For Sailu Pattepu, who hailing from an agricultural family from the remote village of Hegdoli in Telangana’s Nizamabad district, theatre can be the solution to society’s ills. A doctoral scholar in Theatre Arts at the University of Hyderabad, Sai hopes to make real difference with his theatre by becoming a drama therapist.  

Drama therapy involves combining theatre techniques and processes with psychology to deal with issues of mental health.

To achieve his dream, Sai has secured a place in the Masters in Drama and Movement Therapy at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama at the University of London.   

"I come from a rural background where suicides among farmers are rampant. India, being a developing country, sees high levels of depression, domestic violence, and drug addiction among various sections of the population. There is no way to deal with such issues other than through psychological pedagogy,” explains Sailu.

Across the country, he says, there is a drastic shortage of mental health professionals and innovative applications of psychological pedagogy are few and far between. With the learning he gains from the Master’s degree, he aims to build a community counselling network based on the principles of drama therapy.

But the hard facts of finance stand in the way of Sailu’s dream. Though he has received a scholarship of £3,000, the full cost of the course and his expenses in London, amounting to Rs 31 lakh, is beyond his means.

“I'm trying to apply for loans and to take some of the money from relatives for interest. But at least Rs 15-16 lakh more will still be needed. I'm hoping that the government or some kind individuals will be willing to help me," says Sailu.

Sailu’s need to raise the money is all the more urgent since he has just over 20 days till the September 27 deadline to pay the fees for the course.

Sailu says that he sees the Master’s degree as the best opportunity to help those around him in need. “I have a passion to work for people who are struggling and even dying because of problems that can be solved with the right methods,” he says.

Those interested in helping Sailu can contact him at saipattepu@gmail.com