In a heartwarming display of art transcending norms, “Sunny Symphony,” an ode to musical inclusivity and connection, took center stage at the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival’s inaugural concert. Held in Bengaluru, the event was a collaboration between the talented children of Srishti Special Academy and the versatile performer and director, MD Pallavi. This unique showcase shattered conventional performance guidelines, inviting audiences to experience music in its most emotive, liberating form.
Under the expert curation of renowned musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, the festival provided a platform that centered on the journey of music rather than its outcomes. The concert’s philosophy rested on granting performers the freedom to discover and express their individual connection with each song, creating an intimate and evocative musical encounter for both the performers on stage and the audience around them.
Gayathri Krishna, the founder and managing trustee of Bhoomija Trust, attributes the concert’s success and unique character to Pallavi’s vision and empathetic approach. Pallavi, who also hosted the event, introduced singers Prathima Bhat and Meghana Bhat—both of whom devoted eight weeks to training the children at Srishti Special Academy’s campus outside Bengaluru. Her warmth was palpable as she embraced the children both on and off stage, providing them not only with guidance but a nurturing environment in which to thrive.
Reflecting on the origins of this project, Gayathri recalls last year’s Jackfruit Festival, where Pallavi performed for Srishti’s children. The idea struck the festival team: what if the roles were reversed, and the children themselves took the stage this year? This inspired shift not only brought a new dimension to the concert but also met the Academy’s longstanding goals of promoting inclusion, resulting in profound impacts on both the participants and the audience.
The repertoire for “Sunny Symphony” featured songs from popular composers and poets, chosen carefully for their ability to evoke curiosity and wonder. The focus was to select tracks that were straightforward, relatable, and familiar to the children, allowing them to personalize each piece. The singers’ emphatic pronunciation and open emotion imbued the performance with a depth that left the audience truly moved.
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Pallavi, who tackled the project without specialized training in engaging with children with special needs, approached the task with the same preparation she would apply to any group of young learners. “We discovered we didn’t need to adjust our methods specifically for them,” Pallavi observed. “Their receptivity matched that of any children’s group. The key was to remain open to their energy and their needs, whether high or low.”
Much of the concert’s success is credited to Prathima and Meghana’s dedication. Meeting with the students three times a week, they taught and rehearsed the songs, providing a consistent rhythm to the children’s musical journey and boosting their confidence. Supported by skilled musicians Krishna Udupa on keyboards and Sumukha on percussion, the children sang solo and in small groups, fully embracing the music’s melody and rhythm. The finale, sung by a larger ensemble, was a testament to the joy of musical collaboration.
Shubha Mudgal, who played a crucial role in the festival’s curation, expressed her delight at witnessing last year’s audience emerge as this year’s performers. On the subject of inclusion in Indian music, she offered thoughtful reflection: “Efforts toward inclusivity within Indian music are still nascent. An easy solution does not exist, but each of us must individually commit to small yet significant efforts to raise awareness and facilitate inclusion.”
The Sunny Symphony concert was not just an artistic triumph; it was a significant step towards fostering inclusivity and diversity in the world of music. As the Bhoomija Jackfruit Festival continues to break ground and inspire through its innovative programming, it sets a powerful precedent for other musical initiatives, illustrating how the arts can bridge societal divides and kindle light where it truly matters.
