Rashmi Rekha Das
In the bustling streets of Bhubaneswar, an unsung hero has been weaving a tapestry of social awareness through the powerful medium of street plays. For an astonishing 26 years, Prahallad Nayak, affectionately known as Vande Mataram, has been tirelessly staging skits that inspire, educate, and provoke thought. His selfless crusade has become a beacon of hope for a better society.
Nayak’s journey began after completing his Class X matriculation examination when he felt an innate urge to make a difference. With unwavering dedication, he took to the streets, using his talent for storytelling to highlight pressing issues such as road safety, traffic rules, AIDS, domestic violence, Maoist menace and women’s rights among others. His passion has remained unrelenting, even as he approaches three decades of service.
What sets Nayak apart is his ability to inspire others to join him in his mission. His family, including his wife and son, have become an integral part of his team, participating in plays without expectation of payment. This sense of purpose has also attracted a loyal group of 45 members, who travel across the nation to perform plays that promote positive change.
Nayak’s path to becoming a street play revolutionary was paved with the hardships of his past. Growing up in a Bhubaneswar slum, Nayak’s childhood was marked by struggles that would shape his future. At just four years old, he began cleaning plates at hotels, and as he grew older, he worked as a daily labourer and even pulled rickshaws to make ends meet.
Despite the tough days, Nayak’s determination to educate himself never wavered. He pursued his studies, and to support his family, he also provided tuition to school students. However, it was the harsh realities of his surroundings that stirred within him a desire to create change. Witnessing domestic violence, drug abuse, and other anti-social activities in his slum community, Nayak knew he had to act.
His circumstances had a profound impact on his life’s purpose. The hardships he faced and the injustices he witnessed fueled his passion to raise awareness and bring about positive transformation. Street plays became his medium, his message, and his mission.
In a heart-to-heart conversation with Ommcom News, Nayak, a name synonymous with impactful street plays, opens up about his remarkable journey.
From humble beginnings to becoming the go-to expert for government agencies, NGOs, and corporations, Nayak’s story is a testament to perseverance and passion.
Today, Nayak is the most sought-after name in the field of street play, with a reputation for crafting compelling campaigns that promote government schemes, raise awareness on social issues, and emphasize civil service responsibilities. His unique ability to connect with audiences and convey complex messages through the power of street theatre has made him a prized asset for organizations seeking to drive positive change.
With an astonishing 50,000 street plays under his belt, Nayak has cemented his position as a pioneer in the field of street theatre. Since 1990, he has travelled the length and breadth of the nation, using the power of performance to inspire, educate, and bring about social change.
The driving force behind Nayak’s success is his diverse and dynamic team, comprising individuals from all walks of life – doctors, students, and housewives, united by a shared passion for creating a better world. Together, they have woven a rich tapestry of stories, issues, and ideas, using street plays as a catalyst for positive transformation.
A scholar in his own right, Nayak holds post-graduation degrees in Performing Arts from Utkal University and Hindi from Mahatma Gandhi Antarrashtriya Hindi Vishwa Vidyalaya, Wardha. His academic credentials, combined with his extensive experience, have equipped him with the unique ability to craft street plays that educate, entertain, and inspire.
Recounting one of the memorable incidents, he said, “I still recall the day I staged a street play about the Maoist menace in our state capital. The media highlighted it, and I knew I had struck a chord. But little did I know that my performance would also catch the attention of Maoist supporters. The next day, I travelled to Rayagada, unaware of the danger that lay ahead. A group of Maoist sympathizers confronted me, took me to a secluded location, and demanded to know why I had chosen to speak out against their ideology. My heart was racing, but I stood firm, explaining my stance and refusing to back down. In that tense moment, I thought my fate was sealed. But surprisingly, my captors released me unharmed. I was shaken but unbroken. That encounter only strengthened my resolve to continue using street plays as a powerful tool for awareness and transformation.”
He recalled another instance where my street play sparked controversy. “It was on Valentine’s Day, and I had staged a performance in front of Rama Devi Women’s University. My message was simple: why adopt Western culture when we have our rich heritage, like the Taj Mahal and other legendary love stories? My play was a critique of celebrating Valentine’s Day in a Hindu country, and it seemed to have ruffled some feathers. Just as the performance was unfolding, a police team arrived at the scene and took me to the police station. I was detained for a while, but thankfully, I was released without any charges. Looking back, I realize that my play had touched a nerve, sparking a debate about cultural identity and values. As an artist, I believe it’s essential to challenge societal norms and encourage critical thinking. That incident only reinforced my commitment to using street theatre as a powerful medium for social commentary.”
Nayak’s commitment to giving back to society extends far beyond his work as a street play artist. He is also an avid blood donor, having donated blood an astonishing 109 times. This selfless act has not only saved countless lives but also earned him recognition and accolades.
Nayak’s dedication to blood donation has been acknowledged by the highest authorities in the state. He has been felicitated by the Governor of Odisha not once, but twice, for his remarkable contribution to this noble cause. This honour is a testament to Nayak’s unwavering commitment to helping others, and his inspiring story serves as a beacon of hope for those in need.
