Chandigarh,10 Apr: Music not only transcendents language boundaries but it also crosses the barriers of class, social status. A class example of this is being set by city based NGO Theatre Age. For last two weeks, they are holding a musical workshop for slum children where about 20 children in age group of 10 to 18 years are learning fine nuances of music. The workshop is being conducted by Mr. Gurnidhi Sharma, a music graduate.
Mr. Sharma has been performing at various foras for past 15 years. Recalling his experience with children he says – “The keenness that these children have shown is really impressive. Their devotion for learning nuances of music is a source of inspiration for me.”
The workshop will conclude on auspicious day of baisakhi, the 13th April. On that day they will present a musical evening encasing the compositions prepared by children. Highlight of the programme will be a sufiana quwalli, with opening as “Ali Moula Ali Moula, Ali-Ali”. Raman who is playing Dholak for the show is elated about his experience of workshop Sir Jis tarah Dholak sikhatay hain, dil kay taar hill jatay hain, says Raman. Sahil, a 14 year old, is mastering the art of Aaloap. He says that he feels very relaxed and comfortable after performing in the work shop.
Ms. Zulfiqar khan, President Theatre Age, expressed his satisfaction over the progress made by children is short span of 2-3 weeks. “Biggest challenge for the workshop was not teaching them, but to hold them together for 3 weeks, as compulsion of being slum children forced them to run away time and again,” says Zulfi. No wonder, music have has proved its bonding qualities in practical manner