Gujarat’s Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Dy. Chief Minister Shri Harsh Sanghavi grace as Special Guest
Bringing this story to life on an extraordinary scale, the production will feature around 2,000 artists, predominantly from Naxal-affected states, including NSD artists, contemporary dancers, and tribal and folk performers from nine states. Through dramatic tableaux, large-scale live action, narration, folk music, traditional dances and contemporary movement, the presentation will combine diverse theatrical forms to create a visually compelling experience rooted in India’s cultural identity. _
Kewadia, 31 October 2026: The National School of Drama (NSD), under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, presented Naxal Mukt Bharat, a grand theatrical production at Ekta Parade in the august presence of Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister of India. The occasion was also graced by Shri Bhupendra Patel, Hon’ble Chief Minister Gujarat and Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Dy Chief Minister, Gujarat.
The exceptionally grand theatrical production explores India’s journey from the shadows of Naxal violence towards peace, security, development and renewed hope. Scripted, conceptualized, composed and directed by Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, NSD, the spectacle transformed the stage into a compelling portrayal of the challenges faced by conflict-affected communities and the collective determination to secure their future.
At the heart of the production are the people of India’s forested heartlands, whose ancestral wisdom, cultural richness and close relationship with nature have endured through decades of turmoil. The narrative unfolds through the symbolic voices of Jal (Water), Zameen (Land) and Jungle (Forest), presenting these elements as witnesses to a land affected by violence yet sustained by the resilience and spirit of its people.
The production traces the spread of Naxalism and its consequences, including fear, extortion, violence, disrupted education, damaged infrastructure, displacement and the exploitation of vulnerable communities, particularly children. Against this backdrop, it highlights the courage and sacrifice of India’s security personnel, whose coordinated operations and commitment to protecting citizens form an integral part of the narrative.
The performance acknowledges the contributions of specialised state forces and central security agencies, including the Greyhounds, DRG, STF, C-60 Commandos, SOG, Jharkhand Jaguar and Hawk Force, alongside the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and its CoBRA unit, the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). It also references the role of the Indian Air Force in the broader operational landscape, recognising the extensive human commitment involved in restoring security and creating conditions for lasting peace.
Moving beyond the account of conflict and counter-insurgency, Naxal Mukt Bharat explores the transformation made possible through development, rehabilitation and renewed opportunities. Roads reaching remote settlements, schools reopening, improved access to healthcare and emerging livelihood opportunities represent the changing realities of communities affected by violence. The rehabilitation of individuals who renounce violence and return to mainstream society further reflects the possibility of rebuilding lives and restoring trust.
The folk traditions represented in the production span Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. The performance will incorporate Songi Mukhawate, Tarpa, Gudumbaja, Saila, Karma, Kisan, Gusadi, Lambadi, Kommu Koya, Dhimsa, Manga Kali, Irula traditions, Mundari, Jhumair, Purulia Chhau, Bega and Natua, alongside other regional forms. These art forms bring the distinct rhythms, colours and cultural expressions of the communities to the stage, celebrating the plurality that contributes to India’s collective identity.
The scale of this undertaking is supported by a dedicated creative and technical team comprising choreographers, fine arts practitioners, assistant directors, coordinators, volunteers, computer graphics artists and skilled technical personnel. Their collaborative efforts bring together the artistic vision, movement, visual elements and technical execution required for a production of this magnitude.
In its final movement, the narrative transitions from a landscape marked by uncertainty to one filled with possibility. Fear gives way to confidence, silence gives way to song, and abandoned spaces come alive with renewed activity. Water flows, land flourishes and forests become symbols of dignity, belonging and a shared future, reflecting the aspirations of communities seeking stability and progress.
Through the interconnected symbolism of Jal, Zameen and Jungle, Naxal Mukt Bharat conveys that lasting peace rests on more than security alone. It requires development, opportunity, cultural dignity and the trust of the people. The production brings together the stories of those who protect the nation and those who have endured conflict, underscoring the shared aspiration for a society in which every citizen can live with dignity, freedom and hope.
Shri Chittaranjan Tripathy, Director, National School of Drama says _”Naxal Mukt Bharat is an attempt to bring alive the journey of communities that have endured conflict and the collective resolve to build a future rooted in peace, dignity and development. Through the voices of Jal, Zameen and Jungle, we have sought to tell a story that honours the courage and sacrifice of our security personnel, celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our tribal communities, and highlights the transformative power of opportunity and rehabilitation. Bringing together around 2,000 artists from diverse cultural backgrounds has been a remarkable collective effort. At its heart, this production conveys that lasting peace is built not only through security, but also through trust, inclusion and the promise of a better tomorrow for every citizen”_
More than a theatrical spectacle, Naxal Mukt Bharat is a tribute to the courage of security personnel, the endurance of conflict-affected communities and the determination to build a more inclusive future. From the wounds of conflict to the promise of progress, the production envisions an India united in purpose and committed to a peaceful, prosperous and developed tomorrow.
