60
January 2018
culturama
“While working on a thought-provoking theme of ‘Resolving Conflicts’ based on the Bhagavad Gita, we experienced true aikya (convergence) of music, ideas, organisation and promotion. It gave us the opportunity to think out of the box and to also work with artistes across genres, in Aikya 2013.” — Ranjani and Gayatri Global Adjustments strongly believes in fostering relationships through the arts and in positively impacting the community it serves. To that end, Aikya, a 90-minute concert, raises funds in support of Smrutha Dhvani, an initiative by Interface and Global Adjustments Services Pvt. Ltd. for retiring artistes in the fields of music, dance and performance and empowering young girls by providing them with educational support. Smrutha Dhvani is an initiative to build a tangible future for classical artistes of the past. It is an apt name, and a better cause as accompanying artistes, who lend a good deal of support to each concert, often lack financial success. These artistes include vidwans (a term used to describe the expertise
“‘I think the true stature of an artist is based on what he/ she has to offer back to the music system. Aikya 2016 offered this opportunity and experience.” — Abhishek Raghuram and knowledge of Indian classical musicians), ghatam (an earthen pot used as a percussion instrument) and ganjira (tambourine) players, composers and oduvars (singers of devotional songs in temples). The fund provides monetary support for the artiste and his/her spouse for the rest of their lives.
“We view a song as a holistic experience that is brought about by the combination of the right words, notes and expression. Aikya 2016 was all about this experience.” — Sanjeev Abhyankar In addition, Aikya has supported young women, who are first-generation degree holders, towards their higher education. This is in line with the belief that an empowered woman will better the lives not just of her family members but of the society at large – and, thereby, the nation and the world.
“It was an amazing opportunity to be part of Aikya 2015 – the challenge was to be able to compress all we want to do into just 90 minutes!” — Ganesh and Kumaresh
Music can bring together people from varied backgrounds in mutual appreciation and love for the art. And if this medium can be used to serve the society we live in, it would help deepen the ties that bind us. This, ultimately, is the goal of Aikya – Oneness through Music. Aikya 2018 presents a combination of never-seen before music stalwarts on March 10. Venue: The Music Academy, Old No. 306, New No. 168, T.T.K. Road, Royapettah, Chennai - 600014