Dakxin Bajrange
Nominated for : Empowering stigmatised denotified tribals.
Initiative - Bringing DNTS into mainstream.
Nominated for : Empowering stigmatised denotified tribals.
Initiative - Bringing DNTS into mainstream.
What is in a name, wrote William Shakespeare. For people belonging to some of the nomadic and denotified tribes in India the answer would be – everything. Subjected to the ignominy of being labelled as criminals during the pre-Independ- ence era, these tribes are still struggling to find their rightful place in a society, a section of which that is more than willing to write them off as criminals. However, after decades of oppression and atrocities, things have finally started looking up for these people, thanks to Budhan Theatre and its director Dakxin Bajrange, who also belongs to Chhara commu- nity, one of the DNTs.“These people are not criminals,” says Dakxin, elaborating, “they are nomads who used to make a living by performing on the streets. They were labelled as criminals for their part in helping revolutionaries during the free- dom struggle. After Independence, our govern- ment was only happy to treat them as outcasts and criminals. My efforts, through Budhan Theatre, are to make people aware of the DNTs and their present situation.”
The theatre, based in Chharanagar, has helped accord a certain degree of respectability to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, once famous for brewing hooch and other criminal activities. The Chharanagar Library is the hub of activity for the artists of Budhan. “Anyone who is associated with the theatre is dedicated to it. They are not involved in any criminal activities. Theatre has given them a new direction and purpose,” Dakxin says.
Dakxin insists that his is not a one-man cru- sade but a collective effort where communities play a major role. “Most of the artistes in the theatre are from the DNT communities. Most plays are based on their personal experiences. The fact that the actors come from these mar- ginalised communities make these plays more than just theatre. It makes these plays a revolu- tion against years of oppression,” he says.
Why choose theatre as a medium of expression? Pat comes the answer, “Because we are artistes. Our forefathers were skilled actors, singers and performers. It is an inherent quality and what we do best. It is also very effective.” Dakxin has an MA in Workshop Theatre from Leeds University, UK and is also an award-win- ning filmmaker. However, when given a chance to work abroad, he chose to work with the DNTs.
According to Dakxin, the problems faced by these tribes are numerous. “The children of these communities find it tough to get admission to schools, youths are unable to find good jobs and they have to live under the constant fear of being incarcerated just on the basis of suspicion. All this because there is no proper provision in Constitution for the DNTs,” he says.
Dakxin and Budhan artistes also conduct workshops among other DNT communities in the state. He has trained more than 200 youths at Budhan and also works with disabled chil- dren, nurturing their talents in performing arts.
Authorities also seek his help in getting opinions from the 12 DNT communities and the 28 nomadic tribes in the state on DNT laws and guidelines. Over the years, Budhan Theatre has helped the DNTs get entry into the mainstream society by inculcating in them confidence and leadership. Their efforts to get attention of the masses have yielded results. Dakxin says, “Once, we showed our play to some senior cops who agreed that the DNTs are treated badly. That day, the cops took a pledge to be more sensitive towards these communities. I think this rising awareness among people is a great first step.”
The theatre, based in Chharanagar, has helped accord a certain degree of respectability to the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, once famous for brewing hooch and other criminal activities. The Chharanagar Library is the hub of activity for the artists of Budhan. “Anyone who is associated with the theatre is dedicated to it. They are not involved in any criminal activities. Theatre has given them a new direction and purpose,” Dakxin says.
Dakxin insists that his is not a one-man cru- sade but a collective effort where communities play a major role. “Most of the artistes in the theatre are from the DNT communities. Most plays are based on their personal experiences. The fact that the actors come from these mar- ginalised communities make these plays more than just theatre. It makes these plays a revolu- tion against years of oppression,” he says.
Why choose theatre as a medium of expression? Pat comes the answer, “Because we are artistes. Our forefathers were skilled actors, singers and performers. It is an inherent quality and what we do best. It is also very effective.” Dakxin has an MA in Workshop Theatre from Leeds University, UK and is also an award-win- ning filmmaker. However, when given a chance to work abroad, he chose to work with the DNTs.
According to Dakxin, the problems faced by these tribes are numerous. “The children of these communities find it tough to get admission to schools, youths are unable to find good jobs and they have to live under the constant fear of being incarcerated just on the basis of suspicion. All this because there is no proper provision in Constitution for the DNTs,” he says.
Dakxin and Budhan artistes also conduct workshops among other DNT communities in the state. He has trained more than 200 youths at Budhan and also works with disabled chil- dren, nurturing their talents in performing arts.
Authorities also seek his help in getting opinions from the 12 DNT communities and the 28 nomadic tribes in the state on DNT laws and guidelines. Over the years, Budhan Theatre has helped the DNTs get entry into the mainstream society by inculcating in them confidence and leadership. Their efforts to get attention of the masses have yielded results. Dakxin says, “Once, we showed our play to some senior cops who agreed that the DNTs are treated badly. That day, the cops took a pledge to be more sensitive towards these communities. I think this rising awareness among people is a great first step.”
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