The bustling city of Bangalore recently witnessed an extraordinary musical celebration that broke traditional boundaries and embraced the power of inclusivity—Sunny Symphony. Held as the inaugural event of the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival, this pioneering concert was a remarkable endeavor that featured the talented children of Srishti Special Academy, directed by the multifaceted artist MD Pallavi. The concert not only showcased a vibrant tapestry of music but also illustrated the profound connection a performance can create when liberated from conventional parameters.
Curated by renowned musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival aims to foster innovation and inclusivity in the cultural arts. The vision behind Sunny Symphony was brilliantly realized, highlighting the essence of music as an evocative medium. Pallavi, a versatile artist celebrated for her soulful renditions, took on the mantle of hosting with a special warmth, which resonated with the children performers and the audience alike, bringing both together in an inspired musical dialogue.
The festival’s direction this year intentionally focused on the personal musical journeys of each performer rather than fixating solely on the final outcome. Gayathri Krishna, the founder and managing trustee of Bhoomija Trust, attributes this visionary approach to Pallavi and credits the unique charm of the concert to her skills. She meticulously selected the repertoire and collaborated with singers Prathima Bhat and Meghana Bhat, who devoted their time to training the Srishti children over an intensive eight-week prelude at the academy’s campus on the city’s outskirts.
Recalling the previous year’s festival inauguration featuring Pallavi performing for the children of Srishti, Gayathri explained how the immense joy of that event sparked an idea. This year, the tables were turned; the children themselves graced the stage as performers. This swap not only fulfilled the academy’s inclusivity goals but also left an indelible impact on the participants, molding their artistic perspectives and experiences.
Under Pallavi’s nurturing guidance, the concert featured an array of songs by well-loved composers and poets, chosen carefully for the curiosity and wonder they evoked. The repertoire was intentionally accessible, ensuring the songs were simple, relatable, and familiar to the young singers.
. This familiarity allowed the children to interpret and make the songs their own, infusing them with clarity and emotion, offering the audience a deeply moving experience.
Despite not having formal training for working with special-needs children, Pallavi approached the task with thoughtfulness and openness. She observed that teaching these enthusiastic children required no deviation from her typical methodology, highlighting their resilience and receptivity as comparable to any other group. Pallavi expressed her gratitude towards Meghana and Prathima, whose dedication and frequent interactions—three times a week—were crucial in instilling confidence among the children.
The concert’s musical backbone was provided by Krishna Udupa on keyboards and Sumukha on percussions, who added rich layers to the performances. Whether singing solo or in small ensembles, the young artists embraced the harmonic structure of each composition, delighting both the ear and the soul. A compelling group rendition concluded the performance, showcasing not only their hard-earned skills but also their enjoyment and collaboration—a testament to the concert’s success in bridging gaps with the universal language of music.
Shubha Mudgal, festival curator, expressed elation over witnessing the transformation of last year’s audience into this year’s performers. She highlighted the importance of inclusion in Indian music and acknowledged the complexities involved in achieving this within the genre. Mudgal asserted that while easy solutions might be elusive, the key lies in individual mindfulness and the commitment to fostering inclusion, no matter how small the step.
The Sunny Symphony concert, published on October 18, 2024, stands as a beacon of the possibilities achievable when inclusivity is embraced. It reminds us that music has a unique power—it can transcend barriers, foster deeper connections, and inspire societal change. By celebrating these young musicians, the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival illustrates a harmonious symphony where diversity is not just acknowledged but celebrated, promising a richer future for Indian culture.
