Karnataka’s first and only band which comprises only blind persons is all set to release their maiden music album.
Called as the IDL Blind Band, their first album would be a tribute to matinee idol, Dr Rajkumar. The album which would be called as Dr Raj Saveinenapugalu will comprise the songs of the matinee idol, played by the band.

Music binds
The band comprises only visually challenged persons, who used synthesisers. ach of the band members are given a walkman using which they listen to the songs they have to play. Later the music is transcribed into Braille which the band make use during their practice sessions.

Financial constraints
Sponsored by the IDL foundation, an NGO, the band has a repertoire of 250 songs in various languages.
The 13 members of the band, including two women, say that earlier they needed five days before mastering any song, but now with practice, they can do it in two hours.  Manohar, a band member has the distinction of being the only only visually challenged guitarist in Karnataka. The band hopes to compose their own songs in their future.
Apart from stage performances, the band has also played for the Indian cricket team, at Infosys and also for the army jawans. P K Paul, the band’s promoter says that he looks around in the state for visually impaired persons who have a penchant for music. He also says that he has a goal of creating at least 500 jobs for the blind.
Although the new album is ready, the band is unable to release it in the market due to financial constraints. Paul says that Rs 1.35 lakh is needed to release the album and they have managed to collect just Rs 60,000.
DHNS