B.S. Raman. Not resting on its laurels, Indrabalan has expressed his intentions to adapt the play into Tamil and Malayalam to further diversify its audience. The Malayalam adaptation is reportedly being produced with backing from A.V. Anoop, managing director of the AVA Group of Companies.
In the heady world of theatre, Indrabalan’s military background may seem an unlikely precursor. Yet, what commenced as an ancillary interest has flourished into a zealous pursuit. The former Major General now dedicates his time and efforts to theatre full-time, merging his enduring respect for his nation’s history with the transformative power of performing arts.
Enticed by the prospect of limelight rather than the battlefield, the retired army veteran’s new mission is one of cultural cultivation. His ventures in theatre are not about fame or fortune but aim at instilling a sense of patriotism and remembrance in contemporary and future generations.
