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Music with a Mission
This is a fundraiser with a difference. Children enrolled in Chinmaya Mission’s Bala Vihar activities have come together to record 100 bhajans to produce a 10-CD set, ‘Bhakthi Rasamrutham.’ Proceeds from CD sales will help Chinmaya Mission purchase a larger building to hold its ever-expanding Bala Vihar programs, which benefit many students from kindergarten through high school. It is indeed rare to come across an effort where children are actively involved in the creation of an artistic product used for fundraising.
Fifteen young artists were chosen to participate in the CD project after an audition. Along with local musicians, these young singers have memorized, and recorded 100 bhajans in praise of many Hindu deities. Languages used include Gujarati, Tamil, Hindi, Sanskrit, Kannada, Malayalam, Bengali, and Marathi with works of composers Tulsidas, Purandaradasa, Ramdas, and some modern-day composers also. The simple melodic structure of the bhajans make this CD-set an ideal learning tool for all children and it features appropriate songs to celebrate all Hindu festivals.
Innumerable local musicians and volunteers have donated hundreds of hours to make this artistic product possible. The group has requested that individual names not be included here, as this artistic product is a result of the effort and devotion of some, for the benefit of many.
The 10-CD set and a book containing the words in Devanagri script with English transliteration will be released on Feb. 16, Maha Shivaratri day. Chinmaya Mission San Jose is currently soliciting pledges of $100 for purchasing the CD set and accompanying book. Advance ordering will ensure that you receive your copy in an expedient manner. (408) 998-2793, Chinmaya Mission San Jose, 1050 Park Ave., San Jose. www.chinmaya-sanjose.org