The NGO has collaborated with more than 80 schools, which receive the lessons through interactive sessions two hours a day, five days a week.
A few weeks ahead of the annual function, out come the violins, harmoniums, and tablas, which otherwise gather dust in schools' music rooms, for this is one time in the year that students get a shot of the "Indian culture". Delhi-based NGO Routes 2 Roots, however, is working towards plugging that gap through its programme Virsa, which is taking the Indian art and culture to students as far as the Tanga Valley.
Virsa, meaning heritage in Punjabi, was conceptualised as a window to classical music-dance forms, and theatre for young students, who have been fed on a steady stream of pop numbers belted out by Honey Singhs and Lady Ga-Gas. With legendary names such as Birju Maharaj, Shovna Narayan, Dr L Subramaniam, and Kavita Krishnamurthy on its advisory panel, the NGO has set up a studio in RK Puram, from where lessons on Bharatnatyam, Kathak, violin and acting are streamed live to schools across the country.
"During several exchange programmes in schools across India, we encountered the sad reality of how little this generation knows about our rich cultural reservoir. Their knowledge is limited to the tidbits they learn during annual school performances. We want them to be aware of the riches they have through Virsa," said Tina Vachani, Co-founder, Routes 2 Roots.
The NGO has collaborated with more than 80 schools, which receive the lessons through interactive sessions two hours a day, five days a week. Disciples handpicked by the likes of Maharaj and artists from the Delhi School of Music, Kathak Kendra, and Kala Hetu give lessons on dance, hindustani and carnatic vocals, instruments and so on.
"Digital classes spell greater reach and are an ideal way to capture the imagination and attention of a generation that is hooked on to i-pads and mobile phones. We have installed LED screens in schools free of cost and are also paying for the Internet services," Vachani said, adding that the students in the remote areas have shown "tremendous interest" in the programme.
"Contrary to our apprehension that schools in the north east won't be very forthcoming, we were surprised how keen the students were to learn Bharatnatyam and Hindustani music and dance forms. They are very proud of their Indian roots," said a visibly pleased Vachani.
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