Kalpa Media House | Special Article by Dr.Y.G. Parimala |
Art is universal, not a possession of a select few. Physical disability or being differently abled is never a hindrance for growth as an artist. The great poet Henry Van Dyke says“ The woods would be very silent if no birds sang except the very best”. Identifying and promoting talent irrespective of the status, is the responsibility of Cultural Organisations and Society in general.
California based non-profit organisation, SciArtsRUs has taken up this challenge and have been doing exemplary service for the cause. Their mission is to make accessible Science, Arts and musicat the interface. They have achieved this by providing a global visual arts and performing platform to promote disabled artists, feature cross-culture concerts and curate the programs at the interface of arts and science.
Dr. Ranjini Koushik, Founder-President and CEO of the Organisation sets aside valuable time and effort to realise these objectives. Their unique initiative “Marghazhi Matram” in December season in Chennai, provides a beautiful platform for the same.
On December 3rd, 2024, Commemorating World Disability day, Dr.Ranjini Koushik launched “Artabilities-4. AI Marghazhi Matram, 2024-5th Edition. The event was celebrated between Dec 6th and 28th at Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai.
Providing a global visual and performing arts platform both online and live featuring over 200 artists including artists who are differently abled, challenged and disabled and cross-culture artists. Wide range of Art presentations included music, dance, cookery, sculpture, painting. Artists representing several countries across the globe participated. The festival attracted huge audience across disciplines.
All day long series of concerts were organised. Artists like Carnatic Vocal by vaikom Vijayalakshmi, vision impaired, from Kerala, India, cross-cultural artists like Sri.Hrishikesh Chari and Priyanka Chari Veena duet from US, veena by artist from Japan, Vid.Yuko Matoba, Jugalbandi of Hindustani drupad by Virginia Nicoli and Saxophone by Igino Giovanni Brunori from Italy, Mandolin by sisters Sireesha and Sriusha from India, flute solos by Vid Yahor Jeihalo from Belarusand Nathalie Ramirez from Mexico, Vocal music by Emmanuel Martin from France, lecture demonstration by dancer Lucrezia Maniscottiftom Italy, to mention a few. The colourful presentations by the artists were very well received and infact left the audience in to witness such varied talent.
This innovative, Inclusive, inter-culture venture will surely take art performances through a broader perspective. It will also pave way for world peace, harmony and universal integration.
Another novel initiative of the Organisation is the Marghazhi Shubha Arambham, 2024, an exclusive series for aspiring youth debut performers of instruments, solo, duet, bringing the experience of Chennai Marghazhi season for the rising youth artists of all art forms, which will give the organisation a wider perspective.
SciArtsRUs have also hosted the COSTAA Conference-2025, (Confluence of Science, Technology, Arts & Accessibility) at IITM Research Park.
Recently SciArtsRUs have collaborated and entered into partnership with Dr.J. Jayalalitha Music and Fine arts University, Tamil Nadu, for facilitating students in US, pursuing online courses in music and dance to enhance the quality of learning process and secure Certification and accreditation at various levels from the University.
Kudos to the great service by Dr. Ranjini Koushik and family, hearty Congratulations to Chi. Rishab Koushik for taking up the challenging responsibility in the footsteps of his mother.
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