Nemi Chandra Jain (1919-2005) was an Indian poet, critic, theatre personality and the founder of Natarang Pratishthan, a charitable trust established in 1989 for the promotion of theatre, arts, literature and culture in India.[2] He was born on 16 August 1919 in Agra and was a holder of a master's degree (MA) in English.[3] He served the National School of Drama as a senior lecturer from 1959 till 1982 and also worked with The Statesman and The Economic Times as a columnist.[3] He founded Natrang, a theatre magazine, was its editor and visited many countries with his theatre activities.[3] He was the author of Octave Strings (1944), Solitary (1973), Navanna (2002),[4]Aage Gahan Andhera Hai (2007)[5] and Rang Dharshan (2008)[6] besides several translations and critical essays[7] on a variety of subjects.[3] including From the Wings, Notes on Indian Theatre,[8] which is a prescribed text for academics at Christ University.[9]
Jain was honoured by the Government of India in 2003 with Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award.[10] He died two years later, in 2005.[11][12] Natrang Pratishthan has instituted an annual lecture to honour his memory.[13][14]
His wife, Smt. Rekha Jain was a children playwright, dancer and writer. She was founder director of Umang Children's theatre.[15]
His daughter, Kirti Jain is also an eminent theatre artist and served the National School of Drama as The Director from 1988 till 1995.[16][17]
His son, Sanjay Jain is Professor at Department of Physics and Astrophysics, University of delhi and has served as Head of the Department.[18]
