Drug Abuse: A Nukkad Natak, “Kill it before it kills you”

Everyone in the Lavasa market waited with bated breath as they heard the collective voices and the loud clanging of plates, calling for attention – A Nukkad natak on drug abuse was about to be performed! The DRISHTI wing of CSA brings about awareness regarding various social issues through their immersive street plays, or better call them “Nukkad Natak”. On the 8th of December, 2022, Drishti, performed a Nukkad Natak for the residents and students of Lavasa at the most social place here – The Market. The actors performed a Hindi Street play highlighting the grim reality of drug abuse; The main objective of the event was to spread awareness among the youths regarding the dangers of substance abuse.

The Drishti volunteers reported at the Gazebo by 5:30 PM clad in their black kurta paired with a red dupatta in high spirits and had their faces painted to further enhance the emotions of the character that they were playing. CSA’s media team reported soon afterwards and clicked photos before the natak began. The students had also made posters for the event which would be displayed at the end of the play. Then, the volunteers got into their formation and made their way towards the market.The calling chant for the natak attracted both students and locals alike as they curiously waited to see what the play was about. Then, in a typical street play style, students moved in a circle clapping their hands before turning to the audience and beginning the play. The play included various depictions of addiction under different scenarios - The situations that lure students towards drugs, such as smoking and drinking, due to peer pressure; the way addiction to various substances ruins families – rich and poor alike; and finally, the way addiction can be fatal, leaving behind the mourning cries of loved ones.The actors conveyed a powerful message through their portrayal of real emotions of the characters presented in the play.

The play ended with actors addressing the audience and persuading them to stop getting into addictive substances as they chanted with conviction, “Nashe ko tum goli maaro!” After a moment of silence, the claps and the appreciation by the audience and everyone who was immersed in the play, echoed in the market - The play was indeed well received by the onlookers! Weeks of practice and hard work had finally paid off as the Drishti volunteers bow in gratitude. Before dispersing, the volunteers stayed back for a while for the photos to be taken. Dr Fr Jossy P George,Dean and Director, Mr. Ali Alkbar Khan (PRO), Mr. Javed Khan (PRO) blessed the event with their presence. The target of the Nukkad natak was to bring awareness regarding substance abuse and was met with an enthusiastic response. The Drishti wing by the Centre for Social Action hopes to take this experience as a benchmark, learn from the mistakes made, strive to grow and put forward even better performances that reach a wider audience.