An upcoming event in Auckland – Durbar – by Ragas of Devi, a creative art company that promotes art and culture, aims to support differently-abled people.
The musical fundraising event is scheduled for Saturday, November 12, at Dorothy Winstone Centre from 6 pm onwards.
Devi Sobhana, the director of Ragas of Devi, is an established professional singer with roots in South Indian Carnatic music.
Sobhana told Indian Weekender: "It is a unique event with the main purpose of supporting people with disabilities in New Zealand. Unfortunately, there is not much focus on them. So, we wanted to bring this matter to the forefront through this event, where the audience will enjoy different genres of dance and music.”
Sobhana insists that the show's uniqueness, which will see approx 30 artist performing, lies in the fact that it will see art forms from India, the Middle East, South America, NZ and South Africa being put together. “It is an ensemble of the finest forms of dance and music from around the world, from classical and fusion to Bollywood and folklore. It is one of a kind of multi-ethnic dance and music show.
The audience will also enjoy live art on stage along with the music. As a part of bringing the skills of differently-abled people to the mainstream's notice, we will display the products made by them. We will also have a coffee station run by someone with a vision/visual disability.”
Sobhana said the inspiration behind the show, which lasts 3 hours, came when she was introduced to a vocational training centre for the disabled around a year back.
“I have seen physically and intellectually challenged persons trained on hands-on trades by a few vocational skills training centres to the mainstream skills as part of the NZ Enabling Good Lives Principles. I have experienced their passion for what they have been doing (trained on). I found there is not much exposure of them to the general public. I had this in the back of my mind, and I have wanted to support them ever since. "
Sobhana hopes the event will get public support. She says, “I know every individual's life is hectic, and they have their commitments. Still, I request all my fellow beings to help us by buying the tickets and being part of this noble cause. Probably as an individual, we may not be able to make a big difference, but as a group, we can certainly make a positive impact.”
What: Ragas of Devi presents Durbar
Where: Dorothy Winstone Centre (16 Howe Street, Freemans Bay, Auckland 1011)When: November 12’ 2022; 6 pm onwards
Tickets: https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2022/ragasofdevi-presents-durbar/auckland/freemans-bay
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