Fouzia Dastango, India's First Female Dastango, to Present a Special Dastangoi Tribute to Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla

New Delhi: History, memory and the evocative art of storytelling will come together this October as Fouzia Dastango, India's first woman Dastango, presents Dastaan-e-Mahendra Nath Mulla, a special centenary tribute to Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, Mahavir Chakra (Posthumous), at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi, on Wednesday, 7 October 2026.

Known for bringing historical and cultural narratives to contemporary audiences through the traditional art of Dastangoi, Fouzia will present the story of Captain Mulla alongside Ritesh, using the distinctive language of oral storytelling, poetry, music and performance. Rather than focusing only on the final chapter of his life, the Dastaan will explore the personality behind the uniform-his childhood, family, humour, intellectual curiosity, compassion for his sailors and his deep commitment to the Indian Navy.

Captain Mahendra Nath Mulla, Commanding Officer of INS Khukri, occupies a distinguished place in India's naval history. On the night of 9 December 1971, during the Indo-Pak War, INS Khukri was torpedoed in the Arabian Sea. Captain Mulla remained at his post and ensured that his men were given every possible opportunity to save themselves before going down with his ship-an act that came to symbolise the highest traditions of the Indian Navy.

For Fouzia, whose work has consistently explored stories of courage, memory, identity and human experience through Dastangoi, the presentation offers an opportunity to approach a celebrated historical figure through a deeply human lens.

Event Details

Date - Wednesday, 7th October 2026

Venue- Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi