Ensuring financial dignity for artists is key goal of Rishal Music Trust, says founder

Rishal Music Trust was set up with an aim of preserving and promoting nation’s artistic traditions. Its founder Harvansh Chawla, a distinguished lawyer and passionate advocate for India’s cultural heritage, envisions the Trust as a dynamic platform to nurture and elevate classical musicians, folk artists, and cultural art forms, providing them with recognition, mentorship, and opportunities to thrive in today’s world.

In an interview with the www.thedelhijunction.com, Chawla spoke about the Trust.

Q. Tell us about the trust and its vision, initiatives..

A. Rishal Music Trust was founded with the vision of preserving, promoting and passing on India’s rich legacy of classical music, folk traditions and cultural art forms to the next generation. The Trust focuses on building platforms that connect traditional artists with modern audiences, supporting education, mentorship and documentation of our intangible cultural heritage. Through curated performances, training initiatives and collaborations, the Trust aims to create an ecosystem that keeps art both relevant and revered in today’s fast-changing world.

Q. How do you hope to promote classical musicians, folk artists and cultural art forms?

A. Our approach combines tradition with technology. We plan to organise thematic concerts, artist residency programs, and collaborative festivals while also using digital media to bring these art forms to wider audiences. Additionally, we intend to partner with educational institutions and cultural organizations to integrate classical and folk arts into mainstream learning and community engagement programs.

Q. Tell us about yourself and how you got inspired to start this...

A. I have been a lifelong admirer and patron of Indian art and culture. Deeply inspired by interactions with artists and belief that art forms are the true soul of India, I envisioned the Rishal Music Trust as a bridge between tradition and modernity. The inspiration also comes from the legendary flute and shehnai maestro Pt. Rajendra Prasanna, whose musical lineage embodies discipline, purity, and devotion, values that the Trust stands for.

Q. With money being a concern for those practising art forms, do you hope to get them remuneration and how do you hope to go about it?

A. Yes, ensuring financial dignity for artists is a key goal of the Trust. We aim to build sustainable models through performance sponsorships, cultural collaborations, digital monetisation, and corporate partnerships under CSR initiatives. Our goal is to make art economically viable while maintaining its authenticity and artistic integrity.

Q. Is there any specific genre you are hoping to promote? Any artists you have earmarked?

A. While the Trust embraces all art forms, we place special emphasis on Indian classical music, folk traditions, and regional instruments that are slowly fading from public consciousness. We are in discussions with several young and established artists from various gharanas and folk backgrounds, including those associated with Pt. Rajendra Prasanna’s musical lineage, to initiate our first series of curated performances and mentorship programmes.

Tags : Music, Indian Classical