DEEP EXPRESSIONS THROUGH ART

It is difficult to accept a Person with Disability as one among us. Either they are thought to be less or a burden to the society. But when you see SUNADHA perform and listen to them sing, somewhere down it strikes a chord and you believe that yes, there is, after all no difference just diversity in human manifestation.

SUNADHA, The art and culture vertical of SAMARTHANAM, time and time again, with each of their performances make us believe in all the ‘abilities’ in the ‘disabilities’. It can be just a soulful rendition of a famous song, complete with all the emotions by visually impaired Balasubramanium or the graceful expression by hand gestures, capturing the various hues of a prayer song through dance by the speech and hearing impaired duo Suma and Sridevi.

SUNADHA is just 2 years younger to the parent trust, SAMARTHANAM. Before it evolved into what it is today, it was just a gathering of disabled artistes for performances mainly scheduled in US and UK. Though it was considered as one of the verticals, it did not materialize into a concrete form or into a sustainable model. But slowly as the demand for an artistic outlet for the disabled grew, SUNADHA with the help of a generous corporate started taking shape.

Today, SUNADHA is a full fledged music and dance troupe who practise and perform tirelessly for perfection in their work. Over the past years they have given more than 3500 performances across the world and 70+ performances in the presence of corporate like MICROSOFT, DXC, NIKE, UNISYS,MINDTREE, ABB, GKN AEROSPACE ,HAL, BEL to name a few.

None of these performances were less than the other and the artistes came away with praise and accolades. This platform has turned out to be both therapeutic as the artistes vent out their emotions through song and dance, and a source of livelihood, dignity and respect.

Some of the art forms that SUNADHA embraces, includes but is not limited to:

• Bharatanatyam
• Kolaata Contemporary (Folk),
• Deepanjali (Dance with Diyas)
• Vande Mataram
• Shivam Shankaram Duet
• Medley
• RAP
• Classical & Contemporary movie songs
• Mimicry

Sunadha’s artistes endeavor to bridge the gap in abilities and build experiences gained through travelling the world and associating with people. They go a long way towards building confidence and creating opportunities for economic self-sufficiency. Each stage performance delivered also aids in enhancing the awareness on the inherent abilities and talent of the disabled.

From September 4th to 12th, 2024, Team Sunadha embarked on a landmark journey to Paris, France, showcasing the beauty and depth of Indian classical music and dance on the global stage. Performing at prestigious venues, including the UNESCO headquarters and the Olympic Fan Zone, the ten-member troupe transformed each stage into a bridge between cultures—celebrating diversity, fostering connections, and creating cherished memories.

Debut at the Olympic Fan Zone – September 6, 2024
Sunadha’s Paris debut at the Olympic Fan Zone, 44 Rue Mirabeau, curated by the Indian Conservatory of Paris, offered a vibrant mix of classical and folk traditions from across India. The troupe’s energy and artistry captivated audiences, their applause echoing the passion brought to the stage.

Grand Paris Performance – September 8, 2024
At Parc des Grottes in Juvisy-sur-Orge, the team performed for over 1,000 spectators, including Madam Lamia Bensarsa Reda, Mayor of Juvisy-sur-Orge. The 30-minute performance was met with warm appreciation and emotional responses from the audience.

Highlight at the UNESCO Conference – September 9, 2024
The pinnacle of the tour came at the UNESCO Conference on Handi-Capacité, part of the Congrès Handi-capacité Sport Santé et Travail, where more than 500 international delegates gathered to promote health and disability inclusion. Sunadha’s moving performance transcended language and cultural boundaries, earning standing ovations and heartfelt admiration from global leaders and dignitaries.