Thanks to the phenomenal interest of our community in passing on traditional art to the younger generation, we have a good number of music and dance schools in the area dedicated to teach and train the enthusiasts. Gaanavaridhi is one such school where Smt. Bhavana Ganesh teaches Carnatic Vocal Music to the aspirants. Gaanavaridhi conducted its this year’s annual day on June 14th, 2014 at Millbury High School – it had been a heartwarming experience to watch the whole event unfurl. I was amazed to see groups and groups of young kids coming to the stage one after the other and performing 2 or 3 items each without any interruption. It just made me wonder how much effort must have gone in behind this remarkable presentation.

More than 60 students of all levels – beginning to advanced – presented various krithis. All have done their best to deliver a good music  The rendering of a krithi in Harikamboji and of  Yadava Nee Baa was especially noteworthy. The finale items that included both young students and some adults led by Smt. Bhuvaa herself were quite impressive. The alternating between subgroups in Tillana rendering came out very good. Group rendering at the end had been an appropriate conclusion for the day. Many of the renderings were accompanied by young Akshay Ganesh (disciple of Pravin Sitaram) and he did a remarkable job of his first accompaniment performance.

The event had been appropriately named – Naadhaamrutham - Music (Naadham) as a means to wellbeing; music as a medicine (Amrutham) for keeping oneself healthy. True to this spirit, Gaanavaridhi students rendered ~4 hours of continuous “Amrutha Dhare”! All in all, it was a fulfulling musical evening.

The whole event had been all the more noteworthy because of the noble purpose behind the effort. The event not only facilitated the young to show case what they have learnt but also to lend their helping hands to a worthy cause. All those who are associated with Gaanavaridhi have generously contributed to raising funds for a charity organization, Cancer Institute Foundation (CIF).

Sree Ranjani, who leads the CIF’s Boston Chapter says “When I contacted Smt. Bhuvana earlier this year to support Cancer Institute Foundation (Boston Chapter)'s fund raiser, she couldn't make it; but she decided to support CIF through her Annual Day function. Gaanavaridhi's annual day theme was set to "Naadhaamrutham". Naadham - Music as a means of wellbeing. Bhuvana reached out to her students & their parents - supporting CIF became a part of the annual day preparation. On that day, she also provided me an opportunity to share facts on CIF-Boston Chapter initiatives & Adyar Cancer Institute. Apart from donations raised prior to the event, we were thrilled to see many approach us either for volunteering or for donations on the event day. Thanks to Smt. Bhuvana for her sincere effort & Gaanavaridhi school students & parents for their generous donations and support. Your donations will go to serving poor/underprivileged child cancer patients in India.”

Cancer Institute (WIA) Foundation is a US based organization (volunteer groups) dedicated to raise funds and support Adyar Cancer Institute, India, in all aspects of cancer treatment for the poor and underprivileged. Adyar Cancer Institute provides service to all irrespective of economic status, treating 60% of patients free or subsidized. The Institute remains true to its ethos all these 60 years - service to all irrespective of economic status! CIF is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee (1954-2014) this year (www.cifwa.org).

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