This music is definitely for a higher purpose… the purpose of humanity.
It delightfully crosses genres to encompass human values and societal causes. The Shakti Foundation presents its 21st annual fundraiser on February 11 (7.30 p.m.) at The Music Academy. The Foundation has been crusading relentlessly for access — a barrier-free environment for the physically challenged and medicare for the rural underprivileged since its inception in 1991.
The universally-acclaimed music group ‘Remember Shakti' comprising jazz exponent John McLaughlin, tabla wizard Zakir Hussain, mandolin maestro U. Shrinivas, popular singer and music director Shankar Mahadevan and kanjeera artiste Selvaganesh will perform on February 11. The concert features world music led by the members of the trendsetting original group ‘Shakti' — John and Zakir. ‘Remember Shakti' hopes to convey through its music the need for acceptance and integration of the physically challenged into mainstream society.
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The concert is a tribute to Shakti Foundation's founder Velan Raghuvir. The proceeds of the concert will go towards purchasing a school bus for the physically and mentally challenged children and hospital equipment for the rural underprivileged.
Donor passes for the performance are available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Shakti Foundation office, No. 9, Manikeswari Road, Kilpauk.
For details, email theshaktifoundation@airtelmail.in or call 2661 1213 / 99528 29457 / 90036 33457.
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John McLaughlin
It gives me enormous pleasure to come back to Chennai after many years with my esteemed colleagues in the Shakti group. It is also an honour to perform for Shakti Foundation. We are delighted and proud to be able to help the Foundation in its noble work. The Shakti Foundation today is a helpline office for over 1300 physically challenged children abandoned by their parents because of their disability. They are housed in 15 special schools in Chennai and the Foundation takes care of their needs by way of wheelchairs, crutches, education stipends, medicines, uniforms, rehabilitation aids and other specific requirements. Apart from this, Shakti Foundation has also been crusading for setting up ramps in public buildings. The Foundation's motto ‘To love, To care, To share' is most appropriate, and I urge each one of you to come forward to help realise the founder's vision and take it forward.
Sachin Tendulkar
I have been associated with The Shakti Foundation for a few years now and commend the wonderful work that Vasant Raghuvir and her dedicated team have been doing for the physically challenged children.
I would request all to participate in the annual fundraiser to support the cause of creating a barrier-free environment and providing medical support and transport to the underprivileged.