TribalArt – NITARA Initiative Brings Former Naxals and Youth Together Through Theatre
TribalArt -Once known largely for the challenges posed by insurgency, Chhattisgarh’s Narayanpur district is now drawing attention for a different reason. A district administration-led initiative is using theatre and traditional folk arts to encourage social awareness while helping preserve the rich cultural traditions of the Bastar region. The Narayanpur Institute of Tribal and Rural Art (NITARA) has brought together surrendered former Maoists and local young people, offering them professional training and a platform to contribute positively to their communities.
A Cultural Initiative Focused on Change
The NITARA programme has emerged as a significant effort to blend cultural preservation with community development. In the remote Abujhmad region, which has long been associated with Left-wing extremism, the initiative is creating new opportunities through art, performance and education.
Participants, including 18 surrendered former Maoists and several local youth, completed a 30-day training programme led by experts from the National School of Drama (NSD), New Delhi. The sessions covered acting techniques, dialogue delivery, stage presentation, facial expressions, performance skills and theatre management, equipping participants with practical knowledge of the performing arts.
Theatre Used to Spread Social Awareness
Following the completion of the training, the participants created a stage production titled Chanda Aur Chakor. The play is now being performed in villages across the district, combining entertainment with messages related to education, peace, public participation and development.
Officials said the production reflects the traditions of Bastar through folk music, marriage customs and local cultural practices while also highlighting the importance of education, awareness of government welfare schemes and active participation in Gram Sabha meetings. The performances are intended to encourage dialogue within communities and strengthen local cultural identity.
Administration Highlights Cultural Preservation
Narayanpur Collector Namrata Jain said the district administration launched NITARA with the goal of giving Bastar’s traditional art forms wider recognition across the country. According to her, Abujhmad has preserved its unique folk traditions, songs and cultural heritage for generations, and the initiative aims to showcase this legacy on a broader platform.
She noted that the month-long programme, organised in partnership with the National School of Drama, encouraged collaboration between local artists and surrendered former Maoists. The resulting theatre production focuses on themes of peace, social progress and positive transformation, with the troupe continuing to perform across villages in the district.
Participants Share Their New Journey
Several participants described the programme as a turning point in their lives. Lalu Venjam, who had earlier been associated with the Maoist movement before rejoining mainstream society, said he never imagined becoming part of a cultural theatre group. He explained that performing before village audiences has given him an opportunity to promote education, awareness and development instead of conflict.
Kesari Gawde, another participant, said he joined the Maoist organisation in 2002 before leaving it in 2025. Through NITARA, he learned professional acting skills and later performed Chanda Aur Chakor before the Chief Minister. He said the experience introduced him to new opportunities and allowed him to communicate positive messages through cultural performances.
Local Youth Join the Movement
The initiative has also attracted enthusiastic participation from local young artists. Kaneshwari, who plays the central character Chanda in the production, said the intensive training improved her acting abilities and gave her the chance to contribute to campaigns promoting social awareness. She expressed interest in joining similar programmes in the future to continue supporting cultural and community initiatives.
Another participant, Setupadda, who was previously connected with the Chetna Natya Mandali, said the training helped him use his performance skills for public awareness after returning to mainstream life. He added that he now understands the value of using theatre to inform people about government programmes and community development efforts.