The inaugural ceremony was graced by Shri Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan, Executive Director (Coordination & CSR), IOCL, as the Chief Guest, while noted casting director Shri Mukesh Chhabra attended as the Guest of Honour.
Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, National School of Drama, delivered the welcome address and Shri Pradeep Kumar Mohanty, Registrar, NSD, proposed the vote of thanks.
The festival showcases eight children’s theatre productions from seven states, highlighting the transformative role of theatre in nurturing imagination, communication skills and personal growth.
The performances scheduled for 21 June include Shanti Ki Pukar from Rajghat, Delhi (workshop directed by Nisha Trivedi), The Missile Man from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, Hatao Aaba-Aaba from Gadchiroli, Maharashtra (workshop directed by Akhilesh Khanna), and Shabari Ke Ram from Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh (workshop directed by Muskan Goswami).
The second day of the festival, on 22 June, will feature Bhootnagari from Najafgarh, Delhi (workshop directed by Priya Bandhu), Mo Saanga from Keonjhar, Odisha (workshop directed by Avinash Deshpande), Deep Daan from Jaisalmer, Rajasthan (workshop directed by Naresh Pal Singh Chauhan), and Pyar Satkar from Ferozpur, Punjab (workshop directed by Preetpal Rupana).
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy said, “This initiative offers a powerful opportunity for children from marginalised, rural and tribal communities. For them, this platform is not just a performance space but a new beginning to build an identity, develop self-confidence and express their emotions. Its expansion across seven states demonstrates how meaningful cultural interventions can create a lasting social impact. Theatre instils essential values such as teamwork, communication and discipline, helping shape responsible and aware citizens.”
Shri Bibhuti Ranjan Pradhan, Executive Director (Coordination & CSR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited, said, “This initiative is not merely a cultural programme but a platform that nurtures imagination and self-expression among children. What began in Delhi has now expanded across seven states, touching the lives of children from diverse backgrounds. IndianOil is proud to be associated with this journey through its CSR initiatives and believes that such efforts lay the foundation for an inclusive, creative and sensitive society.”
Addressing the audience, Mr. Mukesh Chhabra, who was earlier part of NSD Theatre in Education wing during his earlier theatre career shared how only 8 Summer Theatre Workshops were being organised during his time and appreciated the fact that NSD could conduct the Summer Theatre Workshop for more than 100 different children groups across the country.
He also added that for any future casting projects related to children, he would come to NSD to tap into the plethora of talented children here, instead of depending on different places for talent searches.
In her message, Ms. Rashmi Govil, Director (Human Resources), IOCL, stated, “This platform provides underprivileged youth with a valuable opportunity for self-discovery and holistic development. Theatre nurtures vital life skills such as teamwork, empathy and communication, enabling children to grow into sensitive and responsible citizens. Indian Oil is proud to partner with NSD in promoting social inclusion through cultural education.”
The initiative is part of the social commitment of NSD and IOCL to make theatre accessible to all and use theatre as a tool for holistic development of children.
Since the launch of the Rang Pallav initiative, more than 1,000 schoolchildren across the country have benefited from the programme under NSD’s Project Monitoring Unit.