Bhopal artistes do their bit to support Kerala flood victims

In the wake of any tragedy, people unite to help each other out. The perfect example to justify that statement would be how Bhopal-based

artistes

are doing their bit to support the Kerala flood victims. We spoke to a few of them to find out how art is being used to support people in need...

DONATIONS WITHOUT BORDERS
Dhrupad Sansthan in the city is quite popular a name as far as music is concerned. The popular

Gundecha brothers

used this platform to help the victims of the flood in Kerala. The duo organised a concert which was attended by many. The proceeds collected through this were directed towards Kerala relief work. “We have collected around $8000 (₹576000 approx) through our show in

Bhopal

, that was live on social media as well. We received donations from across the world, including UK, Canada and other parts of Europe. The money collected will be given to the concerned authorities in Kerala by the students of our institute,” shared the Gundecha Brothers.

ARTISTES SOCIETY JOINS HANDS FOR A CAUSE

The city’s culture scene is varied and the artiste welfare society looks after the well-being of the city artistes. KG Trivedi, chairman of the society, shared that they managed to collect a sum of ₹20000. He said, “We kept a box outside our premises for four hours on four consecutive days. As artistes, we are always ready to help those in need. They money collected by us will be given to the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund. We hope that the amount will be of help to artistes in Kerala.”
KATHAKALI FOR KERALA

Many cultural programmes have been organised to collect funds, but the one by Spic Macay was different. They organised a series of Kathakali performances in various schools and colleges across the city. “The performers were professional Kathakali dancers and were called specially for this event. We never collect funds from the public. We are a society for the promotion of art and hence all our programmes are carried out by artistes. The funds collected from various educational institutes will be used to help the Kerala flood victims and will reach the state directly,” informed Tripta Thakur, state coordinator, Spic Macay.

EXHIBITING TALENT FOR THE BETTERMENT OF OTHERS

Artists from the city keep conducting art exhibitions regularly, but a recent exhibition organised by Neeharika Naidu was dedicated solely to the purpose of collecting funds for Kerala relief work. “This was my very first exhibition and I am glad that I was able to use the money for a noble cause. I did not plan any such activity initially, but now, looking at the devastation in Kerala, I am going to put my paintings for auction to raise funds. I feel if I can use my talent for a noble cause, there is no other token of appreciation that I need,” says Naidu

FREE PHOTOSHOOTSIts always good to encash one’s talent for something useful and Ojas Thekkekara used his photography skills to collect funds for Kerala. He has been successful in his effort with his collection going up to ₹45000. “My parents moved from Kerala to Bhopal a few years ago and I share a special bond with Kerala. The news of the floods saddened me and I was keen on helping those in need, in whatever way I could. So, I came up with the idea of doing free photo shoots for people and asked them to donate towards the Kerala relief cause instead. I posted this on my social media accounts and got an amazing response! I wish to do more. This has been my favourite photography assignment till date,” shared Ojas.