15 couples turn passion for music into service

VADODARA: Karaoke machines might fit in best in up-town clubs. However, with children singing and dancing to its tunes, this machine looks just at home among the orphan boys at Bal Gokulam.
Fifteen couples from across the state have joined hands to find time from their busy professioanl life to spread smiles among the less fortunate. Under the initiative by city-based couple Atul and Arti Pandya started six months ago, the group has organized karaoke events at urban slums, mental hospitals, cancer wards in various hospitals, orphanages and among juvenile delinquents across the state.
"We began visiting orphanages and old age homes during the beginning of this year. Like many other groups we offer them financial or medical help. However, after a few sessions we realized that there was no fun and smiles involved in the process," said Atul.
The group began to make their sessions more interactive and finally brought in a karaoke system. "We were sceptical in the beginning if the institutions would allow us to convert their campuses into stages for a day. But, every organization has been willing to welcome the idea. The sessions, which also include donation of items they required, gradually became more about the music and performances," said Arti.
According to other group members, music has also helped them find a new passion. "Being a music enthusiast does not prepare you for performing to a karaoke on stage. As a group, we now meet every Saturday to practice. It has helped us find an outlet for the stress that we go through in our professional lives," said another group member Utpal Pathak.
The 'Melody Makers' are now working with Indian Medical Association - Vadodara are looking forward to hold extensive health check-ups in slum areas. "Physicians, paediatricians and nutritionists along with other specialists have agreed to work with us. We will start the project from the slums in the city. The camps will include a complete diagnosis of the residents and a thorough follow-up according to their health charts," Atul added.