Finding ways to cope with the chaos within, to seek solace, or to simply unravel the tangled threads of the mind is a journey many embark upon. However, for 26-year-old Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, hailing from a lineage of renowned Luthiers, the sitar served as a conduit for healing and nurturing mental well-being.
He not only watched his father meticulously craft exquisite sitars for revered musicians like George Harrison from ‘The Beatles’, Pt Ravi Shankar, and many others but also realised the profound impact that the traditional instrument could wield upon one's soul and touch lives.
He recounts how his father didn’t allow him to touch the sitar until he could truly honor and respect its essence.
"It was a form of reverse psychology," he shares with a hint of nostalgia. "Often, when we're told not to do something, the desire to pursue it intensifies. My father instilled in me the importance of reverence towards the instrument. Once I internalised this respect, I found myself inexorably drawn to its melodies,” says Rishab who picked up the sitar at the age of 10 and became one of youngest sitarist of the family to give a solo performance at the NGR Stadium in Houston, Texas, attracting a live audience of over 60,000 people and over 500 million at-home live viewers.
SITAR FOR MENTAL HEALTH
It was during the one of the most challenging phases in his life, that Rishab realised his true calling and discovered how he could use his instrument to touch lives. “The pandemic was where life happened and changed for me. I lost my grandfather, who was like a parent to me.” Struggling to process this profound loss, he battled with anxiety and depression, seeking help to navigate through it all.
“During the pandemic, when finding someone to talk to became difficult, many psychologists and counsellors I reached out to were fully booked. Fortunately, I did meet a psychiatrist who listened to me and advised me to engage in talk therapy and told me to go back to music,” says Rishab.
Having left behind his music and immersed in his own cocoon filled with anxiety and depression, he turned back to the sitar and took to social media platforms to express himself. He conducted live sessions online, sharing his experiences and music. “At first, there were only a few close friends and loved ones joining in, but later, many more people started to participate. They connected with me and found solace in my music. Sharing my life journey with them, I realised how the sitar could help improve mental health,” he says.
And thus, the concept of ‘Sitar for Mental Health’ was born.
THE GOA EVENT
“Whoever would be participating in the event happening in Goa, would realise that these events are multi-sensory immersive experiences that help bridge ancient practices of sound and energy medicine using traditional Indian classical music, designed to invoke states of deep reflection, receptivity, and introspection; and reintroduce the sound of the sitar as a transformational tool,” he says.
The sessions focus on silence and deep listening, gradually incorporating musical improvisation and consciousness development.
One can experience how Rishab with the help of sitar will take the audience on a journey of personal introspection and emotions.
THE WHITE HOUSE PERFORMANCE
In 2022, Rishab received an invitation to present his 'Sitar for Mental Health' set at the annual Diwali celebrations hosted by US President Joe Biden. “It was one-of-its-kind experience. The members were touched as they listened, they realised its profound potential for healing,” he says.
He recalls how they initially requested him to perform standing. However, rooted in his upbringing and understanding, he emphasised that it wasn't merely a performance but an entire experience meant to elevate and uplift ones soul and opted to sit and perform. However, this was one of the proud moments that the young sitarist continues to cherish.
TAKING LEGACY FORWAD
As the youngest disciple of the world icon Pandit Ravi Shankar, Rishab holds dear the words of his mentor. “My guru would always say to me, 'You are the last one to carry forward my legacy.' Not just that, 'You need to carry forward the legacy of your family and yours too. So, find a way you can take all of this forward,'” he reminisces with deep emotion.
Driven by these profound teachings, Rishab channels his passion for the sitar and music to touch lives and advocate for mental health. Each note he plays becomes a testament to his commitment to honor his guru's legacy and bring solace to those in need.
DETAILS
WHERE: Summer House Café, Assagao, North Goa.
WHEN: March 3, 2024
TIMINGS: 8:30 AM TO 11:30 AM
CONTACTS: https://linktr.ee/Rishabrikhiram?fbclid=PAAab9hHLRj1yZSjJUePAWINru2Q21CHsVkzXXccfDIx5W1QJfhNX4qYuKUMw