Artists performing virtually for codid patients via Zoom call an infected mother in her newborn, a few elderly people wearing oxygen masks, a family of six infected people isolating in rooms different of the house – all these people are waiting for Video calling for a woman. When the link was released, famous Bengali singer Lopamudra Mitra took them all on a musical journey through Robindra Sangeet. Some of them looked emotional, while some looked relieved, even if momentarily, from the affliction they were experiencing. I’m not a mental health expert, but I do believe in the power of soothing music. And if I am lucky with it, I want to touch as many lives as possible through it, shares Lopamudra. As the second wave of Covid-19 wreaks havoc across the country and many people are affected by it, going into isolation or being hospitalized – performance artists have stepped forward to help them cope with the dangers. danger of isolation. Across India, singers, musicians and poets have been performing live gigs specifically for Covid patients and families, to help them sail through these trying times.
Music for the sick soul
From May 20 to 22, Lopmudra, along with her team at Chaaron Foundation, organized live music sessions for Covid-affected patients and their families. All people have to do is register themselves for a session via WhatsApp and submit their Covid report to receive a link to the live, virtual session – for free. Many people I know have expressed fear of losing their lives or their partners/family to the pandemic. Instead of sitting and feeling helpless, I thought I should at least try to put their minds at ease through music. “I am especially focusing on Robindro Sangeet because it has some very motivating songs that speak to such individuals in these times,” said Lopmudra, adding that she would be happy to see more people and artists with can volunteer like this. Flautist Archesh Patodi was personally dedicated to Covid patients admitted at a Covid care center in Indore. There were about 75 people participating – from the center as well as those at home in quarantine or isolation. Many patients say they feel rejuvenated when they hear old Bollywood songs played on my flute. They said they stayed away from the cycle of medication, monitoring oxygen levels, pulses and news about how many people were affected by the virus, said Mr. Archesh, who was also the first runner-up of Indore Times Fresh Face 2018. .For him and the Covid Army for Indore Corporation, it was satisfying to see smiles and heads swaying merrily to the tunes of the flute, in the midst of the Ward. Even for the families of those affected, these small moments of entertainment provide some respite from anxiety and uncertainty. And that is all we are aiming for,” said Chinmay Jain, a member of the team.
Verses to keep one distracted from the virus
Performances are not limited to singers and musicians. Some groups are relying on poems, Shayaris and storytelling to keep patients motivated. Nagpur-based group Unboxing Art has been actively organizing poetry and stand-up comedy sessions for Covid patients and Covid warriors. The basic motivation is to continue,” said Hussain Rasheed, founder member, adding, “We have done 70 gigs so far for people living in different parts of the country. Since it is a virtual session, we can sit at our homes and perform for patients residing in any city. We believe that entertainment does play an important role in healing. Ask him how they determine who will perform, and he replies, “Right now we are acting on requests from an individual or a group.” But going forward, we also want to engage with hospitals.
– Inputs by Preeti Atulkar
