The Gujral Foundation presents JASHN-e-QALAM’s Sardaar Ji at NGMA, New Delhi
A powerful storytelling performance based on Khwaja Ahmad Abbas’s seminal work
Date: 28 March 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Venue: National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New DelhThe Gujral Foundation presents JASHN-e-QALAM’s Sardaar Ji, a compelling storytelling performance based on the iconic short story by Padma Shri awardee Khwaja Ahmad Abbas, on 28 March 2026 at 6:30 PM at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA), New Delhi.
Performed by acclaimed actor Vicky Ahuja, the 60-minute solo act revisits the emotional and political turbulence of India’s Partition in 1947. Through an evocative narrative, Sardaar Ji explores themes of prejudice, fear, and humanity, set against a backdrop where neighbour turns against neighbour, and suspicion and prejudice become a way of life.
At the heart of the story lies a tense and symbolic encounter between a lone Muslim residing in a Hindu-majority area and his arch-nemesis, a Sikh man, as they both await Tryst with Destiny. The performance unfolds as a poignant reflection on harmony, brotherhood and peace.
Written nearly 75 years ago, Sardaar Ji continues to serve as a much-needed cautionary warning to the dangers of ‘Otherisation’, ‘Rumour-Mongering’ and ‘Communalism’, while appealing to our better natures to look beyond our deep-set ‘Conditionings’, ‘Biases’ and ‘Prejudices’.