Young artistes concert plan online for to raise funds Covid-19 relief
While musicians like Selena Gomez and Jennifer Lopez are headlining concerts to raise funds for Covid-19 vaccinations, artistes closer home are doing their bit to help fellow countrymen battle the pandemic’s second wave. While many are helping arrange for medical supplies, a bunch of youngsters are holding a virtual concert to raise funds.
The 22 artistes – who share a passion for music, poetry and a zeal to use their skills for those in distress – will perform online from various cities on May 8. The event, ‘In The Dark Times, There Will Be Singing’, aims to raise funds for marginalised people hit by the pandemic – transwomen, wastepickers, migrant workers, those with disabilities, HIV.
Poet and co-organiser Parth Rahatekar, a 22-year-old media professional from Pune, shares, “This event speaks to the spirit of community sprouting in times of grief. It came about after some poets got on a video call a few weeks back and wanted to help the country.” Along with fellow poet Nidhi Krishna, a 21-yearold student of Delhi’s St Stephen’s College, he began contacting poets and musicians. Among them was Delhi-based student Nandini Srivastav. “I believe art is one of the most powerful means of expression, at a time when we could all use some healing,” says the 20-year-old singer. And Punebased Roshni Raheja, 22, an associate at a sustainability and social impact advisory firm shares, “As an artiste, knowing that something I do can help, it was an obvious choice.”
How are the proceeds being donated? “We made a list of active online fundraisers. One can attend the event after they donate to a cause listed and share the receipt via the email on our social media handles,” explains Krishna.