Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district is using theatre and folk art as tools for rehabilitation and cultural preservation through the Narayanpur Institute of Tribal and Rural Art (NITARA), an initiative of the district administration that brings together surrendered Naxals and local youth.
The initiative aims to promote Bastar’s rich tribal heritage while supporting the reintegration of former Naxals into mainstream society. Abujhmad, once known for Left Wing Extremism, is now witnessing efforts focused on peace, cultural revival and social transformation.
As part of the programme, 18 surrendered Naxals, along with local youth, underwent a 30-day training programme in acting, theatre and folk art conducted by experts from the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi.
The participants later developed a theatrical production titled ‘Chanda Aur Chakor’, which is now being performed in villages to spread awareness about social change, education, development and Bastar’s cultural traditions.
Narayanpur Collector Namrata Jain said NITARA was launched to give national recognition to the region’s unique folk art, music and traditions while creating opportunities for surrendered Naxals and local artists.
She said the month-long training covered acting, dialogue delivery, stage management, expression and performance techniques under the guidance of NSD experts.
According to Jain, the initiative seeks to provide a national platform for Narayanpur’s cultural heritage. She added that the theatre troupe is travelling across villages to promote peace, development and the cultural identity of Bastar.
Officials said ‘Chanda Aur Chakor’ serves as both a cultural performance and a medium for social awareness. The play portrays Bastar’s traditional customs, folk music and marriage rituals while highlighting the importance of education, government welfare schemes and participation in Gram Sabhas.
Sharing his experience, surrendered Naxal Lalu Venjam said he had once been associated with the Maoist movement but had now joined the mainstream.
“I never thought I would become part of a cultural troupe. Today, our plays spread messages of development, education and awareness in villages,” he said.
Another participant, Kesari Gawde, who left the Maoist organisation in 2025 after joining it in 2002, said NITARA had given him an opportunity to learn acting. He added that the troupe had also staged ‘Chanda Aur Chakor’ before the Chief Minister.
Setupadda, another surrendered Naxal associated with the initiative, said theatre had given him a new purpose. Having earlier performed for the Maoist cultural wing, he now uses art to raise awareness about government schemes and social development.
-ANI
