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Youth Use Street Theatre to Fight Child Marriage
2 Oct
Summary
- Young volunteers in remote villages use street theatre for social change.
- Initiative tackles child marriage, alcoholism, and promotes education.
- Preserving tribal culture and history is a key objective.
A group of young volunteers in the remote tribal villages of Noamundi, West Singhbhum, is utilizing street theatre as a powerful tool to address significant social challenges. Led by 25-year-old Premnath Sulanki, the Sankalp Yuva Samiti comprises approximately 15 volunteers dedicated to sparking community conversations and driving change.
The organization has conducted street plays, awareness campaigns, and community meetings in 18 villages, focusing on crucial issues such as school enrollment, sanitation, child marriage, and alcoholism. They also encourage children to engage with art and literature to preserve the unique history, music, and cultural traditions of their tribal communities.
Sulanki noted that the group intervenes in approximately two to four child marriage cases annually, involving minors of both genders. Their efforts have successfully persuaded families to postpone weddings for underage girls, allowing them to continue their education. While awareness is growing, alcoholism and smoking among adolescents remain persistent concerns.
Sulanki's commitment began in 2016 after working with the Tata Steel Foundation's Rishta Project, inspiring him to use theatre for social transformation.
