Where culture builds
conscience
About Nirmik Foundation
Nirmik Foundation is an artist-led organisation established in 2021, working at the intersection of art, culture, education and community development. Founded by individuals from marginalised communities, the Foundation is committed to creating inclusive opportunities for artistic expression, community participation, learning and leadership.
Through its initiative, Nirmik Cultural Centre, established in 2023 in Kandivali, Mumbai, the Foundation engages with children, women, youth and local communities through theatre, music, film, literature and community-based cultural programmes.
Inspired by Ambedkarite cultural movements, Lokshahiri traditions and the revolutionary teachings of saints, Nirmik promotes the constitutional values of liberty, equality, fraternity, democracy and social justice. Its programmes aim to nurture creativity, strengthen community bonds, develop leadership and encourage critical thinking.
Nirmik Foundation envisions a society where art and culture are accessible to all, every voice finds expression, and communities have the space and opportunity to learn, create and grow together.
“Cultivation of mind should be the ultimate aim of human existence.”
— Dr. B. R. Ambedkar
Our productions
कवन
Kavan
An Ambedkarite opera
Co-commissioned by The Arts Center at NYU Abu Dhabi. Staged at Prithvi Theatre with Nalanda Arts Studio and Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch.
See the production →रंग अमन के
Rang Aman Ke
Yalgaar's Sathi Folk Fusion Band
Love, reason and humanity in Hindi poetry and songs, in the tradition of the saint-poets.
See the production →जागर समतेचा
Jaagar Samtecha
Ambedkari shahiri jalsa
Poetry, drama and music in the shahiri tradition, carrying the message of equality.
See the production →Our founders
Swati Uthale
Founder, Nirmik Foundation
Swati Uthale is a social and cultural activist committed to using art, music and collective action as tools for social transformation. She holds a Master’s degree in Political Science (M.A.) and Social Work (MSW), along with training in Naturopathy and Women’s Health Management. A founding member and activist associated with Muktivadi Yuva Sanghatana, and former President of Shramik Muktivadi Yuva Sanghatana, she has worked extensively with marginalized communities and on issues of social equality and dignity. Drawing on her years of grassroots experience, she founded Nirmik Foundation to build stronger connections between art, culture and social change, creating spaces for dialogue, participation and empowerment.
Siddharth Pratibhawant
Secretary, Nirmik Foundation
Siddharth Pratibhawant is from Dhule district in Maharashtra. He is a singer, actor, and musician, and has been with Yalgaar since 2015. He started learning the harmonium when he was in high school and thus began his love for the arts. He graduated in performing arts from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University and has a Master's degree from the Academy of Theatre Arts, Mumbai University. Siddharth lives in Mumbai and believes that through Yalgaar, he can fight the caste system and spread love in an imbalanced society. He works as an actor and musician in the Hindi and Marathi theater and film industry.
Pravin Mukta
Vice President, Nirmik Foundation
Pravin Mukta is an artist-activist. He holds a Bachelor’s in Performing Arts from the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad, and has a Master's in Theater from the University of Mumbai. He has been doing Marathi and Hindi theater for the past 10 years, and has been associated with Yalgaar since 2015. He has worked as an actor in Marathi and Hindi plays, films, and serials, and is part of Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch and Nalanda Arts Studio’s Kavan, directed by Abhishek Majumdar.
Sudesh Jadhav
Founder Member
Sudesh Jadhav holds a Master's degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Mumbai. He has been working as an actor in theater, film, and daily soaps for over a decade. He also writes stories, plays, and has dabbled with content writing. He has assisted in the writing of various street plays, short films, and even feature films. Kavan is his first story to be adapted into a play.
Dhammrakshit Randive
Founder Member
Dhammrakshit Randive, better known as Dhamma, is a cultural activist, singer, musician, and actor, hailing from Satara, Maharashtra. He has a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Kolhapur University, a diploma in Performing Folk Art from Lok Kala Academy, Mumbai, and a Master's degree in Theatre Arts from Mumbai University. Dhamma is one of the founder members of Yalgaar Sanskrutik Manch & Nirmik Cultural Center, which is inspired by Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision of cultural reform preceding political change. He is currently working as a theater artist, music composer, and trainer with different institutions and organisations in India.
Siddharth Gawai
Member
Siddharth Gawai is a corporate professional at TCS with over 10 years of experience in the Financial Services and Wealth Management domain. He holds a B.Com and LL.B. from the University of Mumbai. An Ambedkarite by conviction, Siddharth is deeply interested in social development, constitutional values, equality, social justice, and community initiatives. Through his professional experience and social engagement, he is committed to contributing to positive and meaningful change in society and supporting initiatives that promote a more just, equal, and inclusive community.
Come and find us
The centre is in Kandivali (E). Screenings, rehearsals and the library run through the week — write ahead and we’ll tell you what’s happening.
D/01 Godavari Society No 12, MhadaRoad No 2, Lokhandwala Township
Kandivali (E), Mumbai 400101Contact us