Rita and Shilpa - Taking BIMA's Vision to the Next Level

India has come a long way when it comes to pursuing Western music or even the arts as a career. Yet it's something that only the most daring will pursue with no regard for the consequences.

No day job. It's a struggle, really.

It's a paradigm that a number of generations have respected, and lived by. Along the lines of “Shut up and keep your day job”. For obvious reasons, of course...

One that gives more prominence to an education that isn't inclined to one's interests, if you will, but rather focusing on the harsh reality of making ends meet.

A perceived reality that really has no place in the India we live in anymore...

Trust me, there's nothing wrong with taking a realistic approach to this but if we are to stay true to our inner compass (stemming, rather ironically, from an ancient wisdom that has blossomed from within our borders for the last 2000 years!), then it seems detrimental to ignore our deepest passions, whether they manifest through art, dance or music.

And two of our students, Rita and Shilpa, at the Aamod Centre of Liberal Arts are at the helm of changing things, thanks to what some of us have seen (and believe so passionately in!), and made real by Sreela in her vision for the Bangalore Institute of Music and Art.

Rita, with just a little guidance and in a short period of time, has progressed rapidly, not only working on murals, pottery among other types of artwork but is now being absorbed into the BIMA ecosystem, and will, as a teaching assistant, facilitate classes that pertain to art for keen learners of all ages.
Shilpa, on the other hand, who has dedicated almost 10 years perfecting her piano-playing skills, and having moved on from strength to strength will also take on the challenging role of a teaching assistant.

 So, what's the difference between these two young girls?

It's really superficial. There's a stark contrast in personalities and choice of artistry but they have much more in common than you might think.

Simply put, they have been offered the opportunity of teaching art and music, intangible as these subjects might seem, and breathe Life into it with the exuberance that only young people have on offer.

It's time we stepped up and accept that... not forgetting the teachers who have guided them adequately along the way.

Yes, we've taken the step to offer them a “job”... not something you'll see in corporations let alone music schools anywhere in the country.

We're sure of that... because with the changing times, the way we view things must change – most importantly, with the way we look at education.

For the only thing that is constant is change... and that change will take place with or without our permission! For the better...

One that isn't solely dependent on 'experience' but also thrives on the ideas that only the youth of our country can offer... the 'currency' on which our country can thrive on.

That said, and by definition, a great teacher is one who will continue to be a humble yet enthusiastic student... who understands, especially in the field of art and music, that the race to perfection in their craft has no finish line...

And we find no better individuals as teachers that the Aamod Centre of Liberal Arts offers in art and music than Rita and Shilpa...