Sarangi for Peace: Teachers of Sarangi

Background

The Gandharba are Nepal’s only traditional musician caste. According to myth, the original Gandharba descended from the heavens to spread local news, music and songs from community to community. In Hindu mythology the Gandharba were once the winged musicians of the Gods.
Unfortunately, the Gandharbas belong to a caste that belongs to the "dalit" or “untouchables”- a title given to those born into a role that once left them within the socially and economically downtrodden groups of Nepal. Long before Television and the Radio, they travelled from place to place, playing their lively music and spreading news, making them messengers of the nation.

Our ancestors would sing tales with themes ranging from battles and stories of long ago to local gossip, in exchange for a small amount of money or food. We played a significant role in spreading and preserving Nepali culture and folklore. During the unification of Nepal, King Prithivi Narayan Shah utilized the Gandharba people throughout the country to sing in favor
of a united kingdom. Gandharbas further played a diplomatic and tactical role in the formation of Nepal as a united kingdom, by facilitating the transfer of information from one region to another, encouraging cooperation between the different districts that were finally uniting. Throughout Nepali History this has been the case, up until the present day, such as seen in the role played by the Gandharbas in the JANA ANDOLAN of 2006/2007.

The recent advances in modern media communication have displaced our traditional roles. Regular employment as a traditional Nepali folk musician is difficult to both find and secure, despite the fact that our music is a cultural treasure. We have little or no land and, due to poverty, many of us have not received an education beyond primary school. In an effort to find musical employment many Gandharbas have migrated to the main tourist areas of Nepal, hoping to sell an occasional Sarangi as a means of inconsistent income. We have our own
culture, rituals, traditions and lifestyle, which we strive with the meager funds raised from sale of our musical instruments, or the occasional performances, to maintain in a modern, developing, ever more expensive world.

Relying so heavily on tourism as a source of income, most of the Gandharba living and working in the cities are left homeless and food-less during off-peak tourist seasons. Improved shelter, food, clothing, jobs, health and education are urgently required for this group of people to survive, as well as maintain their identity in this busy world. Still we wander form place to place, trying to make a living. Many of us have migrated from the village to the city with families in toe, looking for employment, better living conditions, and a better quality education for their children. The majority of
Gandharbas are illiterate. Job discrimination is common - not a single senior level position in the government is held by a Gadharba. We have been involved in Dalit networks and in several programs involving but we are left out by the Dalit organizatons as well.

According to the census of 2001 AD, the Gandharba population counts approximately 5890. This account, however, is not believed to be accurate but rather an underestimate of the actual number, as it did not take into consideration that Gandharbas are also known by different surnames such as Ranjan, Baikar, Nepali, Gandhari etc.
"Sarangi for peace" The power of music to touch the soul, inspire the mind, and soothe the body is unparalleled. It is directly linked to academic achievement, and its power to inspire is legendary. Every generation throughout history has found a way to create music and has recognized its great
impact.

Music helps improve language skills, math skills, social skills, and self-esteem in our children. Thought processes and creativity levels are enhanced when music is implemented into a child’s life. Learning to play an instrument sets the tone for accomplishment and responsibility. Music opens up the mind in the form of expression and improves listening skills

The SHANTO KOLAGI SARANGI MUSICAL Tour is a global music festival created with the intent to arise social change by uniting people through the Universal language of music.
This global music event creates a platform for cultural dialogue
relating to all cultures and religions inspired by the life of RUBIN GANDHARVA with the support of GANDHARVA YOUTH prolific message of non-violence and multicultural understanding SHANTO KOLAGI SARANGI MUSICAL Tour around the world threading the message of "SHANTI "Tour
through out each event.

In addition to providing humanitarian support by forming partnerships with charitable organizations. The SHANTO KOLAGI SARANGI MUSICAL tours combines the power of music, art and media to call for Peace with featured local artists and well known International stars around
the globe.

Strategic Direction and Goals

GANDHARVA CULTURAL AND ART ORGINATION has set new strategic directions with commitments for 3 years 2009).TO 2012

Expand member organizations to at least 500 and strengthen them.
Promote pro-gandharva polity to ensure Gandharva rights/representation in the mainstream socio-political processes.
Facilitate and provide legal aid to Dalit organizations and community.
Focus on Gandharva women, an Gandharva Children the marginalized ones within the Gandharva communities.
Build national and international solidarity to strengthen Nepalese Gandharva rights movement.
Improve good governance of G.C.A.O and its policy level.
Focus on G.C.AO.'s institutional sustainability and human resource development

Sarangi for Peace

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Teachers of Sarangi

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