Discover the impact of our work through success stories featuring highlights, honors, and learner insights. These sample stories highlight our dedication to driving positive change in communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, Women, Children, NGOs, and Public Sector Leaders.

Highlights

Leadership Development

One good thing I take back is that I am a ‘0’. It is possible to empty my mind and a long way to go, probably the beginning. - Beena, New Delhi


This workshop helped me to lift up my heart, awakening my own self, freed myself from my own personal created blocks and boundaries being a woman and a nun. - Sr. Bimla, Orissa


I opted to come for Chindu workshops because all the workshops are very deep and impressive. I applied these experiences in my life and see a positive change in my health and behavoiur” - Deepika, Haryana


I wrote to myself. Lots of promises that I need to take care of my health and happiness, to be trustful and balancing myself and take more care of myself - Mary Beth, Assam


The beginning of the workshop was like a storm within and now I am leaving with peace around. It reflects the nature storm and peace – happy and thankful to myself - Varsha, Bihar

Gender Education

One good thing I take back is that I am a ‘0’. It is possible to empty my mind and a long way to go, probably the beginning. - Beena, New Delhi


This workshop helped me to lift up my heart, awakening my own self, freed myself from my own personal created blocks and boundaries being a woman and a nun. - Sr. Bimla, Orissa


I opted to come for Chindu workshops because all the workshops are very deep and impressive. I applied these experiences in my life and see a positive change in my health and behavoiur” - Deepika, Haryana


I wrote to myself. Lots of promises that I need to take care of my health and happiness, to be trustful and balancing myself and take more care of myself - Mary Beth, Assam

 

The beginning of the workshop was like a storm within and now I am leaving with peace around. It reflects the nature storm and peace – happy and thankful to myself - Varsha, Bihar

Child Empowerment

When I was following, I felt like a magnet attracted to the palm. When I am leading it was challenge to me to explore different movements


I am happy to share my happy moment with my friend and sharing it in front of my friends. I came to know that I need to protect myself and to be conscious every time.


I feel that for every problem there are many solutions if I think in a certain way and I may find different solutions for the problem.


I am happy to share my happy moment with my friend and sharing it in front of my friends. There are spaces given by other and I learnt how I can create my space in given space


Learned about safety and how important it is for our lives. Now I am aware of how I became master, victim, leader, follower, oppressor and oppressed in my life.
(These students are from Pudami schools and Government schools in Hyderabad, Telangana)

Theatre & Arts

My marriage life was joyful when my husband was alive. Later I lost everything. I had to face a lot of abuse from my family. This is not a drama. This is my life. - Pushpa, Manipur


I didn’t know much about the widow’s and their life in the society. I could experience the trouble and trauma. Now I can connect and support them. - Bhumesor, Manipur


I shall start loving for myself. I did not expect this when I came here. I think God has planned this Playback Theatre workshop for me. I need to create potential to love myself - Grijesh, Gujarat


All these years I keep forgetting about myself and wanting to give back to the community. Playback Theatre made me realise that myself and my personal self are equally important. - Helam, Manipur


I realized that my existence does not depend on others but depends on me on how I want to shape and transform - Namrata, New Delhi

Honors

Chindu gives voice to the voiceless through artistic performances, using creativity as their weapon for social justice. Their edutainment focuses on women’s empowerment. I admire Chindu's iconic instrument, the Thappu (Dalit drum), believed to be the mother of all skin instruments. Proudly, I’ve worked with the Chindu crew, who treat each other like family. The quote, "ONLY A LIFE LIVED FOR OTHERS IS LIFE WORTHWHILE," by Albert Einstein, perfectly fits the Chindu crew.
MM RengasamyCinematographer, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
MM Rengasamy
SAFA society has partnered with Chindu for a decade. we work with marginalized Muslim women who have no access to any development interventions. This group is the "missing half " of the population whose potential is neither explored nor given a thought. It needs directed efforts at capacity building and Chindu has bridged that gap for us and created impact in women’s agency and self-worth. Their participative methodology resonates deeply with learners.
Rubina Nafees FatimaPresident, SAFA, Hyderabad, Telangana
Rubina Nafees Fatima
Chindu, a friendly NGO, has been an invaluable partner for CHORD over the years. Their warm leadership and capacity-building sessions have made a lasting impact on our staff and field teams. Their expertise in assessing the needs of disadvantaged children and delivering interactive training has been crucial in achieving positive outcomes for our institutions. We highly recommend their services to any organization looking to strengthen their capabilities and effectively serve their community.
Suman MalladiFounder and President, CHORD NGO, Hyderabad, Telangana
Suman Malladi
I have worked and known Chindu and the anchors Sabrina and Suresh for over 10 years now. I have also been part of their trainings and Capacity Building programs and benefited a lot. Chindu has been an organization that has done some phenomenal work in theatre using the lens of the most marginalized and disenfranchised communities. Their work is very niche but critical to Dalit human rights in the country today! Jai Bhim!
Beena J PallicalGeneral Secretary, National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights, New Delhi
Beena J Pallical
Chindu has pioneered the documentation and theorization of Dalit culture, aiming to cultivate a spirituality of subversion and healing. Over the past two decades, it evolved into one of India's premier resource organizations, known for its continuous pursuit of knowledge, innovative ideation, and expertise in performance training. Chindu understands the psychological toll of oppression, addressing individual and communal healing. Their pursuit of Dalit justice includes a holistic approach to societal and personal transformation.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Dayam PrabhakarProfessor, Gurukul Lutheran Theological College and Research Institute, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Rev. Dr. Joseph Dayam Prabhakar
Chindu like its name reflects the rhythm and beat of our rich and beautiful theatre of music and dance that has been pushed to the margins and shadows of a caste order. Chindu has been tirelessly working to mainstream the Dalit and Adivasi culture. They have trained hundreds of safai karmachari youth to speak out their issues effectively and efficiently. Through this effort these youth have gained pride and confidence in our rich and diverse culture.
Deepthi SukumarNational core team member, Safai Karmachai Andolan, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Deepthi Sukumar
For the past 15 years, my unwavering commitment to the "Chindu" cultural movement led by Lelle Suresh and Sabrina Fransis has been marked by deep conviction, dedication, and versatile competence. Our mission has been to empower individuals to connect with their roots and embrace their cultural heritage. Through a diverse array of initiatives including plays, documentary films, publications, educational workshops, seminars, and training programs, Chindu has consistently combined academic rigor with a commitment to social emancipation.
Dr. C LakshmananConvenor, Dalit Intellectual Collective, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Dr. C Lakshmanan
Chindu is an incredibly powerful organization, seamlessly merging creativity with social empowerment. Their innovative use of theatre and cultural events uplifts marginalized communities, fostering a sense of joy and peace. Chindu's dedication to empowering women, Dalits, and disadvantaged groups is truly inspiring, demonstrating how art can drive meaningful societal change. Explore more about my enriching visit to Chindu and their impactful work here
Crystal L. WilliamsArtist, Author, Child Welfare Professional, Georgia, USA
Crystal L. Williams
The work of Chindu is nothing less than the transformation of self and society.  Its creative endeavors to achieve women’s empowerment, Dalit cultural flourishing and the realization of human potential are, to me, a source of great inspiration. Having been involved in Chindu's theatrical activities for over 23 years, I'm delighted to express my gratitude.
Joel Guyton LeeAssociate Professor of Anthropology, Williams College, Massachusetts, USA
Joel Guyton Lee
Chindu’s work is remarkable as it embodies the belief in art’s contribution to the societal transformation. Their practice and emphasis on self-awareness, cultural identity and empowerment bring in an important dimension that often gets missed in the transformational discourse. A nuanced approach and dedication permeate all of the activities - plays, training, workshops, seminars, documentaries and cultural events. Chindu's journey has been inspiring and wishing them great success in all their future endeavors.
Sudha KiranWriter, Translator and IT professional, Hyderabad, Telangana
Sudha Kiran
Art transforms the spirit of mind and body. Chindu empowers communities through theatre, music, songs, drumming, dance, and poetry, amplifying the voices of women, Dalits, and socially disadvantaged groups. As an artist and educator, I am honored to know the founders, Mr. Suresh, Ms. Sabrina, and their team, who passionately harness art to create social change. I am also proud to share that they are the first accredited trainers of Playback Theatre in India.
Immaculate MaryFounder, Director i4 Connect Foundation, Hyderabad, Telangana
Immaculate Mary
Chindu, a cultural and fine arts organization, transcends mere amusement, instead igniting hope in oppressed lives. Their group songs breathe life into the downtrodden, transforming anguish into uplifting melodies of redemption. Chindu's documentaries vividly capture the raw suffering and vulnerability of Dalit lives, portraying their struggles with stark honesty. Each production reflects deep sincerity and unwavering commitment, showcasing not just performances but a volcanic outpouring of emotion and truth, akin to endless tears of sweat and sorrow.
Taadi PrakashSenior Journalist and Analyst, Hyderabad, Telangana
Taadi Prakash
During my time as an AIF Fellow, I was placed with Chindu in Hyderabad. While I had to complete my fellowship online, due to the Covid pandemic, my time working with Chindu was formative for my career in the development sector. I learnt so much from Suresh and Sabrina, and my talented colleagues Keerthana and Divya, from playback theatre techniques to creating modules on gender, designing meaningful interventions for marginalised communities, and so much more!
Amiya ChaudhuriAIF Clinton Fellow 2020-21, Bangalore, Karnataka
Amiya Chaudhuri
I have had the pleasure of working with Chindu for the past 23 years on various projects, including songs, documentaries, and video films, despite not speaking Telugu. Thanks to Suresh Lelle and Sabrina Francis, who helped me understand the musical intricacies and concepts, we overcame the language barrier. Their openness to new ideas made our collaboration unique and enjoyable. I look forward to more projects together and wish Chindu all the best.
Deval V MehtaMusic Director, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Deval V Mehta
I have been associated with Chindu since its inception in 2000. Chindu’s leadership trainings create ritual spaces for individuals to re-experience life, fostering present-moment awareness and nurturing hope for the future. Their theatre trainings empower communities, such as Safai Karmchari, to use theatre as a tool for community empowerment, addressing pressing social issues, and advocating for equality and justice.
Bezwada WilsonMagsaysay Awardee and National Convenor, SKA, New Delhi
Bezwada Wilson
I first met Sabrina and Suresh 24 years ago in my Playback Theatre workshop. We later collaborated in Dalit theatre. Today, they are remarkable artists empowering marginalized communities through creative performances and powerful workshops. Their commitment to Dalit Art and culture has inspired many towards self-respect and liberation.
Sr. Clare Marie ThereseFreelance Theatre Trainer, Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Sr. Clare Marie Therese
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