The effects of the pandemic have been devastating across the world. Listening to the voices of the temple artistes of South India who have also been gravely affected, we at Prastara have been working towards creating a sustainable environment for them.
Due to a severe lack of funding, these artists do not have the monetary backing to even fund their day-to-day needs. Our immediate action was to raise funds. By doing so, we have been able to support artists in temples of Tiruvarur, Thanjavur, Vizhupuram, Cuddalore, and Nagapattinam since May 2020.
We have been identifying and collating the details of these temple artistes across various temples in Tamil Nadu. So far, we have collected information from 100 temples across 15 districts. This data collection is an ongoing process.
Through the funds we collected, we were able to secure Rs.5000 each for over 100 artistes and cover a medical fee of Rs.75000. We were also able to provide the college tuition fee for two students. The funds collected are directly transferred to the artist's personal bank account.
In our attempt to keep preservation at the core, and as a step further in the impact value chain, we decided to look at a model supporting the donation drive. While ad-hoc financial support provides immediate relief, long-term sustainability is challenging. Keeping this in mind, since the Tamil New Year 2021, we have appointed two musicians, a Nadaswaram and Tavil artiste, in a Sivan Temple at Segal Madappuram which comes in the Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. Their monthly remuneration is being provided by Prastara. This is our first step into this model, and with the support of our well-wishers and patrons, we are also looking at replicating this model by appointing Nadaswaram and Tavil artistes and Odhuvars across the temples of Tamil Nadu. We are working along with temple authorities and senior Nadaswaram Vidwans to identify musicians who are willing to take up this opportunity. The remuneration for their services will be provided by Prastara.
With more contributions, we hope to replicate this model at a faster pace. With the continued support and contributions of our well-wishers, we intend to carry out this venture to revive and support these age-old traditions.
Interested to support this initiative? Donations can be sent through bank transfer to the below account:
Prastara Charitable Trust | State Bank of India | Adyar SME Branch, Chennai
Current A/c No. 33646223076
IFSC Code : SBIN0013361
For more details: S Jayakumar | jayakumar@prastara.in | +91 9884013485
Comentários