Shankar Mahadevan Academy's Inspire India: Transforming Lives Through Music

Inspire India Project is an initiative of the world-renowned Shankar Mahadevan Academy (SMA), a not-for-profit Trust. It seeks to bring the joy of music to underserved children and young people. More so to young people who have lofty dreams but limited means and find music education a real luxury.

Music can truly make a difference to the lives of children who face challenges at home or school. Learning to sing or play an instrument helps them express emotions and teaches them to work together. The music programs under this project are run from two vibrant happy learning Centres, in Sion and Dombivli. Children learn Indian classical vocal music, traditional and devotional songs, Western guitar, piano and drums, and a unique stream of music called Konnakol, where they learn the language of rhythm.

The project changes lives. It builds confidence and creates connections and of course, inspires dreams. On January 5th., the SMA held an amazing show with stirring performances by children from slums, children on the autism spectrum and even underprivileged elders of the Ananda Yaan Elder Day Care Centre, a project managed by the Rotary Club of Bombay and Dignity Foundation, who rendered a multi-lingual song in Hindi, Marathi and English.