Mumbai: For children who spend much of their time in hospital wards, special schools or navigating disabilities, structured access to music can offer more than an extracurricular activity. Mumbai-based initiative Sur Saathi, founded by youngster Navya Mundhra, is using choirs, percussion and music therapy to create spaces where children can participate, perform and build confidence.
The initiative works with children with special needs, those undergoing cancer treatment, visually impaired children and children from under-resourced communities. It also conducts music sessions at old-age homes.
Unlike one-off musical performances or wellness programmes, Sur Saathi follows a regular engagement model, with children returning for structured sessions and gradually moving from basic musical activities to group performances.
One of its programmes, Tactile Instrument Exploration, introduces children with motor and cognitive disabilities to hand drums, shakers and other percussion instruments. The sessions focus on sensory engagement and participation, allowing children to explore rhythm and sound through simple instruments.
The initiative also conducts Inclusive Music Choirs, where children participate in group singing irrespective of their level of musical training. The sessions are designed around participation, rhythm and listening rather than conventional measures of musical performance.
For some participants, the programme also provides an opportunity to perform before an audience. At events such as the Festival of Choirs, children who may otherwise be identified primarily through their disability or medical condition take part in public performances alongside other participants.
Sur Saathi’s work also extends beyond performance through music therapy sessions in paediatric cancer wards, special schools and old-age homes. The sessions are adapted to the needs of participants and can range from guided musical activities to quieter interactions aimed at creating a more engaging environment.
The organisation also runs an instrument donation initiative in Mumbai, collecting unused instruments from households. Harmoniums, guitars, violins, keyboards and other instruments are refurbished where required and distributed to children who may not otherwise have access to them.
According to Sur Saathi, the initiative has so far reached around 300 children and awarded 20 scholarships. What began with Mundhra has grown into a team of 11 student mentors, including vocalists, violinists, a percussionist and a guitarist.
Teachers and mentors involved with the programme say the regular music sessions have helped children develop confidence and social interaction alongside musical skills.
“Music has the power to transform lives, and Sur Saathi is making that happen,” said piano teacher Kenrick Drago.
Tatum of Vocal Studio By Tatum said the programme had helped children develop musical skills while also building confidence and joy.
Violin teacher Gopal Chakravartty said music also gave children an opportunity to understand and regulate their emotions and develop the ability to listen and connect with others.
For Mundhra and the team, the initiative sits at the intersection of arts education and inclusion. Its programmes seek to make structured music experiences available to children who may have limited access to conventional arts education.
The initiative remains relatively small, but its model is built around sustained engagement rather than isolated events. With student mentors and donated instruments expanding its reach, Sur Saathi is seeking to make music a regular part of the lives of children for whom access to arts education is often limited.
