Swapnali Deelip Gaikwad from Latur, Maharashtra, is a classical singer trained under the tutelage of a renowned Classical Singer Pt Suryakant Gaikwad. Swapnali came up with the idea of teaching classical singing at affordable prices to expatriates who are interested in learning classical singing. To pursue this, she used digital platforms properly and published ads on popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram within a small budget. It helped her reach many people around the world. Eventually, the business showed growth, leading her to start running a virtual singing academy called “Rhythm Music Studios”. So, far she has taught about 100-150 students. Currently, she mentors more than 80 students globally in countries like; USA, UK, United Arab Emirates, and even Pakistan.
At a very young age, she became a taxpayer and now she pays 40,000+ tax yearly to the Indian government, and it’s something she takes immense pride in. Swapnali even emphasizes how Indians take India wherever they go and how its culture and music play an important role in it. Swapnali says, “When we seek our skills, we automatically preserve our culture.” However, the lack of infrastructure and astronomical charges has bereft many of any opportunity.
“Due to covid19, many people got socially isolated due to which they are suffering from various mental health issues like loneliness, depression, anxiety, stress, fear and Hindustani classical music can be used as a medicine to tackle these problems” – Swapnali Gaikwad.
Music is recreational. Cooped up in the four walls of our houses, music has been a great companion that has kept many people sane during the initial days of the lockdown. Suffice to say, we have become very health conscious after the outbreak of COVID-19. Swapnali’s music also acts as a medium to a healthy lifestyle as her course includes various breathing exercises. Her teaching reduces certain stress hormones and, in her words, “accentuates the levels of some immunity related-factors”. Classical singing not only keeps you rooted in your culture but also imbibes healthy lifestyle choices.
