National School of Drama

National School of Drama: A Stage for Timeless Creativity

In the grand narrative of India’s cultural evolution, the National School of Drama (NSD) stands as a shining emblem of creativity, discipline, and innovation. Founded in 1959 as a constituent unit of the Sangeet Natak Akademi and later established as an autonomous organisation in 1975, NSD has played an unmatched role in shaping the direction of Indian theatre. Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this institution has become a sanctuary where passion for performance is transformed into artistry, carrying forward India’s theatrical traditions into modern times.

Much like a stamp that captures a nation’s essence in miniature form, NSD embodies the soul of Indian theatre—preserving its heritage while continually redefining it for new generations.

Training the Torchbearers of Theatre

At the heart of NSD lies its rigorous three-year training programme, renowned worldwide for its depth and discipline. This course integrates theory with practice, offering students exposure to Sanskrit drama, modern Indian plays, folk theatre traditions, Asian dramatic forms, and Western dramaturgy. The emphasis on live productions allows students to test their skills before audiences, turning classrooms into living laboratories of creativity.

Many of India’s finest actors, directors, and theatre practitioners are proud alumni of this institution, carrying NSD’s influence into cinema, television, and global stages. Each graduate becomes a cultural ambassador, much like a postage stamp that travels across borders, carrying stories of identity and tradition.

The Repertory and the TIE Company

To extend its impact beyond the classroom, NSD established two major wings:

• The Repertory Company (1964): Created to provide a professional platform for graduates, this company stages an array of productions—contemporary, experimental, and classical. What began with just four members has blossomed into one of India’s most vibrant theatre groups, delighting audiences with its annual summer festival and pathbreaking performances.
• Theatre-in-Education (Sanskar Rang Toli, 1989): A pioneering initiative in theatre for children, this company is made up of actor-teachers who create interactive, curriculum-based plays. Over the years, it has performed more than 800 shows for over 5.5 lakh children, inspiring curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

These wings embody NSD’s vision of theatre not just as performance, but as education, dialogue, and community building.

Preserving Tradition, Encouraging Innovation

Through initiatives such as the Extension Programme (1978) and the Traditional Theatre Project (1980), NSD bridges India’s rich heritage with modern theatre. The Extension Programme decentralises theatre training, taking workshops to towns, villages, and even neighbouring countries like Nepal and Bhutan, while the Traditional Theatre Project fosters collaborations between folk artists and contemporary practitioners.

Together, these efforts ensure that India’s ancient theatrical roots continue to flourish alongside modern creative experiments.

Literature and Legacy

NSD has also enriched theatre literature through its Publication Unit, which publishes original works, research-based texts, and translations of significant global plays into Hindi. Its landmark publication, Rang Yatra, documents the history of the NSD Repertory Company since 1964. By 2010, over 80 books had been published—contributing to the academic and creative discourse of Indian theatre.

Adding to its illustrious journey, NSD organises Bharat Rang Mahotsav, India’s largest theatre festival, since 1999. Now a global platform, the festival brings together artists from across the world, turning stages into cultural crossroads. The 25th edition of the festival stands as a testimony to its enduring significance.

A Commemorative Tribute

As NSD celebrates 50 years of autonomy, the release of a commemorative postage stamp pays tribute to its extraordinary contributions. Much like the performances that come alive under its roof, the stamp serves as a symbol of India’s theatrical spirit—eternal, expressive, and ever-evolving.

The National School of Drama is not just an institution; it is a movement. It has nurtured countless voices, preserved timeless traditions, and created platforms where art and society engage in meaningful dialogue. Through this stamp, the nation honours an institution that has given India and the world generations of storytellers—artists who continue to enrich the stage of humanity.