Twenty-one years ago, a small group of artists in Tāmaki Makaurau set out with a simple belief: that South Asian stories deserved a place on Aotearoa’s stages. They wanted to showcase in English, the richness and diversity of the subcontinent’s theatrical traditions; from folk and classical to contemporary and absurdist and to use theatre as a way of bringing people together.
On 3 July 2026, that journey was recognised with the Kiwi Indian Arts, Culture and Heritage Award at the 12th annual Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards, held at the Cordis, Auckland. Organised by the Indian Weekender, the sold-out event celebrated Kiwi Indians who have made outstanding contributions to their communities and to Aotearoa.
The Arts, Culture and Heritage Award recognises outstanding contributions to promoting and preserving Indian arts, culture and heritage in New Zealand. For Prayas, a community theatre company run almost entirely by volunteers, the award is especially meaningful. Its members are doctors, engineers, lawyers, students, artists and others who give their time outside work and study because they believe in the power of theatre and the stories it can tell.
From Charandas Chor in 2005 to Pitārā in 2025, and Mama Moo coming this September, Prayas has presented more than 27 productions, supported scores of artists and created opportunities for diverse stories and perspectives to reach New Zealand audiences.
Prayas shares this recognition with everyone who has been part of the Prayas journey — our actors, directors, producers, writers, crew, volunteers, funders, committee members past and present, supporters and audiences.
“We feel grateful to The Indian Weekender and to all in the community who nominated us and supported our 20-year journey. This award belongs to our entire Prayas whānau and those who have believed in our vision of building bridges between cultures and connecting communities through the medium of theatre.”
— Amit Ohdedar and Sudeepta Vyas, Co-founders
Prayas congratulates the other winners of the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards. For more about the awards and awardees, visit the Indian Weekender.
He mihi nui ki a koutou katoa. Thank you for being part of this journey. We are grateful for the recognition and look forward to the work still to come.
The Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame Awards are organised annually by the Indian Weekender, recognising outstanding Kiwi Indian achievement across business, community, arts, sport, and public service.