The unsung heroes: How an 17-year-old is bringing music education to Mumbai’s slum children with a mobile classroom

Youth is often described as a whirlwind of passion, particularly, when ignited by purpose. Embodying this spirit is Krish Lambah: an 17-year-old Mumbaikar, who defies typical teenage stereotypes. His days are not consumed with trying to stay relevant on social media or fretting over climate change. While most of his (Gen Z) peers are busy navigating adolescence, he is focused on a higher calling: to impart music lessons to children from low-income communities in Mumbai.

What sets this initiative apart is the use of a mobile bus to deliver music lessons. As the bus journeys through the slums of southern Mumbai, it will provide 40-minute learning sessions to children of those regions aged between 4-13. With trained teachers on the ride, young learners will get a chance to explore musical instruments like keyboards, guitars, ukuleles, djembes, tabla and a wide array of percussion tools. Once the 40 minutes are up, the bus will move on to a different location and halt there for the next class.

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However, a mission like this, that is as ambitious as it's compassionate, comes with its own challenges. In an interaction with Midday, Krish discloses that the yearly cost of running this concept bus mounts up to INR 25 lac. In a bid to meet expenses, he has teamed up with two Mumbai-based musicians, Kamakshi and Vishala Khurana, to host a fundraising concert, today evening at Lower Parel.

Music on wheels

Speaking about the bus, Kamakshi tells us, "These music classes are designed to empower children with essential language skills, creativity and socio-emotional growth. We also aim to help them disengage from trouble at home and aid their overall development. One bus as it traverses Simla Nagar, Asha Nagar, EAR, Jai Vakeel, Lotus Worli, Ganesh Murti Nagar, it will impact the lives of 250 children and will operate approximately 12 classes a week."

Vishala adds by saying, "Having grown up in a musical family, we understood the value of it early on in life and it became evident to us that every child should have music in their lives, no matter who they are or where they." While these Gen Zers are determined to take the bus to as many areas as possible in the island city, they are humbled by the daunting budget. Thus, the team has decided to combine the campaign with an Indian classical music concert for people across all age groups.

Krish adds, "This way attendees can look forward to live music, become instrumental in contributing to our society and help raise awareness for this one-of-a-kind music class on wheels." Staying realistic, the trip has set up an online fundraiser with a target of 6 lac to ensure the bus can operate for at least 3 months in the coming year. These funds will be used entirely to enhance and maintain this bus, ensuring that children have a well-equipped space to learn and enjoy music.

Identifying a purpose in music

At the concert, the line-up features Krish, Kamakshi, Vishala and fellow musicians, who are helping out the trio with gig preparations. Krish's journey began in the bustling southern suburbs of Mumbai, where the cacophony of daily life often drowns out the subtle melodies of existence. Growing up in a modest household, Krish was aware of the socio-economic disparities that coloured his city's landscape. Instead of letting these realities limit his aspirations, he channelled his experiences into a mission that aims to make a difference in his surroundings.

As music runs in Krish's family, he was naturally drawn to sonic waves. His mother is a trained Indian classical singer and his sister is a Western music singer/songwriter who sings rock, pop and jazz and also plays the piano. "Not only this, my grandmother also sings and both my mother and grandmother often perform duets. While growing up, I have always been surrounded by music and this laid the foundation of my musical journey."

He elaborates, "I was drawn to music initially and began with the piano, practicing for nearly seven or eight years. Eventually, I switched to drums and have been passionate about them ever since. Music is a profound part of who I am - it shapes my emotions, and I don't think I could exist without it."

Where: Museum of Solutions, Lower Parel
Date: August 8, Thursday,
Time: 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Genre: Indian Classical Music