The theme of Ukkattha Fest 2024 was ‘Gender Equity’. The event's centerpiece was a thought-provoking play by our young learners highlighting the important role of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar in championing women's rights in education, maternity benefits, health, and religious freedom. Our workshops on Gender and Theater helped the learners immensely with their confidence and skills.

A storytelling session beautifully portrayed the life and contributions of Jhalkari Bai, a prominent female Dalit icon and leader. It showed how the struggles and achievements of Dalit leaders, activists, writers, and freedom fighters are often erased from the collective history of the country. It further emphasized the importance of reclaiming this history and ensuring its rightful place in every public domain.

Thematic choreography dances were introduced as a new component in this year’s Ukkattha. They brought attention to critical issues such as period stigma, same-sex marriage, and rape. The learners transformed the stage into a platform where societal norms were deconstructed and reimagined, boldly challenging deeply entrenched social stigmas. Through their performance, the learners captivated the audience both emotionally and intellectually, compelling them to reflect on systemic injustices.

Ukkattha Fest 2024 extended its reach beyond physical boundaries by live-streaming on YouTube, allowing people who could not attend in person to engage with the program virtually.