Actor Akash Das Nayak brings energy to TeachAids
”I joined the TeachAids movement because I value quality of education and respect for individual people. Every place that TeachAids goes, they research and thoroughly study the unique people, language, culture, and resources there. It makes me proud that TeachAids is building educational materials for my people of Odisha…keeping their needs and values in mind.” – Akash Das Nayak
Actor Akash Das Nayak has joined our team of global cultural icons as the male student in the Odia language version of the TeachAids animations. With his youthful voice and charm, Nayak plays opposite the legendary Prashanta Nanda. This power team connects with people from all over Odisha in order to educate about HIV transmission in a culturally appropriate and interactive manner.
Nayak is well known for his dynamic acting skills and charisma on the silver screen. Many consider him to be the new face of the Odia film industry. Throughout the state, Nayak is especially recognized for his roles in action-oriented films and his unwavering commitment to social causes.
Nephew of veteran film actress Anita Dash, Nayak made his film debut in the movie Kalinga Putra in 2008, the same year that he completed his law degree from the prestigious Utkal University. His performance garnered him commercial and critical acclaim, and he received the State Award for Best Actor for his role as an honest police officer.
In the span of a few years, Akash has released ten movies, including Subha Vivaha, Asibu Kebe Saji Mo Rani, Aalo Mora Kandhei, Sangam, Raju Awara, Shapath, and Guru. In 2012, he was bestowed with the Harekrushna Mahtab Award from the honorable Governor of Odisha, MC Bhandare. His popularity and esteem continue to grow among the Odia-speaking audience.
The Odia version of the TeachAids animated software has been endorsed and approved by the state government and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik. The materials will be widely distributed across the state into schools, counseling facilities, hospitals, and will be used by local NGOs. Nayak shared his excitement, saying, “The use of animation is extremely powerful because people of all ages love and enjoy watching animations. I urge all my fans to watch the TeachAids animations and show them to your friends, families, and teachers.”
TeachAids is pleased to welcome Nayak to our team. His ability to connect with youth will greatly bolster our HIV education efforts in Odisha, and across India.
Photo: Scene from Odia HIV education materials under development, featuring the voice and animated likeness of actor Akash Das Nayak.