The Man Who Gave Folk Theatre a Voice for the People

From the dusty lanes of Telangana to national acclaim, Gaddam Sammaiah used Chindu Yakshaganam not just as performance—but as protest, awareness, and preservation. With 19,000+ shows across villages, he turned folk theatre into a force for social change. This episode traces the journey of the artist, mentor, and Padma Shri awardee who gave voice to tradition and life to forgotten stages.About Padma PridePadma Pride is an inspiring audio series by The Good Sight and Rise Against Hunger India, celebrating Padma Awardees and their extraordinary impact. Every Sunday, we bring you the story of a changemaker shaping India’s future. (Narration: Shalini Singh, The Good Sight).💌 We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts at⁠ [email protected]⁠.