Dastangoi -- from 'Gandhi to Mahatma'

The classic Urdu oral storytelling art form of 'Dastangoi' intertwined with the defiant poetry of the early 20th century brought alive the journey of Gandhi from 'Mohandas to Mahatma' in the capital.
39-year-old Fouzia Dastango, credited as the first female Dastagoi artiste, presented 'Dastan-e-Gandhi' on the life and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi through the dying art form of 'Dastangoi' here recently.
"The aim of Dastaan-e-Gandhi is to revive the abiding interest in the inspiring story of Mahatma Gandhi using newer ways to involve various stakeholders, including intelligentsia, academia and voluntary organizations to spread Bapu's Message," she told PTI.
"The young generation which is shaping today's India and who will create the country's future should be told about his life and his mission, and this is what we are doing," she said.

'Dastaan-e-Gandhi' performed by Fouzia and Fazal Rashid touched upon India's struggle for freedom and Gandhi's tryst with Satyagraha and his fight against injustice and racism.
The event was organised by India International Center in collaboration with Sarvodaya International Trust.
Professor Danish Iqbal, who penned the script for the performance, said it was a "mounting challenge" to present the life of Mahatma in an hour format.
"There are many facets to Mahatma's life. It was very challenging to present his life in a 'Dastangoi' format. But we focussed on the underlying the message of his life rather than talking about his milestones," he said.