Overview.
At Bansuri Foundation, we believe in the transformative power of the arts to inspire, connect, and uplift communities. Indian classical music, dance, and other traditional art forms carry centuries of wisdom and expression, yet they often remain confined to a privileged few. Through our collaborations, we strive to bring these rich traditions to wider audiences, ensuring that their magic is accessible to all.
At the Bansuri Foundation, we see the arts not as luxury, but as necessity—a powerful tool for social change. By supporting initiatives like Baithak and the Hrishikesh Centre of Contemporary Dance, we hope to keep these art forms alive, accessible, and deeply woven into the fabric of everyday life. When art touches lives, it creates not just artists, but empowered individuals and thriving communities.
Baithak Foundation.
Bringing Indian Classical Music to New Audiences with Baithak
Indian classical music has historically been an art form enjoyed by the few. Its depth, beauty, and storytelling have the potential to resonate far beyond elite circles.
Baithak Foundation has been supported by Bansuri Foundation since its inception. We were priveliged to provide the seed funding along with strong encouragement. It was because of this initial nudge, Baithak’s founders, Mandar and Dakshayani embarked on their journey. Since 2016, the Bansuri and Baithak partnership has grown and continues to evolve till date.
Pune Kabir Festival (PKF)
Since the very beginning in 2023, Baithak’s initiative, PKF has been supported by Bansuri Foundation. It is a festival of people. It centres around Indian Sant poetry, bringing it to the forefront of public interactions.
Every year the festival is anchored around a theme. In 2023, the group collectively thought about – Body as a Pot, a metaphor commonly used in Sant poetry. In 2024, they asked the question – What is enough? A question that modern society must contemplate on. In 2025 the festival created the opportunity to dive deep into the idea of Maya as illustrated by many Indian Sant poets. In 2026, PKF is exploring the concept of – Jag Baurana (Mad World).
The production of a beautifully crafted theme booklet for each PKF has also been possible with the support Bansuri Foundation. The booklet is an invitation to introspect and uncover our deepest thoughts. The booklet is also a creative opportunity to meditate on the theme.
Every year, PKF is celebrated in the spirit of community and collaboration, where true partnerships evolve. It is an event, for which Pune public has shown growing support, with participation numbers on the rise, annually.
From 2016-2022, Bansuri has supported Baithak initiatives
Live Performances in Schools
Imagine the curiosity of a child hearing the haunting strains of a sarod or the rhythmic magic of a tabla for the first time. Baithak brings live classical music performances into low-income schools, where students not only listen but interact with the artists, ask questions, and gain an early appreciation for this profound art form. For many musicians, these sessions have been some of the most fulfilling performances of their careers.
Music Training and Value Building
Beyond performances, Baithak introduces structured music appreciation and training sessions for youth at community centers like Sunrise and Deep Griha. These sessions include vocal and instrumental lessons, films, and even breathing exercises. But more than technique, they impart patience, concentration, and gratitude—values that shape character and enrich lives.
Supporting Visually Impaired Musicians
At Pune’s Blind Girls’ School, Baithak’s trainers have worked closely with 20 visually challenged students, helping them prepare for advanced Gandharva Sangeet Mahavidyalaya exams. These young musicians, equipped with nuanced training, now have the skills to pursue professional careers, proving that music transcends all barriers.
Creating Educational Resources
To further integrate Indian classical music into mainstream education, Baithak has developed teaching aids and published beautifully illustrated books on the lives of legendary musicians, making this heritage more accessible and engaging for young learners.
…..and beyond
Hrishikesh Centre of Contemporary Dance (HCCD).
Expanding expression with Hrishikesh Centre of Contemporary Dance (HCCD)
Dance, like music, has the power to transform lives. It is for everyone, regardless of age or background. The Centre bridges the traditional with the contemporary, creating spaces for self-expression, inclusivity, and innovation. Bansuri Foundation has proudly supported several of its groundbreaking projects that celebrate movement as a language of resilience and joy.
Prayatna Film & Dance Festival
In 2019, we supported the 10th edition of this HCCD festival, a vibrant celebration of traditional and contemporary Indian dance. The event showcased diverse styles, including unique performances that incorporated puppetry into contemporary movement, challenging boundaries and inspiring new perspectives. Their program welcomed individuals from marginalized communities, fostering confidence and creativity through movement. The culmination, a heartwarming performance titled “And So I Dance!” featured dancers ranging from 10 to 91 years old, each telling their own story through movement.
Movement can heal. In a deeply moving collaboration, young dancers from Deep Griha Society and 28 individuals with Parkinson’s Disease came together to share their journeys through dance. This initiative proved that movement is not just performance—it is therapy, connection, and a testament to the human spirit.
Duration of support:
2016 – ongoing
Funding provided by:
Charanjit Rai | Jawaharlal Nehru Hockey Tournament
Honoring a Legacy, Empowering a Future
People’s Empowering Movement
A Shared Vision for Empowerment
