For countless rasikas, the Margazhi month in Chennai is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of classical music concerts, Bharatanatyam performances, bustling sabhas, and beloved food trails. However, a closer look reveals a powerful, parallel narrative unfolding away from the mainstage spotlight. This December, numerous artists are channelizing the season's energy to amplify social causes, widen access to the arts, and extend crucial support to communities often left on the margins.
Artists Weaving Philanthropy into Their Art
Seasoned veterans have long integrated giving back into their artistic journeys, demonstrating that the true spirit of Margazhi stretches far beyond the concert hall's walls. Sudha Ragunathan through her Samudhaaya Foundation, Bombay Jayashri Ramnath via SDET, and OS Arun are prominent examples of this ethos. They are using their influence to create meaningful impact, setting a precedent for the community.
Through his Alapana Trust, OS Arun is steadfast in his mission to create opportunities for emerging and differently-abled artists. His annual competition is a key part of this vision. He clarifies that his motivation is not sympathy but recognition of profound talent. "The children are immensely talented and I want to provide them a platform to showcase their talents," Arun states, emphasizing a focus on ability over disability.
Expanding the Platform and Redefining Inclusivity
This belief in serving a broader community is strongly echoed by KN Shashikiran of the Carnatica Foundation. With a focus on supporting artists with disabilities, he observes that their talent is undeniable. "Some are enormously talented… if you hear them play, see them dance, there’s no difference between them and others," Shashikiran notes. For him, the path forward is clear: festivals must feature everyone, and such inclusive initiatives need to become mainstream, requiring support rather than sympathy.
This mission to redefine what Margazhi includes is at the heart of Ranjini Kaushik's curation for Margazhi Matram. Now in its sixth edition, the festival intentionally foregrounds artists with disabilities, PIO (Person of Indian Origin) artists, folk and transgender performers, and other underrepresented groups. Kaushik aims to craft thematic, multisensory experiences that challenge and expand traditional boundaries. "We want to showcase how the concert experience can be more immersive and inclusive," she stresses, by exploring cross-disciplinary and cross-cultural themes.
Innovative Formats for Empathy and Outreach
Pianist Anil Srinivasan's 'Concert In The Dark', held on December 10, is a poignant example of how Margazhi's canvas is larger than classical tradition alone. With proceeds benefiting the Gnanadharshan Seva Foundation for visually disabled women, the concert intentionally removes the sense of sight to heighten empathy and auditory awareness. Anil shares that committing all proceeds to charity has expanded his work's reach. "The Concert In The Dark has been growing in scope every year… I only hope we are able to sustain it and reach the 10th, 15th editions," he expresses.
An inspiring addition to this year's Concert In The Dark was Khatija Rahman, who found the concept deeply inspiring. While performing blindfolded made her nervous, the greater purpose was compelling. "When the opportunity to be a part of a cause that helps people comes your way, you want to take it up," she explains, highlighting the natural alignment of art and altruism.
For Carnatic vocalist Sikkil C Gurucharan, acts of service are an inseparable part of the artistic journey. He believes kindness towards one's community is a given for every artist. "It has to be a very natural act," he asserts. Through his work with groups like NalandaWay Foundation and Sankalp, he envisions a season that looks outward, transforming into a genuine "musical celebration" that embraces special children and destitute communities alike.
Thus, as the traditional kutcheri buzz fills the air, this powerful undercurrent of philanthropy and inclusive activism ensures that the Margazhi season resonates with a deeper, more compassionate frequency, truly celebrating the unifying power of art.
