A First Generation Musical Genius, His AR Rahman Foundation Provides A World Of Opportunity For Musically Inclined Children Of Humble Backgrounds
ON CREATING THE FOUNDATION AND THE SUNSHINE ORCHESTRA
“Sometimes I wonder what makes us behave differently with the underprivileged – and why we don’t find a common ground to celebrate life. Every worldly acquisition is a wall to spiritual freedom and truth; when we shed these walls meaningfully, we are enlightened, which is life-changing. Like when we cook something nice, it’s nothing till it’s shared. Mine is one such story, four years ago. I realised that music is something that can change lives. The Sunshine Orchestra has already changed mine.”
WHAT IS THE SUNSHINE ORCHESTRA
The AR Rahman Foundation and the KM Music Conservatory presents the Sunshine Orchestra, an assembly of little musicians from underprivileged backgrounds. Their parents work as house help, tailors, clothes-pressers, tea-sellers, and would never want their children to grow up into the same lowly lives and underpaid jobs. Today, four years after being mentored by Srinivas Murthy, who leads the children’s orchestra, (they even perform complex ensemble pieces like Radetzky March,) Rahman feels his vision and dreams for them have come true. And these children still have their whole lives ahead of them! “There are so many talented kids (musically) in our country who probably require the right support system or infrastructure to hone their talent/skills but are unable to do so because of financial conditions or other priorities that require them to give up their dreams and support their families by taking up a job, etc. At my music school, these kids learn a variety of string instruments from the cello to the violin, as a free opportunity, they are in a position to go many miles ahead in their journeys and dreams. They may make their debut with the Sunshine Orchestra, but our efforts are on to ensure they are completely ready to be independent musicians.”
MILESTONES
“They played at a concert of mine last year which is up on YouTube, which has put them on a global platform.”
GOALS AND VISION FOR THE FUTURE
“If we can replicate this and have many more deserving and talented children taking up music as a career, we would have succeeded in equipping them with a skill that can help them nurture their future and uplift their loved ones. The Foundation strives towards making poverty history in the lives of these underprivileged yet potentially world class musicians.”
Related Videos:
The Global Goals – The Power Of Giving | A.R. Rahman
A.R. Rahman Introducing The Sunshine Orchestra
Thanks : Hello India !
TEXT: SANGEETA WADHWANI PHOTOS: DABBOO RATNANI STYLING: RICHA MEHTA