Mumbai: SPIC MACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) Mumbai, held its first advisory Board Meeting of ‘Meeting of Minds’ at the Conference Room of Lok Bhavan, Mumbai, bringing together the Governor of Maharashtra, Jishnu Dev Varma, distinguished members of the Advisory Board comprising of Educationists, Bureaucrats, Corporate leaders, Cultural personalities and well-wishers of the movement. The meeting provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and discussion on ideas and initiatives to take the SPIC MACAY movement forward, particularly in the run-up to its Golden Jubilee Year in 2027 and beyond.
The meeting was held under the gracious patronage of Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra, who addressed the gathering and shared his encouragement and support for SPIC MACAY’s continued endeavor to bring India’s rich cultural heritage closer to the younger generation.
Dr. Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY and a Padma Shri awardee, shared his vision for the organisation, reflecting on its journey so far and speaking about the significance of the forthcoming Golden Jubilee Year in 2027, which will mark 50 years of SPIC MACAY’s efforts to sensitise the young people about Indian classical music, dance and other forms of intangible cultural heritage.
Presenting on ‘Our Classical Arts – Curative, Creative, and More,’ Dr. Seth spoke about how classical music sharpens cognitive function and creativity, citing thinkers from Albert Einstein to A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Rabindranath Tagore who credited it with shaping their work, alongside research linking music education to stronger academic performance and emotional wellbeing in students. He also spoke of the therapeutic power of Indian ragas in easing stress and anxiety, proposing that schools play Carnatic and Hindustani music at set points in the day — matched to the traditional time cycle of ragas, and in place of the bell for period changes — as a simple, time-tested way to build focus and calm in students.
Dr. Seth emphasized that by forming the Advisory Groups at state levels we aim to strengthen the partnership with the government and forge a closer collaboration at every level, from state chapters to national policy. The intention is for a deeper reach to carry the same intensity of programming beyond the metros, to schools that rarely see this exposure.
This will also enable the next generation to step in to shape and run the movement. What is essential is to have a louder social media voice, so the movement is discovered as much as it is joined.
The Advisory Board Meeting was followed by a concert at Darbar Hall, Lok Bhavan, featuring internationally acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist Begum Parween Sultana, a Padma Bhushan Awardee. Her evocative performance offered the audience an immersive experience of the depth, beauty and spiritual resonance of Indian classical music.
The concert was attended by over 200 students from 18 different schools across Mumbai and the surrounding area, along with distinguished guests, cultural enthusiasts, teachers and members of the SPIC MACAY fraternity.
For the young audience, the concert provided a unique opportunity to experience the richness of Indian classical music and connect with a living tradition of India’s cultural heritage.
The programme brought together dialogue, vision and artistic excellence, reaffirming SPIC MACAY’s enduring mission to inspire young people through direct exposure to India’s diverse cultural traditions and to create a deeper appreciation of the arts and their timeless values.
SPIC MACAY expressed its gratitude to Jishnu Dev Varma, Governor of Maharashtra, for his gracious patronage and encouragement, to all distinguished attendees, Advisory Board members, supporters, volunteers, schools, students and members of the audience whose presence contributed to the success of the programme.
About SPIC MACAY:
SPIC MACAY (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is apolitical, non-profit, voluntary movement dedicated to increasing awareness and appreciation of Indian classical music, dance, folk traditions, crafts and other aspects of India’s cultural heritage particularly among young people.
Founded by Dr. Kiran Seth, SPIC MACAY will mark its Golden Jubilee in 2027, celebrating 50 years of the movement’s effort to preserve India’s intangible tradition and enhance quality of education through arts.
