New Delhi: Delhi’s second ‘mobile music school’—an initiative aimed at inspiring interest and nurturing musical talent among schoolchildren—has hit the road.
The ‘music bus’, unveiled by NGO Naadvistaar Foundation Tuesday, in partnership with Manzil Mystics—choir band and music-focused non-profit—and the Delhi State Government and MCD schools, will identify young musicians from low-income families and support their musical training over a two-year period. The first such bus was launched in 2021.
According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Delhi government and the municipal corporation, weekly music workshops will be held in line with the National Education Policy 2020 and National Curriculum Framework 2023 to introduce children to music in engaging and structured ways.
The launch event, held at Naadvistaar Foundation’s headquarters in Nizamuddin East, was attended by Padma Vibhushan awardee, Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
“Our fellowship model, ‘Learning Through Music’, identifies musicians from low-income families and supports them on a two-year journey to hone their craft,” said Anirudh Hoon, CEO of Manzil Mystics.
The Naadvistaar Foundation also introduced the Acharya Fellowship, designed for classical hereditary musicians. “This four-month programme not only preserves and records heritage music, but also brings it to those without access to it,” explained Hoon.
Since its inception, the mobile music initiative has helped over 50,000 children in Delhi, according to Naadvistaar. In 2023 alone, approximately 28,000 students are said to have benefitted from the workshops.
With the second bus, the focus has shifted to the introduction of Hindustani classical music, making it accessible and enjoyable, while fostering social-emotional learning.
“We aim to discover young classical musicians, document their performances and provide platforms to showcase their talent,” said Hoon. “Our mission is to teach children classical music in a way that is both fun and enriching.”
At the launch event, Khan reflected on the role of music in an individual’s life. “Music is a divine blessing. It has a positive impact on the body and mind, when listened to with full concentration,” he said.
He recounted his experiences as a global performer and emphasised the need for musicians to balance their passion with practical career choices, advising aspiring musicians to pursue education and secure stable careers, alongside their musical journey, acknowledging the struggles often associated with the art form.
“Musicians are here to give joy, not pain,” he said. “Our responsibility is to care for those who come to listen.”
He also lauded Bollywood’s role in popularising music and remarked that the voices of legendary artists, like Mukesh, Mohammed Rafi and Kishore Kumar, continue to resonate with the audiences. “Indian weddings and celebrations would be incomplete without music,” he said.