Ashvaghosa performing arts

"Before we converted to Buddhism we had no culture. We were called Hindus but we weren't allowed into the temples or to read the sacred texts, or make music. Before, we were called 'untouchables'. We were always excluded. So if we Buddhists want a culture of our own, if we want our own voice, we have to create it for ourselves." Narendra Khale

In search of a New Voice

The cultural projecst that Karuna supports are not luxuries but important ways for marginalized people to develop the confidence to take their rightful place in society.

The Ashvaghosa Project

The Ashvagosha project was set up in the early 1990s as a way of developing cultural activities among the poor communities in slums and rural areas. Teams of performers visit the localities and put on performances of sketches and specially composed songs. The shows reflect the concerns that are uppermost in the minds of the people from these communities- issues such as alcoholism, domestic violence, superstition, and child health. The performers bring a level of humour and energy to their performances, ensuring that the messages are conveyed in a straightforward unpatronising way.

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• Education
• Women's Empowerment
• Cultural Expression
  • Tibetan School
  • Gangzi Prefecture Tibetan Cultural Centre (GPTCC)
  • Himalayan Cultural Conservation
  • Ashvaghosa performing arts
  • Bushindo Karate Classes
• Buddhism
• Accessing Human Rights