CHENNAI, February 27: Global Adjustments Pvt. Ltd., a relocation and cross-cultural services company, and The Interface, a social investment managers alliance, have come together to launch 'Smrutha Dhvani – Music Reborn’, a fund to support retiring, accompanying artistes in Chennai. This initiative is aimed at raising funds for retiring, accompanying artistes of the classical music and dance fraternity in the City.

Every year, Chennai, known as the cultural capital of the country, plays host to music and dance festival in the month of December. What was originally begun by The Music Academy in 1927 as the celebration of its anniversary, soon caught the imagination of other sabhas. A rough estimate suggests that the city sabhas host around 2,000 performances in a span of just 30 days during the music month of Marghazi.

Over the years, this rich tapestry of Indian classical dance and music is harmoniously woven by the abounding talent of an eclectic mix of performers and their collective passion. Unfortunately, not much thought has gone into the future of some of India’s best performers, especially first generation artistes who are no longer performing, and have no definitive means of support during their years of retirement.

Precisely to honour and encourage the once-recognised musicians and performers, Global Adjustments and The Interface have come together for “Smrutha Dhvani” (Smrutha means “to remember”, while Dhvani means, “sound”). The promoter-organisations of Smrutha Dhvani have also appealed to corporate sponsors, philanthropic individuals and registered trusts to contribute to this cause. Through various cultural events in the city, it is also hoping to raise enough funds to be able to build a tangible future for classical artistes.

As part a series of initiatives, it is proposed to hold Aikya India, an annual fund-raiser.

A vivid illustration of the country, Aikya India 2010 will travere the length and breadth of India’s diversity through the magic of music with Padmashri Aruna Sairam, and aesthetic sets designed by Padmashri Thota Tharrani. Aruna Sairam will sing in over 15 Indian languages, as Thota Tharrani’s sets bring the Indian landscape alive.

“We have always ridden on the shoulders of Indian culture and through this endeavour, we hope to be able to give back to Indian culture and to the artistes fraternity,” a release quotes Ranjini Manian, CEO, Global Adjustments, as saying. Vocal singer Unnikrishnan, dancer Sudharani Raghupathu, entrepreneur Ranjini Manian and social activist Usha Sridhar came together at a press conference here recently to announce the initiative. “One of the beneficiaries suggested is Mr Ganesan, a tambura player, who has played for artistes such as MS, MLV, Semmangudi. Today, he earns only Rs 2,000, which is barely enough to sustain himself,” says Unni Krishnan, The Interface’s ambassador. “As a senior artiste myself, I know that opportunity and dignity have to be served on the same platter as food, to enable a graceful retirement. This is what we hope to work towards,” the release quotes Sudharani Raghupathi, board member of The Interface, as saying. According to Usha Sridhar of The Interface, “Smrutha Dhvani is an effort to repay the great artistes who have immensely contributed to the richness of Indian art and its culture. It will work towards making the stars of yester-year twinkle once again.”
For details, contact: Anupama Arvind at 91 - 44 - 2461 7902 / 03 or email her at
anupama@globaladjustments.com.