Using the arts to uplift society

In the early eighties each of Darpana’s departments were working with external agencies in trying to create new performance pieces to highlight issues such as corruption, family planning, environmental degradation and women’s rights.  It was felt that there would be a generation of synergy if this work could be centralized.  In 1982 Darpana for Development was born to nourish this energy.  

Around the same time, Darpana also began working to create an entirely new genre of "developmental television" in Gujarat, reaching an audience of millions with educational, awareness-building, fun and inspirational TV shows and short films. Today, this work is carried out by Darpana Communications, or DCOM.

Darpana works on many levels using the arts for change – grassroots development projects that reach India's neediest populations to live performances created to inspire college youth to think differently about social issues, television shows with strong pro-social content, and more. We work with all kinds of communities and for a wide range of causes.

Check out our timeline of projects.