‘Ebhabeo Phire Asa Jaay’- Manipal Hospital EM Bypass Revives ‘Rongo Byango’ with Cancer Survivors in the Spotlight

Echoing William Shakespeare’s timeless words from As You Like It, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players” – Manipal Hospital EM Bypass, in association with Ashokenagar Natyaanan, presented another powerful edition of its unique theatre initiative, Rongo Byango, at Uttam Mancha.
Titled ‘Ebhabeo Phire Asa Jaay’, this moving theatrical production featured cancer survivors stepping into the spotlight, transforming their personal journeys of resilience into a compelling stage performance. Directed by acclaimed thespian Chandan Sen, Rongo Byango is based on five short plays by Rabindranath Tagore – Arja Anarja, Nutan Abatar, Antoshti Sotkar, Orosiker Swargoprapti and Swargiyo Prahasan. The production beautifully interwove humour and poignancy, celebrating hope, courage, and the many shades of life beyond cancer.
The play brought together cancer survivors alongside renowned theatre personalities such as Phalguni Chatterjee, Shantilal Mukherjee, Masood Akhtar, and Rwitobroto Mukherjee, along with actors from Ashokenagar Natyaanan. Demonstrating solidarity and support, senior doctors from Manipal Hospital EM Bypass and other distinguished dignitaries were present to witness and encourage this inspiring initiative.
Cancer leaves a deep physical, emotional, and psychological impact. While medical treatment is crucial, the journey to recovery also involves reclaiming confidence, identity, and inner strength. According to data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer cases in India are projected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025, up from 14.6 lakh in 2022, while globally, cancer cases are expected to reach 35 million by 2050. In this context, initiatives like Rongo Byango play a vital role in fostering emotional healing and community support.
Through this initiative, Manipal Hospital EM Bypass offered cancer survivors a platform to script their own narratives, turning struggle into strength and survival into celebration. As the curtains rose, the auditorium resonated with thunderous applause, marking not just the beginning of a performance, but the triumph of the human spirit.
Chandan Sen, renowned thespian and Director of Rongo Byango, said, “Directing ‘Rongo Byango’ has been one of the most emotional and fulfilling journeys of my career. Out of the 66 characters in this play, 15 to 16 are portrayed by brave cancer survivors who have faced life’s harshest trials and emerged stronger. This stage is not merely about performance, it is about reclaiming identity, confidence, and purpose. Beyond survival, they have embraced the stage as a canvas of courage.”
Dr. Sourav Datta, Director – Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Care (Mukundapur, Salt Lake & Siliguri Clusters), shared, “Every cancer survivor is a warrior with an extraordinary story. Through ‘Rongo Byango’, we wanted to give them a platform to reclaim their voices and inspire others. Watching them perform many of whom I have treated was deeply moving. This event was not just a celebration of theatre, but a celebration of life, courage, and the unbreakable human spirit.”