Artists 'unlimited'

Talent is never limited by the constraints of physical disability. This was recently proved by the students of SWS (Stick With String) Studio who performed in full flourish – classical and Western music, Indian and fusion dance, instrumental and in rock bands – at the Sri Ram Centre auditorium in Delhi.

 More than 500 audience members, including their proud family members and teachers at SWS, watched as they defied all notions of being ‘disabled.’      

 Stick with Strings Studio is an institute of performing arts. It was started in 2007 by a team of youngsters to educate people in various arts – singing, dancing and acting.
 It has three centres in Delhi-NCR – Neb Sarai, Pushp Vihar and Greater Noida – and has been taking a large number of differently-abled students under its wings too.

 Its director Rahul Kumar informs Metrolife, “We started ‘Ek Prayas’ in 2010. It is an effort to draw out the talent hidden in the differently-abled amongst us. Even with so much awareness these days, people have a problem conceiving them as ‘performing artists.’ However, the truth is that they are extremely hardworking and can carry a whole show on their shoulders.”

 “Alongside, we conduct the ‘Ek prayas’ award ceremony too where we honour the meritorious differently abled students in our batches. The aim is to give a boost to their morale as well as highlight their talent so that they are easily catapulted to the world of arts and cinema.”

 It is noteworthy that SWS promotes students to various reality shows and live events.
 Apart from this, SWS is also planning to create young fusion based bands so that they can reach higher platforms like Leapfrog by MTV Coke studio.

 Like the past two editions, Ek Prayas 2013 was also a grand event. This time the chief guest was TD Dhariyal, Deputy Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, GoI.
The students of various ages started with classical dance performances like Odissi and Hindustani classical vocal, moving on to Western and instrumental music and rock band performance. They were cheered on by their parents, teachers and various luminaries in the field of arts.

 Lastly, the best performers were also awarded by Deepti Sharma, a renowned radio and TV artist.

 Rinku, who was judged as the 2nd best performer in group performance exclaimed, “Music has changed my life. The singer in me will only rise higher now.”