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After the Play Me Keya Rah at Tagore Hall.jpg

HELP Foundation & Theatre: Healing Through Art

Our Theatre Journey

In the late 1990s, when Kashmir was reeling under conflict and children had lost access to safe spaces for learning and expression, HELP Foundation pioneered the use of theatre as a tool for healing. Led by Chairperson Mrs. Nighat Shafi Pandit, the Foundation introduced theatre not as mere entertainment, but as a therapeutic medium to help children, women, and communities cope with trauma. What began with small workshops and performances soon grew into a cultural movement that revived Tagore Hall, promoted folk theatre, and provided thousands of young people with a stage for expression.

Formed under the guidance of HELP Foundation, the Shehjar Theatre Group became the first organized children’s theatre initiative in Kashmir. With workshops led by acclaimed artists like M.K. Raina, Naseeruddin Shah, and Hakeem Javeed, the group nurtured talent and gave children a platform to heal, learn, and grow.

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Major Activities 

  • Revival of Tagore Hall (1998): Brought theatre back to Kashmir’s iconic cultural hub during peak conflict.

  • Shehjar Carnival (2000): A large cultural festival engaging thousands of children through theatre, writing, arts, and crafts.

  • International Recognition (2007–2008): Plays like Aes Te Karave Eid represented J&K at NSD’s Jashn-e-Bachpan festival in New Delhi, winning Best Production Award.

  • Street Theatre Pioneer (2010s): Introduced impactful street plays on child labour, environment, and drug addiction.

  • National Exposure: Performed at Commonwealth Games 2010, Kolkata Asian Youth Festivals, and collaborated with Save the Children, NSD, and CCRT.

  • Awards & Recognition: Honoured by institutions like Sangeet Natak Akademi and the National School of Drama.

After the Play Me Keya Rah at Tagore Hall.jpg
Neather te Network a stage play in Kashmiri at Kolkatta .jpg

  • Theatre classes engaging children in storytelling, creative writing, heritage walks, and performances.

  • Socially-driven plays like Modur Zaher (drug abuse), Shahi Chuet (environment), and Meh Kah Rah (disability inclusion).

  • Street plays such as Was e Gagur and Digidakku (2024) in collaboration with Radio Mirchi FM 98.3, reaching wide community audiences

  • 17,000+ children and youth engaged in theatre and creative workshops.

  • Provided emotional healing and resilience for conflict-affected children.

  • Revived and promoted folk art, Kashmiri language, and traditional performance.

  • Created a lasting platform for artists, students, and communities to tell their stories.

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