For Sufi singer, playback vocalist and composer Kavita Seth, music is the means to connect people with themselves and the world around them. “People today are disconnected from each other and are living like islands. Music is powerful and can make a difference in people’s lives as well as in promoting social causes.”
Sharing her thoughts ahead of one such cause, the artiste gives MetroPlus a preview of her performance at a fundraiser concert organised by the children of Parikrma Humanity Foundation this Saturday. Titled the ‘Spirit of Sacrifice’, the fund-raising initiative, conceptualised and driven by the underprivileged students of Parikrma’s learning centres, is to mainly raise funds to rebuild the 27-year-old government-funded Shree Shilakanya Devi Lower Secondary School in Lachyang, Phatpur, Nuwakot in Nepal. Moved by the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes the students of Parikrma started a movement to collect their meagre pocket money so their fellow students across the border could go back to school. This prompted the teachers led by Shukla Bose, Founder and CEO, Parikrma to set aside the Foundation’s requirements and conceptualise an event to contribute to The Ani Foundation involved in the rebuilding of schools in Nepal.
Kavita is clearly moved by the children’s compassion. “It is very emotional when small children want to help others in society. When I heard about this venture, I asked myself ‘If they can do it, why not us?’ People today are obsessed with themselves. But real happiness comes in sharing with people who don’t have as much as you do. We must learn from these kids. They are the mark of humanity at its best – putting others before themselves.”
Pointing out her own passion for causes, she says as a singer, she uses her music to help society in any way possible. “This is my way of giving back to humanity and society for what it has given me.” Elaborating on what she has in store at the concert, Kavita says she will perform her collection of Sufi songs as well as trending hit songs that the audience demands.
“One thing I can promise my listeners is that they will reconnect with themselves and the world around them through my music. Especially the genre I do. It is emotional and people connect to its sentiments.” She adds: “People always stand and listen, that is the bonding and power of music – that it gets people’s attention. They may not listen to political leaders for more than a few minutes, but will stand for hours listening to music.”
Kavita’s soulful voice has also featured in smash hits in films such as Wake Up Sid ‘Iktara’ and Cocktail ‘Tum Hi Ho Bandhu.’Kavita was enamoured by Sufi songs when she visited a dargah with her father. “It was love at first sound. My journey withsoulful music began from my childhood in Bareilly. Sufism is where I find my love and peace. I’m very lucky as an artiste to receive the love that I get. If there is no music, I wouldn’t have had a purpose. Music is my life.” Expounding on the journey so far, Kavita says: “We don’t know the route but somehow end up on the path that leads us to where we are now. I don’t even belong to a musical family. The passion just kept growing gradually. Though I worked for some time in Delhi, I eventually gave in to my inner calling and devoted my time completely to music. Though my job paid me more. I realised I get only one shot at life and I wanted to do what my heart told me to. Now I’m very happy.”
Her advice to those who have a similar inner calling is, “Follow your heart. It never lies. You will reach your destination one day.”
Catch the Sufi singer perform at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on July 11 from 6.30 p.m. Donor passes are available on bookmyshow for Rs. 1,500, Rs. 2,500 and Rs. 5,000.
