When we talk about singing what really comes to mind is a stage, instruments, lights, a crowd, Hollywood and a fanbase. What if we dialled it back a little and told you that a one-minute video recording of you singing can save one life. Sounds ridiculous? Not really! That's what Sing For Humanity — an initiative of Alpha and Omega Theatre Group — is all about.
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The group is coordinating an online competition with participants from around the world sending video recordings of themselves singing. Along with these clips, they donate Rs 100, which will directly be used to help people in need. Once the best videos are posted on Facebook and Instagram, donations from other sources also begin to stream in. While they have worked for other causes in previous years, this year it is all about people who need dialysis.
Thomas John, the convenor of Alpha and Omega, goes on to explain how the initiative works, "We always believed in using talent for the betterment of society. We have been doing this for over three years and Sing for Humanity was an idea that came about to destroy stereotypes relating to Christmas and sort of focus on the humane aspect of Christmas and the joy of giving," he adds, "Online competitions have a wider reach and chances of more individuals participating and believe me when I say that Sing for Humanity has really become big."
Where does all the funding come from? "Each individual participant is asked to pay an entry fee of Rs 100 before sending us videos of them singing, which is solely used for medical funding. Apart from this, we have a corporate funding programme that enables firms to provide the financial support that we need. We also have angel investors who generously contribute for the cause," he explains. Much like Michael Jackson's We Are The World video brought the best singers in the world together, this one's for practically anyone to sing for a cause.
When there are recurring epidemics like H1N1 and cancer, why did they focus on dialysis this Christmas, you may wonder, "Kidney disease is treatable yet not many in the rural areas are able to afford it and most villages contain a certain population that is in need of dialysis. This is where we pitch in and provide for their funding. But we won't stop here. Since Sing for Humanity is a never-ending phenomenon we will also look at supporting cancer patients in the near future," says Thomas.
When singing, one of the many forms of art can be leveraged for the betterment of humanity, why not the other forms of art? Thomas answers this question with a lot of excitement, "Soon, we are looking to add a Dance for Humanity series. We are also looking to launch a 'Your Support for Humanity' programme wherein, each individual is free to use his/her own artistic skill and forward to us video recordings of the same. 2019 is going to be a year for giving and sharing, to those in need."
