In an inspiring initiative that brings inclusivity to the forefront of the musical world, the children of Srishti Special Academy from Bengaluru presented a stunning display of talent and connection through their concert, Sunny Symphony. Directed by the multitalented MD Pallavi, the concert was a testament to the power of music as a universal language, transcending conventional performance boundaries and enriching all who took part in the experience.
This event marked the grand opening of the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival, thoughtfully curated by renowned musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan. The festival is known for its inclusive and thoughtful programming, and this year’s opener did not disappoint. MD Pallavi, who also hosted the show, created an atmosphere of warmth and acceptance, enveloping both performers and audience members alike in a common embrace of musical expression.
The essence of the concert revolved around the profound impact that music can have when performers are encouraged to cultivate a personal bond with the songs they present. This unique focus on musical journeys rather than mere results was a deliberate choice by the festival’s programmers, and it highlighted the transformative power of music as a tool for self-expression and connection.
Acknowledging the success of this inclusive concert ensemble, Gayathri Krishna, the founder and managing trustee of Bhoomija Trust, lauded MD Pallavi’s efforts. Pallavi’s thoughtful selection of songs resonated with the children, facilitated by singers Prathima Bhat and Meghana Bhat, who dedicated eight weeks to train and prepare the children at the Srishti Academy campus on the outskirts of Bengaluru. Together, they crafted a musical experience that was both heartfelt and genuinely moving.
Reflecting on the previous year’s festival, Krishna recalled how Pallavi had performed for the children, who found great enjoyment in her music. Inspired by this response, the festival team reversed the dynamics for this year’s event, making the children the stars of the stage. This move also aligned with the Academy’s goals of promoting inclusion and demonstrated the significant impact that inclusive practices can have on musicians and students alike.
The concert repertoire included songs from well-loved composers and poets, chosen for their ability to incite curiosity and wonder.
. Pallavi’s choices, aimed at simplicity and relatability, enabled the children to master the songs, imbuing them with individual flair. Their renditions, marked by articulate pronunciation and emotional depth, rendered a captivating listening experience for all.
Despite not formally training to work with children with special needs, Pallavi approached the group as she would any other, discovering that they were as receptive and enthusiastic as any children. “We didn’t have to do anything different,” she observed, “They had their energetic moments and low-energy ones. We just had to be open to them.”
The children’s assured performances were bolstered by the dedication of Meghana and Prathima, who consistently met with them, teaching and rehearsing the songs. Accompanied by musicians Krishna Udupa on keyboards and Sumukha on percussion, the children performed both solo and in small groups, deeply engaging with the melodies and rhythms. The final piece, which featured a larger ensemble, beautifully illustrated the joy and upliftment derived from collaborative musical expression.
Festival curator Shubha Mudgal expressed her contentment at seeing last year’s audience transform into this year’s performers. She shared her thoughts on the broader theme of inclusivity in Indian music, observing that while extensive efforts towards inclusivity are lacking, meaningful progress requires individual attention and initiative. “Each of us will first have to be mindful and make an effort, however tiny,” she remarked, underlining the need for ongoing commitment to inclusion in all its forms.
As the Sunny Symphony concert concluded, it left an indelible mark, encapsulating a powerful message: that music knows no bounds, and when barriers are removed, the harmony that emerges is both beautiful and deeply transformative. The event underscored the potential of inclusive platforms to bridge gaps and celebrate the diverse musical expressions that enrich our world.
