Voice India Kids

The other day I was lazily browsing through various TV channels to spot something interesting. In my quest to look for entertainment I suddenly paused and stopped from browsing any further. I was bowled over listening to these smart, confident kids who were singing songs of all genre almost effortlessly with a lot of panache and self-assurance. What I was seeing was simply amazing as these kids were prodigies in their own right and confidence, enthusiasm was hallmark of their singing. Not even once they showed any weaknesses while singing or when they were speaking to the judges. Their singing prowess belied their age and their stamp of authority while singing was an inspiration to many. One after the other they came, performed and won many a hearts. I was no exception. While I was enjoying their performances, I had gotten rid of the remote and was glued to the TV not wanting to miss any of the performances. These god gifted kids proved once again that there is no dearth of talent in India and it resides in every possible part of India from well to do to poor families. The most heartening part of this entire spectacle was the support these kids got from their families, friends, society, neighbors. Parents deserve a special mention for supporting their kids no matter what happens. It was a sight to behold when parents were jumping with joy like an excited kid seeing their kids being appreciated by the judges. Tears rolling down their cheeks and the sense of happiness was endearing. Their hard work, dedication, sacrifices, perseverance had borne fruit.

Voice India Muted?

By now I had decided I was not going to watch anything but these kids who singing their heart out. Many a times I had goose bumps when these champions sang something extra ordinary, out of this world. I knew that moment god had taken special time to make these wonder kids who were further molded by their parents and teachers. While I was enjoying the performances something struck me bad, and as a result I was compelled to write this article. A young girl named Menaz Khan took the center stage and gave her best, but unfortunately the judges were not impressed and she failed to qualify. Winning and Losing is part and parcel of life and one must take it in its stride but what made me feel queasy was her story, her losing was rather unfortunate due to circumstances around her. The unfortunate girl is from Ajmer Rajasthan and the society, neighborhood where she stays does not allow girls to sing, dance or practice other hobbies as this is against their religion. Her father narrated his predicament which brought tears to my eyes and many. The poor girl was not allowed to take singing classes and she learnt while listening to the radio or the mobile. Now, what on earth makes someone feel singing is blasphemous or against the religion and not allow the girl to follow her dreams, desires? In doing so the oppressors were thwarting her progress, her wishes and shattering her dreams even before they get wings. The silver lining to the cloud, is her father who fought against the religious diktats and is determined to go to any lengths to see his beloved daughter learn singing and chase her dreams. Hats off to this brave father and may god give him all the strength and success he and his daughter deserves.

Taare Zameen Par

What moved me was, on one side parents, families, neighborhoods were doing everything possible to see their kids shine and get to learn things which they like. They were not leaving a single stone unturned to see their dear ones strive to learn things they loved. They were doing everything possible in their capacity to motivate them, give them confidence, sacrifice their own desires to see their kids dreams fulfilled. Some families were from remotest place in India where there are no facilities where their kids could learn music. They had to daily drive them on bicycle for many kilometers to get in a music school or class, but they had no hard feelings and were ready to put in effort for their kids. For them their kid’s dreams, desires were everything. On the other hand a girl was not allowed to learn music as it was considered sacrilege, her every endeavor to make life worthwhile was being crushed by so called religious diktats and practices. Her dreams to sing were being choked by archaic thoughts and ideas. Her life was being trampled by some insensitive elements. Instead of supporting her wishes they were being crushed ruthlessly. This girl must be considering herself so unfortunate amongst the lot of happy, smiling kids of her age and this was unnerving for me. I hope god gives enough strength to her father so that he can defy all odds and give what is best to his doting daughter. I hope good sense would prevail and no kid is barred from chasing his or her dreams due to any reasons and more so because of religion.