BY DR. ANURADHA S IYER
COIMBATORE , 10 JUNE 2023:
Mumbai-based JSS Academy and GAYNAGC have devised a novel way of providing financial support to the underprivileged, as well as, the differently-abled members of society. Both the organisations have been using innovative ways to generate funds for their social cause mainly by utilising the singing prowess of their members and staging shows. The shows are open to audiences without any charges. The fund raising activities are undertaken on special occasions and the proceeds raised are diverted for helping the needy.
After a modest beginning in 2015 with just five members, the academy provides a platform for more than 70 amateur singers today. The Academy is all set to stage it’s 100 th show at the Mysore Association auditorium on July 8, 2023, after the successful performance at the prestigious Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeeta Sabha in May 2023. The unique feature of JSS Music Academy, which sets it apart from hundreds of other similar ventures, is the pure unadulterated love for music which remains intact till date.
Since music transcends all barriers and is pursued as a hobby by scores of people, immaterial of their singing prowess, the academy has taken this to the next level by entwining the singing ability of its members with the social cause. This unique concept of ‘singing for a social cause’ was made possible by the joint untiring efforts of KV Laxminarayan (Lax), as well as Dr Ramnath Iyer Ashok (RIA), who incidentally are the founder members of JSS Academy and GAYNAGC respectively. The group firmly believes that their members, most of whom are amateur singers, need to follow the acronym ‘Gaana Aaye Ya Na Aaye Gaana Chahiye’ and that sums up the basic concept of the existence of the group. The pull and mission of the Academy is such that prominent celebrities like Mr Raju Shreshta, famous Child Artist of Bollywood and a supporting star of Bollywood and TV, Smt Hemlata, well known playback singer of Akhiyon ke jharokhon se fame, Mr Ranjit Gazmer (Kancha) – the well known Madal player and Mr Amritrao Katkar, the Reso reso artiste from Pancham da’s musical group, have all graced various programmes of the Academy with their presence.
JSS Music Academy has been a boon for all those who loved to sing but had no idea of how to present this talent as a stage performer. These students of music range from young children to talented teens to young and not so young adults as well as senior citizens. The common factor binding this motley group of people together is their love for music and their desire to brush up their singing skills and present it before an audience. This collaborative effort started with RIA who nurtured a desire to conduct a stage show with a small group of passionate music lovers. Lax too shared the mindset and thus was born the concept of GAYNAGC, with the basic objective of ensuring that all aspiring singers had access to a platform to showcase their talent. The idea took off in a big way and slowly but surely, more people got attracted to this venture. After about three years of collaborative stage events with other banners, GAYNAGC positioned themselves to function independently by setting up a training centre named JSS Music Academy, whose main aim was to offer intensive and comprehensive training in stage singing to all aspiring passionate singers. The Academy has now grown into a popular destination for all those who may or may not be formally trained in music but look for an opportunity to perform on stage.
RIA is an MD in Gynaecology, who had been a part of the Public Health Dept attached to the prestigious KEM Hospital in Mumbai wherein he had played multiple roles. Lax is a retired software professional. The power of social media brought these two individuals together with their shared passion for movies and music. During its initial phase, GAYNAGC Entertainments was supported by Dr Shantanu Das and Mr V Venkat. Mr Dilip Apte continues to be one of the major torch bearers of the Academy. Another extremely passionate music lover and aspiring singer, Mrs Rajashree Gopal joined the Academy in 2016, closely followed by a classically trained vocalist, Mrs Bhagyam Padmanabhan, daughter of renowned music teacher Sangeetha Bhushan (Late) Shri T.S. Krishnaswami, both of whom helped to create a strong foundation for the Academy to grow and spread its wings. Some more invaluable motivation and encouragement came from the late Mr Krishna Nathan, Mrs Lakshmi Nathan and Mrs Lalita Lax which strengthened the Academy immensely.
Training sessions are conducted at Dr Ramnath’s home studio, which boasts of state-of-the-art equipment designed to give the students a thorough professional experience and a complete insight into the various aspects of stage singing such as microphone etiquette, pitching, voice throw, etc.
JSS has grown in stature from being a fledgeling jamming group to a professionally run Academy due to the sheer dedication, immense talent and passion of its founder members and the hard work and enthusiasm of the core members of the Academy. Their efforts have borne fruit and made the Academy a well-known and loved name amongst music loving members of the public. JSS has, in the past, been bestowed with the pride and honour of performing shows for the Indian Airforce, the Police force and Rotary clubs amongst many others.
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