The Rishi Foundation, a renowned NGO dedicated to working with HIV-infected children and teenagers, is set to host an inspiring event this weekend. The programme, titled “Circle of Life,” will be a mesmerizing 90-minute music and dance concert with the aim of raising funds for the foundation. This marks the third edition of the Circle of Life Concert 2024, continuing the tradition initiated in August 2022 in memory of Rishi Shet. The foundation was established by his parents, Anita and Arun Shet, in collaboration with their friends and family from Bengaluru.
Anita Shet, a distinguished medical doctor and research professor, currently serves as a Professor of Pediatrics and International Health at Johns Hopkins University in the United States. She has returned to Bengaluru and, from her residence in Indiranagar, she shares with The Hindu the touching story of her son, the foundation, and the Circle of Life concert.
“We lost Rishi when he was just 17 in an unexpected accident in Bengaluru in 2021. He was also an athlete, so it was a sudden and unimaginable loss for us. In the midst of our grief, the children at the orphanage we worked with reached out, expressing their desire to do something in his memory. This sentiment brought them together and led to the inception of the programme. Becky (Rebecca Thomas) from the Bangalore School Of Music and Bangalore Chorus, along with our colleague and dear friend, pediatrician Maya Mascarenhas, also joined and supported our cause,” recollects Anita.
Recalling Rishi’s passion for music, Anita shares, “Rishi’s love for music was the perfect way to honor his memory. On August 22, 2022, the month of Rishi’s birth anniversary, we organized the first Circle of Life concert. We selected the name because it symbolizes the ongoing cycle of life and the positive energies we share to help one another.”
Anita describes how she and her husband, Arun, both physicians from St. Johns Medical College, Bengaluru, embarked on their journey of working with HIV-infected children and orphans. “Our connection with these children started while Arun and I were in Bengaluru. Rishi, who was a talented musician, had his first solo concert here during one summer break. In collaboration with the Bangalore School of Music, co-directed by Rebecca Thomas, he raised funds for the orphanage through his violin performance.”
This initiative sparked a remarkable ripple effect, and ever since, numerous individuals have rallied together, bonded by grief and the desire to uphold Rishi’s legacy. “Circle of Life is more than just a concert; it is a bridge fostering a bond between our families and the families of these children. We always choose a Saturday close to Rishi’s birth date for the concert,” Anita notes. This year, the event will incorporate a little dance alongside the musical performances.
. In a noteworthy alignment, the concert also resonates with the children the foundation is supporting, having already positively impacted hundreds of lives.
Adding to this year’s concert’s unique appeal, Bindu and Ambi Subramaniam with their talented students from SaPa will grace the stage alongside other participants. Anita proudly mentions, “The Circle of Life will see 120 children from the Bangalore Chorus perform, accompanied by 20 in the orchestra, and 12 from SaPa. A particularly inspiring performance will come from one of our young adults from the orphanage, who has not only become a changemaker but is also trained in dance. She currently pursues a diploma at Attakkalari and has been instrumental in mentoring other HIV-infected children.”
Highlighting another shining star, Anita continues, “We also have a young boy who has earned a scholarship with the International AIDS Society. He runs ‘The Positive Running Programme,’ promoting physical activity among children with chronic illnesses. He will perform a dance storytelling the benefits of running.”
With a deep medical insight, Anita adds, “Our understanding of HIV has significantly evolved. It’s not the terrifying disease it was once perceived to be; with proper medication, those infected can live normal, healthy lives. The stigma, however, persists and needs to be eradicated. We must allow those with HIV to integrate seamlessly into society, free from prejudice.”
Anita emphasizes the importance of community support, noting that although Circle of Life is not a ticketed event, donations are encouraged. “We offer donor passes to help people register. It’s free to attend, but donations are welcome to support our cause.”
Circle of Life will be held at the Bangalore International Centre (BIC) on August 3, with shows at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. To register and for more details, visit [https://rishifoundation.in/circle-of-life-2024/](https://rishifoundation.in/circle-of-life-2024/).
This event promises not only to entertain but also to inspire, bringing together communities in support of a noble cause through the universal language of music.
