Media Release
Mangaluru, Jul 2: Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks vision, said Stevie Wonder. And that’s exactly what Music for Change believes in.
Imagine a 10 year old boy. Let’s call him Rahul. He’s just like any ten year old – young, carefree and mischievous. He loves chocolate. He plays with his friends. He doesn’t like homework. He absolutely adores Chotta Bheem. He also loves to dance. And he’s great at it too. He practices every day and is eager to learn.
But Rahul is special. The difference between him and the other boys? He has a condition called Down’s syndrome which affects his motor and communication skills. This makes it difficult for him to hold sustained conversations. But he’s been getting so much better lately. Such is the story of several more kids from these unfortunate walks of life, be it physical issues or a financial inability to pursue the arts. Thanks to an organization called Music for Change.
Music is a mysterious catalyst. The emotions one feels whenever one hears the strains of a classical guitar or a lilting melody is indescribeable It does something to you – something akin to falling in love. Music works beyond languages. One can even go to the extent of calling music divine – surely something that can move one to tears deserves that honor? If there is something capable of bringing a change in a person, it is music.
Two young men, Ashish Palanna and Arjun D’Souza, were close friends. Ashish brewed a great passion for music, and was also part of a band, Rhapsody Out Loud. Arjun showed the beginnings of an entrepreneur. When the two friends visited a blind school, they learnt about the interest of the children towards music, and the utter lack of amenities. This got them thinking. The means to pursue music was easily available to children born comfortably in middle and upper class homes. But what of the talents of special children, and kids incapable of pursuing their musical dreams on their own? They decided to use music as a tool for change. Ashish’s band ROL, which had won accolades at the semi-finals of India’s Got Talent, and Frictions Dance Crew came together to raise funds for this novel endeavor, and Kudla obliged. What started out as a small but determined effort of collecting old instruments and teaching children the magical art of music has grown over the past two years as a full-fledged NGO which has left footprints in the hearts of children across schools in Mangaluru.
Music for Change is a non-profit organization that does the noble work of spreading music, dance and joy to the most deserving children of Mangaluru. It targets both economically backward and physically abled children and improves their skills of music and dance. They provide free instruments and expert advice, and have been instrumental in bringing about a great change in the behavior and outlook of these children. The trust also offers free piano, guitar and drums lessons, besides vocal training and dance.
The MFC trust began as a small endeavor to teach music to visually challenged children at the Roman and Catherine School for the Blind and Chethana Child Development Center, and has escalated two years later into a full-fledged organization which employs teachers to teach music to the financially backward children of Mannagudda Government Primary School and Swaroopa Adhyayana Kendra. The trust also employs teachers to teach dance to the special childen at St Agnes Special School and Chetana Child Development Center. Arjun is also helped by Leona Aranha, an able administrator and great friend.
Sr Maria Shruthi, principal of St Agnes Special School says that Music for Change has been there for two years now, and the change is substantial. More than fifty students between the ages of 10 and 25 are taught various forms of dance, and it has been incredible to watch them grow into happier, more creative beings. Her voice teems with fondness and affection as she observes the remarkable development of her students, from being more aware of their surroundings, identifying rhythms and coming up with dance routines of their own. It has helped them come out of their shell and interact with each other and the facilitators. Sr Shruthi regards Music for Change as a value-add to the school, and is grateful for their efforts in motivating the students. Under the able guidance of the teachers, the students have performed at various locations in and around Mangaluru, including St Aloysius College, Talent India competitions and venues at Udupi, winning appreciation and praise. They have also served as motivational and inspirational icons for children and adults alike, inspiring in several ways.
It is wonderful to note the determination of the teachers, the encouragement of the team at Music for Change and the sheer brilliance of the children whose talents have bloomed and blossomed into something truly phenomenal. If you want to bring a change and make a difference in a child’s life, you don’t have to wait long. Head over to their Facebook page at'Music for Change' and take a look at the magic they’re creating. Take a look at the Music for Change websiteand watch these incredible children as they discover the joy of music and dance. See their faces break into easy smiles, as they soar and serenade the heavens with their voices. Do you have old instruments lying about at home? Bring them over and give them a new lease of life at Music for Change. Donate to a worthy cause. To quote a certain bespectacled man who changed the face of the world’s largest democracy, “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Change the world with music, one melody at a time.