Beyond entertainment, tabla maestro Anuradha Pal’s Foundation elevates wellness through music. Their immersive experiences engage all five human senses with soulful concerts & unique visuals for, a healthy mind, body and soul using the therapeutic benefits of Musical and Rhythmic Meditation.
BeatCurry Team
Every emotion, every feeling we experience has a musical counterpart, and well, one couldn’t possibly imagine their life without music. Bollywood soundtracks, the captivating scores of our favorite shows, the electric energy of a sold-out concert – these are ways how music weaves itself into the fabric of our lives. But music’s impact goes far beyond pure entertainment. In recent times, the concept of music for wellness, mental health, and self-improvement has gained significant traction.
Be it the gentle strum of an instrument, the harmonious arrangement of notes, the frequencies of Indian raagas, the navarasas, the calming sounds of nature, or the evocative voice of a singer, music has the power to create specific moodscapes and connect with us on a profound level. This very connection is what fuels the exploration of music for wellness, offering a path to a healthier, happier and more fulfilling life.
One such exemplary initiative working in this space is the Mumbai-based Anuradha Pal Cultural Foundation (APCF), led by the virtuoso tabla artist Anuradha Pal, who believes that “wellness is a state of mind, a journey that begins with a decision for self-improvement.” A titan in the world of music, she is a trailblazing Tabla maestro, percussionist, composer, and educator, effortlessly bridging the chasm between tradition & innovation and a global icon inspiring generations to pursue their artistic dreams.
Anuradha Pal channels her foundation APCF to conceptualize and curate ‘Wellness Experiences’ – by presenting a unique holistic approach to achieve a healthy mind, body and soul; thereby promoting wellness and positivity. Combining the healing and therapeutic elements of music with wellness, the foundation launched the “Positive Weekends” initiative in January 2023. Over two seasons, APCFs ‘Positive Weekends’ featured 35 exemplary artists, including singers, instrumentalists, dancers, and even yoga practitioners, over a span of 10 early morning sessions held amidst the natural beauty of a serene beach garden. All 10 yoga+ Musical mediation + Motivation events were totally free for all to benefit from.
Additionally, APCF has also been presenting its highly regarded ‘Workshops of Wellness’ in educational institutions across India to enhance focus, creativity and critical thinking among children; receiving accolades from educationists and garnering rave reviews from the media and the children. Catering to all age groups, free for all attendees, APCF’s “Positive Weekends” and “Workshops for Wellness” series have collectively benefited over 2,500 adults and 8,000 children.
Through the covid pandemic, APCF helped over 650 marginalized artists, instrument makers, women and children providing them with financial assistance to the tune of Rs. 18 Lakh, food rations, medical help as well as donating wheelchairs, walkers, gloves and masks to hospitals in Mumbai.
APCF recently hosted the debut concert of its “Wellness Experiences” series, with Anuradha Pal on Tabla and various percussion instruments, collaborating with visiting Jazz musicians from USA to present an acoustic chamber concert titled ‘Indo Jazz Gig’ for a highly appreciative, packed audience at the newly launched arts and cultural space in Juhu. Paintings adorned the venue, while hydroponic foods and positive vibes completed the multi-sensory experience.
BeatCurry.com delved deeper to find out more about their initiatives, how it could further benefit the community and eventually their vision. Below are excerpts via chat interview with Anuradha Pal.
MUSICALLY, THEMATICALLY, ARTISTS, GENRE WISE, HOW ACCORDING TO YOU IS THE MUSIC FOR ‘WELLNESS’ DIFFERENT FROM THE MUSIC THAT A LAY PERSON USUALLY CONSUMES?
“Lay people listen to Bollywood or Pop music etc. For each of its events, APCF especially curates music for wellness, i.e. specifically classical and semi classical music that helps the listener to relax and feel positive and empowered. The therapeutic benefits of Indian classical music are scientifically proven to help in developing focus, positivity as well as aid in the treatment of hypertension, diabetes & mental issues, to name a few. The navarasas (9 emotions) in music help people develop better emotional quotient, so they can deal with stress without anxiety.
I started integrating music & and wellness, since my album, ‘Nirvana’, which highlights the profound spiritual connection of music, followed by my fusion tracks like Recharged ‘by Shiva’, ‘Cloud Nine’ & ‘Seventh Heaven’, folk-Fusion songs ‘Ekla Chalo Re’, ‘Jai Ganesh’ to name just a few. Infact, my newly released Music video called ‘Tabla Tonic’ is a combination of EDM with Tabla, Violin and drum beats and serves as a tonic for the soul, with its uplifting rhythms and mellifluous blend of multiple genres. “
WHAT ARE SOME UNIQUE ASPECTS OF THE APCF’S “WELLNESS EXPERIENCES” THAT AIM TO STIMULATE ALL FIVE SENSES AND CREATE A POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING ENVIRONMENT?
“Like they say, what silence is to the mind, music is for the soul. Wellness is a state of mind, a journey that begins with a decision for self-improvement. ‘APCFs Wellness Experience’ focuses on enhancing 3 parts of the self-the mind, body and emotions, through a unique combination of musical & rhythmic meditation, yoga and motivation. APCF will be especially curating thematic events by Anuradha Pal and friends, presenting a kaleidoscope of Music- ranging from classical to semi classical to Bollywood. We will explain music appreciation, the ragas , talas and emotions behind the music and how music has evolved. Combining education & entertainment, APCF is now poised to take their ‘Wellness Experiences’ to the next level with these specially curated experiences to elevate all five senses i.e. by providing soulful live music, nutritious food, musical meditation & motivation in a vibrant new venue, promising unparalleled vibes in Juhu, Mumbai.”
WHILE ENTERTAINMENT HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF MUSIC, IT’S INCREASINGLY RECOGNIZED FOR ITS POTENTIAL TO PROMOTE WELL-BEING. THIS “WELLNESS MUSIC CONCERT” FORMAT IS A NEW DEVELOPMENT. HOW DO YOU SEE THIS TYPE OF CONCERT EVOLVING AND GAINING POPULARITY IN THE COMING YEARS?
“The format of ‘APCF’s Wellness Experience’ will of course keep evolving. Along with music events, APCF will curate and feature other creative persons to inspire & mentor the youth and motivate varied audiences. I will speak about Music appreciation and share tips on how to listen and respond to music. It is scientifically proven that music positively develops our mental and emotional aspects and positively impacts us to become more balanced and less stressed persons. There is enough empirical evidence to prove that learning music can actually develop and enhance our multi-tasking abilities and make us happier and more content human beings. Hence, we will demonstrate how music can reduce conflicts and develop better team coordination and team spirit.
We are also developing a structured theory and practical courses for students in educational institutions, to obtain credits for Music, Health and Wellness in compliance with NEP 2020. With the support of our dear friends, sponsors and donors, APCF hopes to make at least a small contribution towards a better society having stronger values, group cohesion and team spirit, as its cornerstones.”
In closing, while entertainment has long been its primary domain, music’s power to heal and uplift is taking center stage. The concept of “Wellness Music Concerts” is a burgeoning trend, offering a holistic experience that engages all five senses. With continued exploration and innovation, music’s healing potential can be harnessed to create a healthier, happier future for all. So, the next time you hear a melody, take a moment to appreciate its profound impact. Beyond entertainment, it’s a powerful tool for personal transformation and a key ingredient in the symphony of well-being.
All information sourced from their official press release as received
Image Courtesy: Courtesy of the artist and their management.
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