Prof. C M Pandey ‘Chandresh’

Written by Richa, Creative Empowerment Batch 2 ,2022

Born in Bhagalpur, Bihar, on 12th Dec 1956, C M Pandey is famously known as Chandresh, the poet, short-story writer, playwright and professor. He completed his early education at Church Mission School (C.M.S.), Bhagalpur, where he actively participated in extra-curricular activities like social work and debate. During his school days, he never did theatre, surprising for a person who later became famous for popularising Nukkad Natak.

While growing up, he became interested in Jatra, a popular folk theatre of Bengal. Bhagalpur, during those times, was considered to be mini Kolkata and bustling with Bengali people and culture. The famous Bengali writer Sarat Chandra spent most of his childhood at his maternal uncle's home in Bhagalpur. Jatra was organised during Durga puja, and young Chandresh used to abscond the whole night to watch it. Jatra somewhere influenced his subconscious, whose effect could be observed later.

He did his college education in Marwari College, Bhagalpur, where he joined National Service Scheme (N.S.S.). N.S.S. played an important role in shaping his personality. He co-ordinated an Inter-college debate competition, and it gave him a platform for overall development. He also became the editor of the N.S.S. magazine, which was an honour for a person of his age. N.S.S. gave him the much-required recognition and experience. He joined the Jayaprakash (J.P.) movement during the emergency period and became a member of the Gandhi Peace Foundation, a leading force in that movement. He also was a part of the 'mohalla committee', which made people aware of socio-political issues like unemployment, corruption, and inflation.

The turning point in his life came when he was doing his B. A. (Hindi) from T.N.B. College, Bhagalpur. He started working as a freelance journalist in Dinaman, the newsweekly started by Agyeya, the legendary poet and critic. He formed a theatre group called 'Disha' and started street theatre in Bhagalpur during this period. They termed it 'Chauraha Natak', which was later known as 'Nuakkad Natak.' The rehearsals were done religiously despite many challenges. Though the group faced resistance at first, it became so popular with the masses that people funded the plays wholeheartedly. The group travelled around Bhagalpur and performed plays on socio-political issues. Chandresh says, "I don't know whether people learnt from us or not, I, as a person, learnt a lot from them while performing those plays and being among the people."

Chandresh got a couple of lucrative offers. First, join Jansatta (the leading Hindi newspaper of Indian Express group) as its staff reporter in New Delhi, and then in NTPC as Rajbhasha Senior Officer. Moving to New Delhi meant leaving 'Disha' and whatever he had built around it. At the same time, he was offered a job as a Hindi lecturer at T.N.B. Law College Bhagalpur. He didn't waver for even a second and declined both the offers and stayed back in Bhagalpur. He also edited a seminal book on Nukkad Natak and a bulletin on the same subject. He continued writing plays, short stories, poems etc. He played an essential role in the teachers' movement in Bhagalpur. The essence of Nukkad Natak is 'reality.' His life, as Chandreh states, is a life without compromises, and in that way, he considers it well-lived. For him, the image has always been more important than money. Many people have inspired, motivated and influenced him during his life. Among them are the famous writer and playwright Bhisham Sahni; playwright, and director Safdar Hashmi (known for fiery street plays); Raghuvir Sahay, Hindi poet, journalist, and Sahitya Academy winner; Dr Namvar Singh, literary critic, and academician; Dr Gangesh Gunjan, producer Akashvaani; and Dr Ramesh Upadhyay, Star writer of Sarita magazine. A humble and great teacher Chandresh is loved and respected by his students and colleagues alike. Yet he considers himself to be a learner and not a teacher - a learner who learns from everyone whom he comes across in his everyday life.

Note: I am blessed to have Prof. C M Pandey ‘Chandresh’ as my maternal uncle. Though he does not believe in the hierarchy of guru-shishya, I have always considered him my guru, like Eklavya considered Dronacharya, his guru! As a kid, I remember seeing the book Mother by Gorky on his bookshelf and asking him about it. That was the starting point of my education. I always begged him to take me to rehearsals, and sometimes I was lucky enough to be with him as his group ‘Disha’ rehearsed. Later I came to know I was a part of history! He had been the most powerful impact on shaping my personality, and I am thankful to him for being there in my life through thick and thin.