Benares Academy of Classical Indian Music Pandit Deobrat Mishra carries on the vision of his mother, founder of this school for nurturing and sustaining the arts of Indian tradition: music and dance.
Together, we bring light into darkness. At DAYA Foundation, we understand that when human beings are shunned or isolated, we all suffer. That which we shun, is that which we shun in ourselves, too.
Priyanka is a child that some people have shunned or ignored. Priyanka was born into poverty and illness and has been living at an orphanage in India since she was 2 years old.
Like you, Priyanka was born with a spark. A creativity and aliveness that wants to shine and be shared. The Benares Academy of Indian Classical Music, with the guidance of Pandit Deobrat Mishra, welcomed Priyanka. Left with no education or mentorship, children from the orphanage often must turn to begging or survival sex work. However, Priyanka and other children in need were offered the chance to learn music, thanks in part to support by donors like you. Priyanka learned from Deobrat and the Academy over many months. At first timid and hungry, she blossomed as she had the chance to make friends and share meals.
Will you make a gift today and ensure other children need not go hungry, spiritually or physically? (click the Donate button below.)
Because of the support of community, Priyanka began to make eye contact, to smile, to sit closer to the other students. She began to sing more loudly. She shared her meals with younger students, making sure everyone was nourished. Priyanka soon began lessons in dance as well. She startled less often. She practiced her hand and foot mudras constantly. Arriving each morning ready for the next thing she would learn, Priyanka began to bring another child from the orphanage.
Music and dance helped to bring back a joyous curiosity and playfulness. Priyanka made friends and started to build community. Poverty and isolation are overwhelming, and smother the spark of creativity and feeling that connects us to one another.
It takes a compassionate, consistent, and nourishing community to reach toward those in need.
Here at DAYA Foundation, we need your help to support those who are shunned, isolated and marginalized. Will you join us in helping children in need in India?
Together with your support, DAYA Foundation serves those most marginalized and in need of nourishment. This includes the work of DAYA in its partnership with the Benares Academy of Indian Classical Music and Pandit Deobrat Mishra.
