Chindu, derived from the Telugu word for a dance of celebration, is a cultural resource and school of personal effectiveness. For over two decades, our dedicated team of professionals has been inspiring social transformation through art, theatre, and process work. We partner with NGOs, Corporate Entities, and Government Institutions to improve the living conditions of isolated and disadvantaged communities through various projects. Leveraging our deep understanding of social dynamics, we collaborate with diverse individuals, organizations, and networks to foster self-discovery and enhance human capacity.
Our History & Strategy
Discover Chindu’s transformative journey from its roots as a Dalit cultural resource center to its evolution as a “Cultural Resource Center and School of Personal Effectiveness.” Learn about our innovative strategies in art, theatre, and education, fostering inclusivity and empowerment for marginalized communities across India and beyond.
Vision
Chindu dreams of a society in which each individual and community affirms, celebrates and experiences life in all its fullness
Mission
Empowering underserved individuals and communities through the transformative power of art and theatre, fostering a society where every individual and community embraces life to its fullest potential.
Our Identity
Founded in 2000 in Hyderabad, India, Chindu has a rich history of facilitating reflective learning processes. We empower individuals and teams across various organizations, enhancing leadership skills, communication abilities, and decision-making both professionally and personally. Our work spans a wide range of communities, including Police personnel, Prison inmates, Leaders, Managers, Activists, Artists, Students, Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims, Women, Children, and Trauma survivors.
Our Reach
Through collaborations with national and international donors, Chindu implements projects both across India and globally. In India, our work spans regions such as Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Delhi, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and Uttar Pradesh. Internationally, we have participated in and led theatre and leadership programs in Brazil, Estonia, Germany, Italy, Nepal, the Netherlands, Norway, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Core Belief
We believe in recognizing the unique gifts of every child, valuing and supporting women’s pursuit of freedom, honouring the resilience and resistance of survivors, embracing diversity as a source of strength and richness, viewing theatre as an expression of love, and believing in the power of every individual to create change.
Recognition
Chindu has transformed into a versatile institution, conducting leadership and theatre workshops, staging impactful plays, and providing training to various teams, organizations and communities. We have garnered recognition as a distinguished performing group both nationally and internationally. Chindu embodies the transformative potential of art, advocating for social justice and empowerment through its diverse endeavours.
In Memoriam
We pay tribute and express our gratitude to our esteemed members of Chindu for their invaluable contributions, acknowledging the lasting influence they have left on our organization and the broader community.
T Mohan
Birth: 24-12-1950
Death: 21-09- 2017
Taadi Mohan was an Indian cartoonist who first introduced European satire to Telugu journalism. He was renowned for his political cartoons, animation films in Telugu, and his creative contributions to various leftist and other progressive movements. It was our privilege to have Mohan as the Chairperson of Chindu from 2011 to 2017. His ideas and presence in Chindu were a source of great energy and inspiration for its vision.
Y Kutumba Rao
Birth: 02-02-1975
Death: 27-06-2013
Yangala Kutumba Rao was a stylish and handsome Dalit Dappu player, a musician known for his skill with this traditional instrument. He learned the art from his father, President Ramulu, who was well-known in Kalakota, Khammam district. Kutumba Rao was exceptional in painting Dappu rhythms with his strokes and sticks. We will never forget his smart, innocent gesture, which he always carried in all his professional contexts.
P Prasada Rao
Birth: 05-06-1967
Death: 10-01-2013
Parsapu Prasada Rao was a gifted singer, writer, drummer, and theatre artist. He was known for his hauntingly unique voice and served as the lead singer in Chindu's public performances, recording several songs. Prasada Rao was also a powerful actor, performing in numerous events, including international ones in Germany and Brazil. We honor his creativity and commitment to Chindu and its communities.
P Srinivas
Birth: 12-03-1965
Death: 18-03-2013
Parsapu Srinivasa Rao was an organic Dalit drummer, specializing in performing and teaching the Dalit instrument, the Dappu. He possessed deep Dalit wisdom and skills in making the Dappu using traditional processes. His tender Dappu beats created melodies that followed a classical path, resonating with the community and reaching a climax with hard and peak tones and tunes. We will never forget his passion for Dappu music and embrace his unique touch.
Y Chinna Ramesh
Birth: 05-05-1985
Death: 05-09-2019
Yangala Chinna Ramesh was a natural-born artist with an innate ability to support other musicians and artists in playing their rhythms and characters accurately. During performances and recordings, he always thought ahead, memorizing the music structure, scale, and flow in his mind, and leading his fellow artists effectively. Ramesh was a professional artist who embodied the principle of "learn and lead," a lesson we hold close to our heartbeats forever.
P Satyanandam
Birth: 22-03-1970
Death: 11-05-2022
Puli Venkata Satyanandam was a multi-talented artist skilled in acting, drumming, singing, and dancing. He crafted various aspects of production and performance, always ready with options to fill gaps . His presence always completed the team circle, embracing heated moments and creating a joyful environment. He had a special smile that he gifted us every time he entered and departed. This smile reappears in our eyes whenever we are in a creative mood.