Bengaluru, India – The air will soon resonate with the vibrant energy of young musicians as the eighth edition of the Jackfruit Festival, a unique celebration dedicated to nurturing and showcasing musical talent in children under 16, prepares to take center stage. Spearheaded by the Bhoomija Trust in collaboration with the Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA) and the Indian Music Experience (IME), this year’s festival promises an even grander spectacle, featuring 194 children from diverse backgrounds across the nation. Renowned singer and Padma Shri awardee Shubha Mudgal, who has helmed the festival as its director for the past four years, describes the event as a testament to the "massive musical talent and immense diversity" that India holds within its youth.
A Seed of Inspiration: The Genesis of Jackfruit
The genesis of the Jackfruit Festival is rooted in a deeply personal and inspiring encounter. Shubha Mudgal recalls a rehearsal for a previous edition, where she was met by two young boys from rural Maharashtra, their faces alight with enthusiasm. "I still recall two young boys from rural Maharashtra running towards me with their drums as I arrived at the venue," Mudgal shares. "They started drumming to welcome me for the rehearsals. As they were drumming away, the other children were mesmerised and were drumming on their knees." This spontaneous outburst of rhythm and joy, she explains, encapsulated the very spirit of Jackfruit – a platform where uninhibited passion for music takes flight.
This powerful memory underscores the festival’s core mission: to provide a nurturing environment where children, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographical origin, can explore, express, and excel in their musical journeys. The festival has consistently aimed to bridge the gap between raw talent and a formal platform, fostering not just individual growth but also a collective appreciation for the arts.
A Kaleidoscope of Young Melodies: This Year’s Offerings
The eighth edition of the Jackfruit Festival, scheduled to unfold from August 21st to 23rd, is poised to be the most expansive yet. The meticulously curated lineup showcases a rich tapestry of musical expressions, designed to engage, inspire, and celebrate the burgeoning talent of 194 young artists.
One of the festival’s flagship segments, Jackfruit Songsters, will unite an impressive 150 children from across India for a grand ensemble performance of popular songs. This segment is particularly noteworthy for its commitment to inclusivity, with Gayathri Krishna, Managing Trustee of Bhoomija Trust, emphasizing that "50% of the children are from underprivileged backgrounds." This deliberate inclusion ensures that the festival not only showcases talent but also provides a vital platform for those who might otherwise lack such opportunities.
Further enriching the program is Musicking into the Future, a segment dedicated to highlighting exceptional child prodigies, aged 14 and under, from various corners of India. This segment promises a glimpse into the future of Indian music, featuring young virtuosos who are already demonstrating extraordinary technical skill and artistic maturity.
Adding a powerful percussive dimension to the festival is Kamaal Dhamaal, a segment led by the acclaimed percussionist Aneesh Pradhan. This segment will feature 40 young drummers from across the country, promising a dynamic and exhilarating display of rhythmic prowess and collaborative synergy. The sheer energy and precision expected from this ensemble are anticipated to be a major draw for audiences.
Beyond these captivating performances, the Jackfruit Festival will also host a series of enriching workshops and outreach programmes. These initiatives are designed to provide young participants with opportunities for skill enhancement, cross-cultural learning, and deeper engagement with various facets of music education. The workshops aim to go beyond performance, focusing on the holistic development of the young musicians.
Orchestrating Talent: The Vision of Shubha Mudgal and Bhoomija Trust
Shubha Mudgal’s association with the Jackfruit Festival spans four years, during which she has been instrumental in shaping its artistic direction and ethos. Her role as festival director is characterized by a dual focus on performance and music education. "My job as a curator is made easy given the massive musical talent in India and the immense diversity in our country," Mudgal states. "It is exciting to come across children from varied backgrounds, languages, and skillsets. They display extraordinary maturity in using music to express so many things."
Gayathri Krishna, the Managing Trustee of Bhoomija Trust, speaks with deep admiration for Mudgal’s dedication. "She said yes immediately!" Krishna exclaims when recalling her initial outreach to Mudgal. "Shubha really does her research on children in the music sphere, and ensures the right children are brought to the festival alongside a range of musicians." This meticulous approach to curation ensures that the festival consistently presents a high caliber of talent, carefully selected for their artistry and potential.
Krishna further highlights the impact of Mudgal’s involvement: "This year is the first time we are featuring a song she has composed in Jackfruit Songsters." This personal contribution from Mudgal underscores her deep commitment to the festival and its young participants. The collaborative spirit fostered by Mudgal and the Bhoomija Trust is a cornerstone of the festival’s success, creating an environment of mutual respect and shared artistic vision.
Nurturing the Seeds: The Holistic Approach to Talent Development
The Jackfruit Festival distinguishes itself through its holistic approach to talent development, extending beyond mere performance opportunities. A crucial aspect of this philosophy is the emphasis on the supportive ecosystem surrounding each child artist.
"For her, it is not just the voices that are important but the committed gurus and guardians behind the children," the article notes. Mudgal elaborates on this critical element: "Our direction is clear; the parents and gurus both have to be in approval of the child performing. We always speak to guardians first, and ask them to get the guru’s approval. We don’t want to put undue pressure on children and always speak to their gurus to understand what the child is comfortable with, if they are ready to perform in a group, and many other parameters."
This conscientious process ensures that the young artists are not subjected to undue stress or pressure, prioritizing their well-being and developmental readiness. The festival’s organizers actively engage with the child’s support system, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes the child’s holistic growth. This approach acknowledges that a child’s musical journey is deeply intertwined with the guidance and encouragement they receive from their mentors and family.
Weaving a National Tapestry of Sound: The Art of Discovery
The process of identifying and shortlisting young musical talent from across India is a year-round endeavor, a testament to the dedication and passion of the festival organizers. Shubha Mudgal describes this intricate process: "It has been a great learning experience for me. I am an avid listener, and so is my husband Aneesh, so we always have our eyes out for young talent."
The discovery of talent is a multi-pronged effort, involving a wide network of individuals and organizations. "Our accompanying artistes share information about children they find online; we work with organisations like People’s Archive of Rural India (PARI); we reach out to gurus whom we know are teaching young children; and even parents reach out to us directly," Mudgal explains. This collaborative scouting network ensures that a broad spectrum of talent is considered, reaching into both urban centers and remote villages.
Inclusivity is a driving force behind this outreach. "We have children from elite urban schools, from music schools in remote parts of the country, and children coming from far-flung villages," Mudgal emphasizes. This commitment to diversity ensures that the festival truly reflects the rich cultural and musical landscape of India, providing a platform for every child with a song in their heart.
Jackfruit Songsters: A Melodic Bridge and Educational Catalyst
Jackfruit Songsters, a segment launched at the previous edition and now a cornerstone of the festival, embodies the spirit of collaborative musical creation and cultural exchange. Directed by Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, this segment will bring together 150 children from across India. The production will feature an eclectic repertoire of songs by esteemed musicians, including B Jayashree, Vasuki Vaibhav, Mohammad Muneem Nazir/ Alif, Rajib Das, Dhammrakshit Randive, Asinta Asur, Roshni Asur, and Lata Kunjwal. These artists will not only contribute their compositions but also serve as mentors, guiding and conducting the young performers on stage.
"There are many children whose guardians spend time and money to get them to learn music, but they lack the avenues to showcase their talent," Shubha Mudgal explains the genesis of Jackfruit Songsters. "To overcome this, we launched the initiative last year and reached out to schools to send their children." The segment aims to provide a vital platform for these aspiring musicians to share their skills and passion with a wider audience.
The impact of Jackfruit Songsters extends beyond individual performances. "It is lovely to be introduced to another language, State, and learn stories from songs. We bring in experts in different languages and forms of music, and rehearsals are held remotely and in-person," Mudgal shares. This immersive experience fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diverse musical traditions of India.
Furthermore, Jackfruit Songsters has played a pivotal role in integrating music into the regular curriculum of several schools in the city. "As a part of Jackfruit’s outreach programmes, we started sending teachers to schools to train children for Jackfruit Songsters," Mudgal states with evident satisfaction. "These schools work with children with special needs, visually impaired youngsters, and children who are not able to afford music lessons. Over the years, Bhoomija Trust has worked on making these classes a regular part of their school curriculum." This significant achievement highlights the festival’s profound impact on educational accessibility and inclusivity.
The Unseen Symphony: The Profound Joy of the Process
While the final performances at the Jackfruit Festival are undoubtedly a highlight, Shubha Mudgal finds the most profound satisfaction in the process that leads to these moments of musical brilliance. "It is something I have been witnessing for a long time; watching children who are total strangers to each other come together and create magic," she reflects.
The journey of these young artists, from individual practice to collaborative ensemble, is a testament to the unifying power of music. "Watching them rehearse together, be in awe of each other’s talent, and use the language of music to converse is extremely satisfying," Mudgal observes. This interaction, where young musicians from diverse backgrounds forge connections and learn from one another through the universal language of music, is the true essence of the Jackfruit Festival. It is in these shared moments of creation and discovery that the seeds of lifelong passion for music are sown and nurtured.
The Jackfruit Festival is more than just a showcase of young talent; it is a vibrant ecosystem that fosters creativity, builds confidence, and instills a lifelong love for music. As the eighth edition prepares to captivate audiences, it stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, promising to echo with the joyous melodies of India’s future musical stars.
Event Details:
- Dates: August 21-23
- Venues: Prestige Centre for Performing Arts (PCPA) and Indian Music Experience (IME)
- Tickets: Available on bookmyshow.com
