Uniting Art, Theatre & Dialogue Against Child Sexual Abuse
Art That Dares to Speak, organized by Sakshi and powered by STCI, marked the conclusion of the 2024-2025 Rakshin Project in Mumbai District, impacting over 3000 students and fostering critical conversations on child sexual abuse (CSA) at Veda Kunba, Versova.
The event opened with खिलौना, an immersive installation by Padma Damodaran, offering a raw portrayal of CSA’s impact. Smita Bharti, Executive Director of Sakshi, emphasized, “The silence is the most deafening sound, and it’s time we break it.”
Insightful Discussions & Compelling Performances
The panel, “Layers of Harm: Unpacking the Impact of CSA,” featured experts like Nikita Sulay (Amaha), Prof. Nishi Von Mitra (TISS), and Dr. Ramya Nisal (Rakshin Project), highlighting the need for trauma-informed, survivor-centric approaches to address CSA’s psychological and social effects.
A highlight of the day was “Ghat Ghat Mein Panchi Bolta Hai,” a play written and directed by Smita Bharti and performed by Sandip Soparrkar, Ankiita Bhargava Patel, and Swaroopa Ghosh. The powerful narrative delved into generational trauma and the dangers of silence and denial, urging audiences to confront harsh realities.
In the panel “Framing the Unspoken: Portrayal of CSA in Art & Media,” voices like Kireet Khurana (Filmmaker), Sohaila Kapur (Actor), and Nivedita Basu (Producer) discussed how art and media can challenge stigmas and reshape public understanding of CSA.
The event closed with “Paperwalls,” a moving performance by Sharodiya Chowdhury, reinforcing the power of storytelling in breaking the silence.
A Collective Call for Change
With the Rakshin Project expanding, Sakshi continues its mission to create safer, more equitable environments for children across India, calling on the community to break the silence and drive meaningful change.
