‘Chai for Change’: Creative Engagement For Climate Action.
Student leaders Anika Vasani and Sanjukta Srinivasan are the creative force behind “Rhythms for Restoration”, a project using Bharatanatyam, a traditional Indian dance, to use creative storytelling to drive engagement and action on climate change.
Anika notes: ‘For those unfamiliar with Bharatanatyam, it is an art form rich in emotional expression, storytelling and culture. Our performance will utilize the versatility of dance to depict storylines of destruction, as well as regeneration. We hope that our raw, visual representation of environmental damage through conveying emotions such as fear, anger and sadness helps the audience internalize this issue. However, by following it up with storylines of recovery and protection, we aim to elicit hope and encourage movement.’
‘That is why we aim to use Bharatanatyam as a catalyst for change. Rather than just talking at people, we want to use art to inspire from a cultural lens as people are more receptive to ideas when they come from a place of comfort rather than when they are imposed upon them.’
In order to root their work in community the students are undertaking engagement sessions called ‘chai for change’ and inviting neighbors and civic leaders to participate. Sanjukta explains:
"Chai for a Change" are facilitated outreach events curated to engage in informal conversation about environmental topics such as industrialization, pollution and ecosystem destruction, over something that bonds us all – Chai. After these conversations, we hope to have a better grasp on what we need our performance to convey in order to expand upon the opinions of the community as well as open new channels of thought.’
The first event took place in Livingston on April 12, and was attended by over 20 community members including, Deputy Mayor Ketan Bhuptani. The students facilitated conversation through thought provoking video, post-it activities, and led directed group discussion - of course whilst we all enjoyed chai and snacks!
Their performance, aims not only raise awareness, but to stimulate action and provide hope for environmental justice.
The next ‘Chai for Change’ events will be hosted in Montclair and Scotch Plains. If you are interested in attending or contributing feedback to Anika and Sanjukta, please reach out to livgreenteam@gmail.com and feel free to share with your own networks.
