Young artistes concert plan online funds for to raise Covid-19 relief
NOTE TO READERS: Some of the coverage that appears on our pages is paid for by the concerned brands. No sponsored content does or shall appear in any part of HT without it being declared as such to our valued readers.
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.