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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Dear Chindu Team, your playback theatre sessions and sessions on gender and self-identity have been truly enlightening. The safe space you've created allowed me to explore and understand myself better. Your dedication to fostering growth and understanding is truly commendable. Thank you for the transformative experiences and for being a beacon of acceptance and empathy. I cherish the bond we've formed and look forward to more shared moments of learning and growth together.

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.

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.

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.

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!

At the outset I would like to congratulate you for updating your Chindu website. I have been associated with Chindu in their theatrical activities for more than 23 years. This is my pleasure to share with you my gratitude on this day. Wishing Chindu to shine with flying colours always in all their activities.

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.

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.