As a part of Ethics and Culture course (HUM 103), the drama ‘Train to Pakistan’ was staged by the theatre-group ‘Jahangirnagar Theatre’ on March 17, 2017, at Markuli Hall of BRAC University, Savar Campus. The objective of this drama was to make the students gain ideas regarding morality from a different perspective besides just studying the theories in classrooms. The program began with the introductory speech of Mr. Md. Mostafizur Rahman, Co-ordinator of Ethics and Culture. Afterwards, Mr. Farid Ahmed, Associate Professor of Jahangirnagar University, briefly discussed the objective of the drama for further clarification on the students’ part.
The drama 'Train to Pakistan' was adapted from the novel 'Train to Pakistan' by Khushwant Singh, which is based on the partition of India and Pakistan in 1947. The book focuses on how the identity of a human exceeds the boundary of religion, caste or even nationality. It is a constructive demonstration of how religion was used as a tool for the political benefits during 1947's partition.
The drama 'Train To Pakistan' tried to portray that human being should not be treated based on their religious identity or social status because, at the end of the day, we are all human beings with universal human rights that are meant to be respected by all. Moreover, the drama showed that basing people’s identity on just religion is not enough to maintain the unity between them and the communities they live in. The ending of the drama showed the protagonist of the drama, Jugga, sacrificing his life by saving the train not only for his loved one and but also for the people of the train who were religiously different yet part of his own community. Thus, Jugga represents the spirit of mankind in this drama.
When the drama ended, Mr. Rehan Ahmed, Campus Superintendent, shared a few words with students on the message of the drama and the importance of re-thinking on the issue of how people need to be treated not just based on religion but rather as human beings. All management staff played a significant role to make the event a successful one, which ended with Jahangirnagar Theatre presenting a gift token to BRAC University.