Live On – Living in Art Foundation (LiAF)
India’s rich musical heritage has been shaped by generations of talented musicians who have dedicated their lives to their craft. However, many of these veteran artists face challenges in their later years, including financial instability and lack of recognition. The Living in Art Foundation though Live On aims to address these issues and provide support to these invaluable contributors to India’s cultural landscape.
Another facet of the “industrialization” of music in India is the sad plight of indigenous, veteran musicians and allied artists. Once revered as pinnacles of art and spiritual progress, these men and women who have truly and wholly dedicated their entire lives and beings to music, stand even without the chance of a dignified livelihood today. Though a select few who have enjoyed untold fame and fortune due to music still exist, a majority of indigenous artists are today, found to be on the very brink of poverty. They are seen pulling through life with no one for support and lack even basics such as jobs or health insurance to aid them in their autumn years.
The LiAF hopes to offer these truly distinguished individuals, a stable and dignified life, providing them basic security in the form of health insurance in their vulnerable years. We shall endeavour to provide these veteran musicians with part-time employment as music teachers, so they can sustain a living whilst passing their hard-earned knowledge to the next generation.
The Plight of Veteran Musicians
Despite their significant contributions to the music industry, many veteran musicians in India struggle to make ends meet. The commercialization of music has often marginalized traditional artists, leading to limited earning opportunities and job security. As they age, these musicians may face health issues and financial hardships, making it difficult to maintain a dignified standard of living.
We must come together to restore a modicum of peace and dignity to these yesteryear artists. It is said that a person who has lost his purpose is merely a shell of a man, only a shadow of what he truly is. These artists are people who have truly given their body, mind and soul to music, serving of humanity. Yet in our current social model, they have been denied the one thing they were born to do: live the art.
After dedicating their lives to spreading the joy of music far and wide, from your favourite song to the song you played in the car today, their own lives have become void of life’s natural harmony.
The Living in Art Foundation’s Mission
The Living in Art Foundation is committed to preserving India’s musical heritage by providing support to veteran musicians. The organization’s primary goals include:
- Recognition and Appreciation: Honoring the contributions of veteran musicians through public recognition and events.
- Financial Assistance: Offering financial aid to help musicians meet their basic needs and healthcare expenses.
- Healthcare Support: Providing access to quality healthcare services, including medical insurance and treatment.
- Employment Opportunities: Facilitating part-time employment as music teachers, allowing musicians to share their knowledge and earn a sustainable income.
The Importance of Supporting Veteran Musicians
Supporting veteran musicians is not only a moral obligation but also a cultural imperative. These artists have played a vital role in shaping India’s musical landscape, and their contributions should be celebrated and preserved. By providing them with the necessary support, we can ensure that their legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians.
The Living in Art Foundation is working tirelessly to improve the lives of veteran musicians in India. By providing financial assistance, healthcare support, employment opportunities, and recognition, the organization is helping to preserve India’s rich musical heritage. It is imperative that individuals, organizations, and the government come together to support these talented artists and ensure that their contributions are honored and remembered.