Governing Board & Team
Manash Protim Neog
CHAIRPERSON
Hailing from Kachikata, North Lakhimpur, Assam, Manash Protim Neog is a National School of Drama (NSD) graduate (2009) specializing in Acting. Before NSD, he trained in Mime for three years under Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Moinul Hoque, performing at festivals and on television. A versatile artist, Manash is proficient in folk art forms like Puppetry and Assamese Bhaona. He has acted in and directed acclaimed theatrical productions, regional and national TV series, national commercials, and short films.
An author, he has written two books:
- Bharatiya Natya – Ek Samu Parichiti (Assamese, 2021)
- Performance Techniques of Ankiya Bhaona (English, 2021)
His contributions to theatre have earned him honors like the Natya Ratna Samman (Natya Academy, UP) and Aacharya Hazaari Prashad Dwivedi Samman (Sankalp, UP).
Dorodi Sharma
GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER
Dorodi Sharma is Director – Inclusive Development & Engagement at Keystone Human Services International, with over 16 years of experience in disability inclusion across national, international, and UN platforms. She has contributed to high-level advocacy with governments and global agencies, advancing inclusive policies and CRPD-based programming across South Asia and Africa.
As Organizing Partner for the Stakeholder Group for Persons with Disabilities (2023–2024), she played a key role in integrating disability inclusion into major global outcome documents, including the SDGs Summit and Summit of the Future. At Keystone, she leads global programs on community inclusion, focusing on deinstitutionalization across the lifespan.
She strongly believes in using local and traditional communication tools for social and behavioural change. Dorodi holds a master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Tezpur University and a master’s in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park.
Priyanka Saikia
GOVERNING BOARD MEMBER
Priyanka Saikia is a women’s rights activist and social development professional with over six years of grassroots experience. She has worked closely with rural women weavers, leading livelihood initiatives, conducting field research, and engaging with communities on issues of gender equality, economic empowerment, and cultural preservation.
She also serves as a Future Board Member of Brot für die Welt (Bread for the World), where she participates in international policy dialogues and youth-led advocacy on human rights, development justice, and the strengthening of civic spaces.
Priyanka is the founder of ‘Prisa‘, a handloom and handicraft initiative dedicated to empowering rural artisans across Northeast India. Through this initiative, she works to support traditional crafts and create sustainable and fair income opportunities for women artisans.
Her work is guided by a strong commitment to community-led development, cultural revival, and creating inclusive spaces where craft, art, and social justice can thrive together.
Drishana Kalita
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Drishana Kalita founded PuppetPeople Assam in 2013 and has since led the group in using puppetry as a powerful medium to raise awareness on women’s rights, economic empowerment, girls’ education, the dangers of early marriage, and inclusivity. She scripts and directs her puppet plays, weaving compelling narratives that highlight critical issues such as the need for sanitary facilities in rural schools, eve-teasing, human trafficking, domestic violence, economic independence, and the challenges faced by girls with disabilities.
Drishana also pioneered the first-ever puppet play in Sadri, the language of Assam’s tea tribes/Adivasi community. These performances, staged across tea gardens, address gender inequality and the unique struggles of Adivasi women. Additionally, she created Ou Kunwori: Ek Notun Xadhu, the first puppet play campaign based on Assamese folklore, reimagining traditional tales through a feminist lens. Beyond puppetry, Drishana has co-authored Otters – Folktales, Myths, and Legends, a collection of 18 stories drawn from global folklore, as part of a project for preserving endangered Otters.
Kulabanti Bhuyan
Kulabanti Bhuyan is a veteran mobile theatre and television actress and affiliated as a drama artist in All India Radio. Currently engaged as a voice-over artist for PuppetPeople Assam, she continues to captivate audiences with her expressive storytelling. In addition to her acting prowess, she is also a talented singer, adding to her artistic versatility.
Navanit Nilavh
Navanit Nilavh from Dhemaji, Assam, is a versatile artist skilled in puppetry, acting, cinematography, direction, editing, and management. He holds a B.Voc in Acting (2019) from Jagiroad College and a B.Com in Management (2014). With rich industry experience, his creativity and expertise make him a dynamic force in performing and visual arts.
Dimpi Baruah
Dimpi Baruah, from Aradhal in Dhemaji, Assam, is a dedicated puppetry artist with a strong academic background, holding an M.A. in Sanskrit (2021) and an LL.B. (2023). With diverse experience in the performing arts, she has worked in puppet theatre, amateur theatre, along with television. Her passion helps bring depth and versatility to every role she takes on.
Jyotishman Koushik
Jyotishman Koushik, from Dergaon, Assam, is an puppetry professional with a Bachelor of Vocational Studies (B. Voc) in Acting from Jagiroad College, completed in 2021. Proficient in Assamese, Hindi, and English, he has diverse experience in the entertainment industry as a performer and assistant director. His work reflects a deep passion for storytelling across various mediums, contributing to both traditional and contemporary performing arts.
Abhilasha Neog
Abhilasha Neog is a skilled puppeteer and voice-over artist. A Master’s degree in Sociology from Cotton University gives her a deep understanding of social dynamics. She brings life to storytelling through puppetry and voice modulation, creating impactful performances. Her expertise in voice work and puppeteering engages audiences across different mediums.
Silpika Bora
Silpika Bora is a dedicated performing artist with a strong academic background in the arts. She earned her Master of Performing Arts from Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya. With a degree in Sattriya nritya, she has honed her skills in expressive storytelling through movement, bringing characters and narratives.
Angshupratim Saikia
Anghsupratim Saikia is a theatre artist and actor with a Master’s degree in Performing Arts (Theatre) from Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardeva Vishwavidyalaya (MSSV). Beyond puppetry, Angshupratim is skilled in acting and dancing.