BLOGS

This year has been a tough one for all of us. The months of lockdown and loss have had a huge impact on society.

Being icon closure of the cultural and spiritual sectors, and social distancing, lockdown, quarantine, home-isolation, led to a heightened need for people to obtain access to, and seek comfort from arts and culture—right at the moment when it was least accessible to them.  

As a Dr, I am fully aware of the physical, mental and emotional effects of Covid-19 lockdown. Impact of Covid-19 pandemic shows that the effects of isolation can be harmful and poses an increased health risk compared to those with good social networking.  

In these unprecedented challenging times many of us have turned to the arts, culture and spirituality for support. Whether it’s trying to paint or trying a new recipe or a virtual singalong or even jamming sessions with family and friends. Along with medicine; arts, creative expression and spirituality also play an important role in therapy and healing. Hara Dance and Arts as undertaken an initiative where we endeavour to provide comfort globally through arts and dance and also showcase talented artists, create platforms to both Artists and public through performances, workshops, etc. In addition, also create an inclusive ‘arts’ environment for the under privileged as well. In response to the pandemic, the cultural landscape has changed vastly and also evolved rapidly.   

Artists and organisations are working together to continue to deliver services which benefit everyone using innovative new technologies. But now this reservoir of talent, expertise and cooperation is being called on with a new sense of urgency in this time of pandemic. The responses of artists and arts organisations, working closely with health professionals, have been innovative and inspiring. They show yet again the central importance of the arts for our health and well being.  

During this pandemic, I have attended several workshops, digital dance festivals, met great Gurus and made many excellent friends from all over the globe and has helped me to retain a positive outlook throughout. Likewise many have also turned to spirituality to seek solace, all the more now and Sandipani Gurukula has already been doing tremendous charitable work in the field of spirituality from several years.

Together, we will also be extending arts and spirituality sessions to the underprivileged as a voluntary initiative which will provide a wholistic approach to them.

Let’s all stay connected during this pandemic, art doesn’t just unify us — it benefits all of us.  

Lastly I would like to pay tribute to all the Covid warriors, key workers and of course we all have been doing our bit in whatever way possible.

— Dr. HEMA VIKAS

LOKAH SAMASTHA SUKHINO BHAVANTHU