In September 2024, PENN's signature stage play — Velu Nachiyar — completed a successful run across colleges, schools, and community centres in Chennai, touching over 2,000 students and community members with its powerful message of women's empowerment and resistance.
Who Was Velu Nachiyar?
Velu Nachiyar (1730–1796) was one of the first Indian queens to fight against British colonial rule — decades before the 1857 uprising. A warrior, strategist, and poet, she is an icon of Tamil women's strength and agency. PENN chose her story as the centrepiece of a performance-based awareness program precisely because it combines historical pride with a message of empowerment.
“We wanted the audience to leave not just informed, but inspired. A story of a queen who refused to be silenced is far more powerful than a lecture about safety statistics.”
The Play as a Safety Tool
The production was crafted with dual intent: to celebrate Velu Nachiyar's legacy and to weave in contemporary themes of personal safety, bodily autonomy, consent, and the importance of women supporting each other. A post-performance Q&A and discussion session followed every show.
- ✓12 performances across 8 educational institutions in Chennai
- ✓2,000+ students and community members reached
- ✓Post-show discussions on personal safety and reporting mechanisms
- ✓Student volunteers trained as future safety advocates
- ✓Positive feedback from 95% of participating institutions
What Comes Next
PENN plans to expand the Velu Nachiyar play to Tier 2 cities across Tamil Nadu in 2025, with a goal of reaching 10,000 young people. Schools and colleges interested in hosting a performance can reach out to PENN directly at help@penn.org.in.
The play is part of PENN's broader belief that art and storytelling are among the most effective tools for lasting social change — far more memorable than pamphlets or presentations alone.