Inspiring Young Minds Through Theatre and Gratitude At Auckland House School Boys

Shimla, June 12 – The poignant solo play ‘Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana De’, performed by acclaimed theatre artist Lucky Gupta, left a profound impact on students and faculty at Auckland House School for Boys, blending theatrical brilliance with life lessons on gratitude, perseverance, and self-belief.

Rooted in a Punjabi short story by Mohan Bhandari, the performance traced the powerful journey of a village boy from a labourer’s family who, despite facing poverty, the loss of his father, and his mother’s illness, holds onto his dream of education. Dubbed ‘Little Tagore’ by his teacher for his poetic flair, the boy is inspired by his mentor’s words—“Never give up in life”—and ultimately rises above his hardships, tops the state in exams, and returns as a teacher to uplift students like himself.

More than just a play, the performance became a real-time skill-building experience. Lucky Gupta’s interactive storytelling drew students into the narrative—assigning them roles, evoking empathy, and instilling values without the crutch of elaborate props or special effects. Through this immersive approach, children learned emotional intelligence, gratitude, and resilience—values often missed in textbooks.

The play deeply resonated with the audience, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the silent sacrifices of parents and the transformational role of teachers. It encouraged students to reflect on their own privileges and opportunities, and to use them purposefully.

With over 1,000 performances in 28 states, reaching 5 million viewers on a self-funded journey, Lucky Gupta has made ‘Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana De’ more than just a production—he’s turned it into a national movement for character-building through art.

At Auckland House School for Boys, this event served not only as a cultural milestone but also as a heartfelt reminder of the strength that lies in dreams nurtured by gratitude and guided by mentorship.