DESI DIARY

CONCERT TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FOOD DELIVERY PROGRAM

Vidushi Ramneek Singh.

Radhika Baskar on veena in Carnatic style.

South Asian Cultural Health Association for Youth and Seniors (SACHAYS) was founded three years ago during the pandemic as a support network to assist community youth, seniors and families with mentoring, jobs, food and clothing.

In the first year, the City of Toronto recognized SACHAYS with Toronto Champion award for its food delivery program during the pandemic.

One in nine people in and around Toronto struggle with food insecurity, and the SACHAYS team is trying to make a difference. Now in its Second season, Trupti feeds seniors and families in Scarborough, North York and Markham. SACHAYS volunteers cook and distribute 150+ hot vegetarian meals on the second and fourth Thursday of every month. The aim is to increase the frequency as there is a big need in the community.

A benefit concert is being held to raise funds to provide more than 150 meals every week.

Sruti Sangam will be held on Saturday, August 24 at Maja Prentice Theater in Mississauga with unique morning and evening sessions at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.

The morning session features Vinayak Hegde, Vidushi Sanhita Nandi (USA), accompanied by Ravi Naimpally on the tabla and Sushant Anatharam on harmonium.

The evening session features Radhika Baskar on veena in Carnatic style, accompanied by Adhithi Baskar who has honed her skills as a pianist. They will be accompanied by Karthik Venkatraman on the kanjira. This session will be followed by Vidushi Ramneek Singh performing Hindustani classical accompanied by Ravi Naimpally on the tabla and Sushant Anatharam on harmonium.

This session will end with a jugalbandi of Vidushi Ramneek Singh and Radhika Baskar with a presentation of both styles of music, transporting the audience to the realms of raga and rhythm.

The concert celebrates of India’s rich musical heritage, blending ancient raagas with contemporary flair.

Enjoy the music and support a great cause! By supporting Sruti Sangam, you are directly benefitting vulnerable and isolated seniors and families with every dollar raised through this concert going towards the Trupti Free Hot Meals program.

25 discounted tickets of $20 each are reserved for music students on a first-come, first-served basis for each session.

When and where: Saturday, August 24 at Maja Prentice Theater in Mississauga, with unique morning and evening sessions at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm.

More info about SACHAYS at www.sachays.ca.