‘Verve’ literally means energy, enthusiasm. We are a group of enthusiastic, energetic and informed youth who have got together to pitch in with our own efforts to bring about a transformation of the ailing society of today.

We have chosen street plays or ‘nukkad natak’ as our medium, to communicate with the masses, because the medium offers us an opportunity to break away from preaching and instead presenting ideas in a satirical, humorous and a hard hitting manner.

We have addressed various issues like indifference towards evils in society, RTI, women education, HIV and communalism in our plays. We are an active group on the Delhi University theatre circuit and have won many laurels for our various performances but our greatest achievement so far has been Manthan 2009, a movement aimed at creating social awareness through street plays.

Manthan 2009

Manthan ‘09 came at a time when it was needed the most. Our country is plagued by internal and external crisis, and we had seen it all during 2008- terrorist attacks, communal riots, regional rifts, crime against women and complete political paralysis in a democracy as proud as ours.

Through Manthan ‘09 we wanted to reach out to young people, to get them thinking about issues that matter and those which ultimately will impact the destiny of our nation. We also wanted to reach out to like minded capable youth who recognise their responsibility towards their community to further develop our own perspective.

We managed to obtain the participation of 20 colleges alongside us- IIT Delhi, SRCC, LSR, MBICEM (IP university), Khalsa College, Venkateshwara, IP college, Maharaja Agrasen College, Kirori Mal, Hindu, Kamla Nehru College,etc. to name a few of the premier institutes which participated.

After a moving orientation of the participating colleges, Manthan opened at the City Square mall, Rajouri Garden in front of a 1000 people strong crowd!

The colleges performed at various public places including PVR Priya, Jantar Mantar, North campus and various public schools throughout the course of Manthan to create a new awakening among the people. Members of both the Print media and Electronic media- Aaj Tak, Sahara, 104 Fever FM, 102.6 FM Rainbow, Indian Express, Amar Ujala, Mid Day, Dainik Bhaskar and Hindustan also covered us.

Achievements:

2009

• Won the first prize at Unmaad 2009; held by IIM Bangalore.

• Successful culmination of Manthan, 22nd January-11th February 2009.

2008

• Won First prize at Khalsa College, Delhi University.

• Won Best direction at IP college, Delhi University.

• Won Special award at Venkateshwara College, Delhi University.

• Won Best Direction at Lady Shriram college, Delhi University.

• Won 3rd prize at IIT Kanpur.