On Sunday, June 22, there was a music recital by students of Anubhava School of Music. Smt. Tara Anand who is the founder of Anubhava, has been teaching Carnatic music for over two decades.  On this picture perfect day, children of ages 7 to 13 participated.

While the event served to highlight the musical gifts of the children, there was another objective as well. Two of Tara Anand’s students, eighth graders Neha Murthy and Anishka Yerabothu came up with the idea of raising funds for Ekal through this concert. They feel passionately about giving and the power of education. This is the third fund raiser organized by Anishka and speaking about her own motivation for the Ekal fundraiser she says “Nobody should have to struggle for basic things like food or education”. On the importance of giving, Neha says  “when you give to others from the bottom of your heart, it gives happiness to yourself and the people to whom you are giving”.

Neha and Anishka with the help of their parents organized the concert – they printed brochures, announced the songs and singers, kept the program moving and in addition also sang.  In total, the children sang 5 Varnams and 5 Keertanams.  One particular keertanam by Thyagaraja, “Kaala Harana Melara?” (why lose time?) seemed to underscore the urgency of giving. In his brilliant words, Thyagaraja tells Srirama “Tanuvu, Dhanamu Nee Deyanti” meaning my body and my possessions belong to you. The song was relevant to the day’s theme of giving as well as the feelings of all those present. The singing by the children was a joy to behold and was a testament to their training under their Guru Tara Anand as well as their own hard work and focus. Talking about their teacher’s influence on their lives, Neha says ““Tara Aunty is very motivating and wants me to be the best I can be”.

Anishka and Neha raised $1540.00 through this concert – this will help about 150 Ekal students get education for a whole year. The event was a very moving experience (anubhava) and Goddess Saraswati was doubly served on that day – with wonderful music as well as support for the cause of education.

|