We are an Educational and Charitable Trust based in Ahmedabad, the largest city in the Western State of Gujarat in India. We work within 28 slums across Ahmedabad.

VIDYA is committed to changing minds and behavioural patterns that impede the development of communities by using theatre as a vehicle and peer-group role models as navigators of transformation in the difficult but essential journey towards progressive thinking and living.

Started as a "Theatre for Development" project in January 2001 with funding from the UK National Lottery Charities Board and in collaboration with the Pan Centre for Intercultural Arts, a London based performance research unit.

VIDYA was established as an Independent Trust in 2003 to promote GIRL CHILD DEVELOPMENT in the most deprived sectors of society - using theatre, workshops and audience interaction to challenge attitudes and introduce choices for girls and young women.

We even started our own income-generating program: VIDYA DHARA - all our products are made by community members and are 100% eco-friendly. Our products include Bed Sheets, Pillow Covers, Kurtas, Lamps, Photo Frames, Book Covers, File Covers, Boxes (made from Wedding Invitations) and many more items. One of our most popular items is the Shatranghi which is made from old and torn saris.

VIDYA....EDUCATION....THEATRE....DEVELOPMENT

How do these terms co-relate?

Let us begin with our name VIDYA. What does it signify?
"VIDYA" means knowledge. It is also a common Indian name for a girl.

Our primary focus is to increase awareness on issues surrounding the welfare of the girl-child among communities living in urban slums. To lift the curtain on detrimental beliefs and practices harnessing her growth. To promote attitudinal and practical changes that can help to create a positive, congenial environment for her current well-being and realization for her future-potential.

We explore the causes and effects of gender-discrimination and harmful superstitions that lead to problems like female foeticide and infanticide, early marriages, and unequal access to health care and education. We believe in education beyond the text-book; a holistic approach that involves the entire community (parents, teachers, children, local people in positions of influence). And in creating networks with individuals, families and other organizations to sustain and compliment our efforts. Click here to learn more about us.

We use theatre not only to communicate with people through issue-based performances but also as a catalyst to initiate dialogue, discussions and debates with community groups. Click here to view our theatre process.

We believe in theatre (and theatre-based workshops and activities) as a process of developmentDevelopment that begins from the self and extends to our relatives, neighbours, peers and larger sections of our communities. Click here to see some of the projects we have done to-date.

VIDYA is completely independent and functions through fund-raising and through donations.

To donate to girl-child and community development, please make Cheques/Demand Drafts/Banker's Cheque in favour of Vidya Educational and Charitable Trust

For citizens of India, who wish to avail Income Tax benefits, donations are exempted from Income Tax under Section 80 G of the Income Tax Act, 1961.