Heartfelt Harmony: A Monthly Musical Journey for Special Needs Children and Caregivers at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan

During a milestone celebration marking its 15th anniversary, Tarang, the monthly cultural initiative aimed at persons with special needs and their families, showcased its transformative impact on the community. Launched in 2011 by the V-Excel Educational Trust and Sumanasa Trust under the name “Sushravya,” this initiative was designed to bring music closer to children with special needs. Initially held at the V-Excel campus in Mandaveli, the program quickly gained popularity and was rebranded as Tarang when it moved to Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.

The initiative kicked off with the support of renowned musician Bombay Jayasree and later saw involvement from celebrated artists such as S. Sowmya. Over the years, Tarang has attracted a diverse range of performers, including vocalists, instrumentalists, dancers, and harikatha artistes, all passionate about promoting inclusivity in the arts. Since June 2018, Usha Suresh has taken the helm, ensuring a vibrant mix of contemporary and traditional music, dance, and performances at each event.

The 15th anniversary celebration featured an impressive lineup of fifteen instrumentalists, each contributing to the lively atmosphere. A notable highlight of the event was witnessing how the audience, including children sensitive to sound, engaged with the performances. Many performers expressed awe at the way children clapped in rhythm and sang along with the musicians. Through the years, Tarang has provided opportunities for special needs children to experience various musical instruments, such as the nagaswaram, flute, sarangi, and ghatam, fostering an appreciation for sound and music.

Children previously known for their sound sensitivity learned to embrace the echo of instruments, while others gained confidence, stepping out of their shells to perform on stage. Some children were so inspired they ran onto the stage to dance, visibly moved by the music. The program also helped children recognize songs and request favorites based on their musical knowledge.

During the pandemic, Tarang adapted by uploading programmed videos on YouTube and hosting live concerts, further expanding its reach. What began as a small gathering for music enjoyment has now blossomed into a full-house event, welcoming students from other special schools to participate.

Tarang remains committed to its mission of inclusivity, inviting anyone interested to join their journey. This initiative has not only provided joys of music but has also motivated and transformed lives, offering brighter experiences in a serene environment. For those who wish to enjoy the performances, links to past concerts are available on V-Excel Educational Trust’s YouTube channel.

Tarang holds its events on the third Thursday of each month at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Mylapore. Interested individuals can learn more by calling 9360087484. The efforts of Tarang illustrate the power of music and community, demonstrating that even a small seed of goodwill can lead to significant, lasting change in society.

(Adapted from an article by Nitya Venkatesh, special educator with V-Excel Educational Trust, which operates centers in Adyar and Mylapore.)

Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/a-monthly-rendezvous-with-music-for-special-need-children-and-caregivers-at-bharatiya-vidya-bhavan/article69864487.ece
Category : Chennai
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Publish Date: 2025-07-28 13:32:00