Aurohamsadwani

Currently, the Bharatnatyam dance class has 24 students. Learning to play an instrument class includes veena (25 students), flute (3 students), and keyboard (6 students). And training in vocal Carnatic class has 25 students. People approach us for classes on Miruthangam, Tabla and Drums. Our main aim is to take the classical art forms to the rural areas and allow our young generation to learn our traditional music and dance.

Our team comprises children aged 5 to 15 years and 10 adults. This programme does not only encourage children from Auroville it also embraces children from our neighbouring villages. It allows children in rural areas (with or without means) to discover this field which is normally not possible. The students get the opportunity to show their talent while they are performing in programmes live, on television and the radio. We have the ambition of promoting student artist exchange programmes with other institutions which are encouraging the young generation to explore the classical art form.

AuroHamsadwani continues to support all the kids through donations from Project Coordination Group and SAIIER and through individual and parental support.

The Bharath Natayam students gave two performances in Bharat Nivas, Auroville, and the Veena students performed in many temples in Puducherry and Saraswathi temple, Koothanoor. Each veena also student gave one solo performance. Each year they learn new songs and ragas. The keyboard students did grade exams and received certificates from Trinity College, England.

This initiative benefits the community overall. The students gain knowledge and ability, while the wider community receive the music during performances.

Exposure is an important aspect that is achieved from this activity; children are exposed to various scenarios of exhibiting their learnings. They experience music as a new dimension of learning and an integral part of growth.