Indian Peoples Theatre Association was one of the products of the political ferment of the 40s. India's struggle for freedom was not waged for merely economic or political gains-in a very important way, it was to reassert India's cultural identity. A people's Theatre Movement was started by a few intellectuals, scientists and artists at Bombay in the years 1942-43, and was christened IPTA by late Home Bhabha.

This theatre group was a movement which gave expression to the agony of the Bengal famine in the heart rending song "BHUKA HAI BENGAL" led by Harindranath Chattopadhyay. Within a short span of time, 500 units of IPTA sprang up all over the country combining the dynamism of Punjab the lyricism of Bengal and the pain of rural Assam and Andhra, and welded all these on to a common platform. Dr. Sarojini Naidu, known as the night ingale of India, became its first President.

Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru who was greatly impressed by IPTA's approach had this to say about it:- "I am greatly interest in the development of a people's theatre in Inda. I think there is a great room for it provided it is based on the people and on their traditions. Otherwise it is likely to funtion in the air."

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India