Financial support for musicians and/or their families

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 10 Sep 2013, 20:01

In the thread on a new rasikas.org award http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21779 there was a discussion about helping musicians and their immediate families with a monetary donation supported by our members.

I am personally not in favor of centrally organized efforts. Though it can work in some cases, it takes too long, mired in beuracracy and consensus forming etc.

Here is my proposal.

If you as an individual would like to help a musician or musician's family in need, make a personal commitment of monetary donation to that musician or family. Write about the situation at hand and make a case and request others to join you in that aid. So you are acting as a sponsor for this individual's cause and making a pitch however brief while publicly stating that you are personally helping as well. You need not disclose the exact amount. Optionally, you can also suggest the amount you are thinking of raising in total. In true kickstarter style, where appropriate, you can offer some incentives like arranging for a meeting with the person, or getting to view the house they lived in or look at their music books etc. Again these are all highly dependent on individual cases.

People can make a public commitment to support you in this thread or they can do that by email. This way, it is completely voluntary on our members, people can do this anonymously if they so choose and the whole thing is organized as informally as we can so we get it done faster and without any central authority managing the accounts etc.

Each campaign/situation is separate and managed by the sponsor. The forum just acts as the social network for this purpose. The success of a particular fund raising effort by a sponsor pretty much depends on the reputation of that person.

This can be done in a semi-public fashion as well. For those cases, when the sponsor does not want to publicly disclose the musician's name or family, he/she can still write about the situation while redacting the name. Members can then contact the sponsor through email to know more information.

Let me narrate my own personal experience with the financial hardships faced by my guru over the last decade and a half of his life. I tried to help as much as I can over those years. Sometimes it is a medical emergency or sometimes the roof of his old house was leaking so badly that it was pretty much unlivable or a more chronic need of needing money for food and clothing. I was not quite public with it but reading between the lines of some oblique references I made, a member who wishes to remain anonymous offered to send some money to help out. I was floored by that gesture. I was expecting a small amount which definitely would be helpful. When I received the check, I was dumbfounded. It was 20 times more than I expected. You can imagine how much of a help that was, even though it was a one time thing.

Nick, I know you have a situation like this you are dealing with. I also know you do not want to publicly disclose too much details about the family for obvious reasons. See if you want to try this method to get things started using the semi-private approach I alluded to above. If you are not comfortable with it, that is perfectly understandable.

Please treat the above not as prescriptive but just as an outline of the general approach. Amend the details of the methods as it suits specific situations.

Just to be sure, this is not officially supported or managed by rasikas.org. The sponsor is a member in good standing here with a good reputation and will manage a particular campaign by themselves. For whatever reason, if things did not work out or there was friction, the sponsor takes full responsibility for it and not this site or its administrators and moderators.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 10 Sep 2013, 21:43

Dear friends,

A group Insurance policy can be one of the ways of supporting musician's family due untimely death.This needs the cooperation from all the musicians.A tie up with LIC or another insurance agency would be required.Generally this policy is beneficial and many organizations adopt this method.This would be more methodical and uniform benefit will accrue.A nominal monthly SIP towards this as contribution by the musicians to the Insurance company.
Instead of any individual trying to help,this will be a better method and Sri N Ravikiran's help to form this body may be explored.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 10 Sep 2013, 22:20

hnbhagavan: That sounds like a good idea as well.

We should do both. Your idea, if and when implemented, scales well and doing it individually provides for targeted support for specific persons and it is quite flexible. I do not know enough to organize the insurance thing and I request someone else to take the lead on that. If appropriate, you can start a separate thread for it to give it focus.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 11 Sep 2013, 05:31

Hello vasanth,

The group insurance idea has to be worked out in detail.An association of the musicians should be formed.I request other members of the forum to respond.
Sri Nageswaran,Sri R Sachi and those well acquainted with music circles are required to participate.Once the association is formed and registered,LIC can be approached and other modalities can be worked out.

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 11 Sep 2013, 10:19

Bhagavan,
Good idea, sir.

I feel this subject has three components:
1. Cash assistance - one time, occasion-based...best is that a rasikas.org member sponsors the request and posts as much detail in a thread as admissible given the sensitivities. Others respond directly by email to that member and send in to him contributions. The entire one time process is managed by that member. If there is any future complaint etc., that will be posted to the moderators/a small committee who will look into the matter.
2. Health Insurance. I think the best for this is a 20:80 split between musician and rasikas.org and rasikas.org can raise a corpus to pay the premiums. This will require management by a committee. But I feel this can leverage numbers and have a great impact.
3. life insurance and pension for families. This is I think another subject like sponsorship because several individual factors are involved in each case. But Rasikas.org can intercede with LIC and create an attractive policy which can be accessed in future directly from LIC or from rasikas.org thread.

All things are possible. We have to commit time, money and some efficient effort.

Finally we have to walk the talk.

munirao2001 · Post by **munirao2001** » 11 Sep 2013, 10:32

Individual efforts, supported by like minded individuals or group(s) does help the cause. Shri Raghavendra Rao, founder of Ananya, in Bengaluru already doing great work in this cause through Arogyadhara scheme, with the support of like minded donors and the medical practitioners. Well over hundred artists have benefited out of this scheme. This initiative with proven good results and many such initiatives should received individual and collective help. Immensely popular-crowd pullers-celebrity musicians should themselves come forward to hold fund raiser concerts regularly to raise the funds and contribute to their fellow and needy artists.
Maharajapuram Santhanam, through his trust had contributed to this cause. Smt.Sudha Raghunathan also has a trust and contributes. Cleveland Sundram also had contributed
I have mentioned only few acts of generosity and commitments. There might have been many such actions.
Rasikas should support such good initiatives directly and indirectly by ensuring sold out events of cause mentioned above.
munirao2001

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 11 Sep 2013, 10:48

Here is the website of Ananya Arogyadhara:
http://www.ananyaculture.in/#!__arogyadhara

They have done great work.

What I have in mind is a more comprehensive extensive health insurance program supported by rasikas.org

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 11 Sep 2013, 12:05

Sri R Sachi,

As proposed by you,Rasikas.org members can contribute as per each one's strength.However a minimum amount may be fixed.

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 11 Sep 2013, 12:51

Yes.. Let us see about the details. Lots of work to be done in any case.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 11 Sep 2013, 15:46

Thank you, VK.

I'll write more about the 80-plus widow for whom my wife and I would be grateful of any contribution, even a few thousand rupees, later.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 11 Sep 2013, 17:41

It is heartening to see Music fraternity joining to help the needy families of musicians in distress..

Can one time payment can bring relief to them? especially when prices are soaring....
Make a one time payment and forgetting may not bring solace..

can we think of monthly pension like payment...? out of the donations etc.,

It is only loud thinking...

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 11 Sep 2013, 20:44

Dear Rasikas,

I noted Sri venkatakailasam's comment.There are many categories among musicians.Some are earning extremely well.Hence a gradation in the categories are required.
The idea is to help in case of medical exigencies where the hospitalization/operation expenses are out of reach of certain category of musicians.A group insurance is ideal for this purpose as well as lump sum assistance in case of untimely death.The aim of this exercise is not for monthly payment.
However monthly payment to certain musicians after their active career is over can be thought of.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 13 Sep 2013, 08:46

Dear Rsachi,

Looks like this is not generating enthusiastic response.

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 13 Sep 2013, 08:57

Dear HNBh,
I am doing some homework on health insurance. Will report in 2 weeks.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 13 Sep 2013, 10:08

Dear Rsachi,

Thank you

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 13 Sep 2013, 14:55

fellow members,

I don't feel comfortable with parading the poverty of my suggested subject in this public place. her name, and that of her late husband, is known to VK and VKV. I don't want to cause embarrassment to her, or to her family, or to the name of her late husband. Of course, I can tell anybody who enquires privately, and the 'send email' function of this site does work.

She is more than eighty years old. Her husband died in the early part of last year. He had not bought any property or saved in the years of his musical success. He did not lead a healthy lifestyle, and that, combined with increasingly serious deafness made concert offers in the last years of his life few and far between. It also meant that he was unable to fall back on teaching, although he was able to take students again towards the end.

She has a daughter who lives with her and takes care of her. Due to her mother's poor health, the daughter is unable to stay in full employment although she would dearly like to. The widow moved from her previous home to stay with a son, but this is not at all satisfactory. She and her daughter need a place of their own, even if it is only one or two rooms with kitchen and bathroom, which is all they had for some years past. She also needs to be in the Mylapore area where she knows people. She gets some help each month from us to enable her to pay a couple of thousand rent, and in medical emergency we have helped also. She also has some help from one musician in her family, and an occasional contribution from one abroad.

She needs finance for a modest new home, and the assurance that she will be able to meet the rent. On top of that she needs to meet her small requirements of living. How poor people here manage on a few thousand a month is still something of a mystery to me. It will be less so to those who have grown up here. They will also know how very, very much tougher it has become in recent years with rents that used to be in hundreds now in thousands and all prices increasing fast.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 13 Sep 2013, 20:42

A sad story indeed!
There must be thousands like that at Chennai - and millions in India. The (late) husband being a musician does not make any difference for charity. This is a societal problem and the long-term solution is to build up community support. What about agencies like "udhavum karangaL" who do commendable service? She must be getting minimal old age pension and assistance from the TN Govt?

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 13 Sep 2013, 21:28

Nick's post #16 is indeed according to the model I mentioned in my post #1. Let us call this a pilot and see if it works.

As I have stated before, this is not an officially sanctioned rasikas.org effort. I can not stress that enough. rasikas.org is not responsible for any grievances people may have either now or later. This is applicable to this case and also to any subsequent ones. My advice to members is to do proper due diligence and satisfy yourself before making any financial contribution. Rasikas.org or its administrators have not done that due diligence and they do not endorse the authenticity of it.

Nick is the sponsor, he has outlined the situation in a semi-public manner and he has been contributing money to this issue. Now it is up to others who wish to help out to gather more information from Nick and coordinate the rest of the logistics with him. I do not want much of a public discussion about this specific case in this thread at rasikas.org except for matters that are of general interest which are useful to other people who might want to contribute. The sponsor ( Nick ) can post at a later time a report about how it went if he so wishes.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 14 Sep 2013, 17:23

It seems that a group insurance scheme for musicians is in operation since 2005! And already over 133 musicians have participated in the scheme...
Check this article: http://newindianexpress.com/cities/bang ... 312527.ece

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 14 Sep 2013, 17:28

Also, at least as far as I am concerned, there is no obligation and no judgement here, only absolute freedom. Everybody has their commitments, and even if they do not, they still have choice.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 14 Sep 2013, 17:41

Post # 19 is interesting.
Sri Rsachi - This is ideal if already existing.
The scheme can be further strengthened,However contact point is required.

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 14 Sep 2013, 22:11

Let me try and find out more.

chitravina ravikiran · Post by **chitravina ravikiran** » 16 Sep 2013, 08:20

hnbhagavan wrote:Dear friends,

Instead of any individual trying to help,this will be a better method and Sri N Ravikiran's help to form this body may be explored.

I just got to see much of this thread only now. There is a bit of history to this, which may help rasikas to plan this better. In 1980s, the ITC (a major cigarette company) had taken the initiative to propose an All India Music Forum with about 10 CM and HM artistes. I was a part of the very first meeting and it included Shri LGJ, TNS, Maharajapuram Santanam, TVS, UKS, Vellor Ramabhadran sir etc and we discussed setting up such funds. Nothing materialised and the group dissolved as consensus could not be generated even on modalities for annual membership. The next meeting was a much bigger body of 100+ artistes called the Carnatic Musicians' Forum and again the body could not do too much by way of group welfare as meetings were marred by frequent non-agreements about almost any subject.

Subsequently, I formed the International Foundation for Carnatic Music in 1990 or so, with about 150 top and popular artiste, organisers and music lovers supporting it. Shri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer being its first member and president. Soon after, we set up the Musicians' Benevolent Fund about which, some info is available in the link below.

http://ifcm.ravikiranmusic.com/projects.htm

My model for this was the Cricketer's Benevolent Fund set up in Sharjah which started giving substantial rewards for top cricketers who had contributed a lifetimes' worth to the sport. I believed strongly even then (and continue to) that most artistes prefer a one time large award which they can use as they deem fit. But in certain cases, we have also given monthly payments/smaller awards. I also discuss Group Insurance etc with United India Insurance group but most such schemes included artistes' participation also and lots of coordination... Due to professional commitments, I only give the MBF when I find time and artistes who need that kind of support but an annual, structured event is definitely better.

Probably, the best thing that http://www.rasikas.org can do is to merge the MBF formula with the proposed Rasika Award (in some other thread) and give at least a few lakh rupees to the Awardee once a year. It's quite nominal in real terms with Rupee being what it is today...

Monies can be collected easily through ONE or TWO Fundraiser concerts by crowd-pulling stars touring USA or other countries. I'm positive that almost any artiste will agree to do such a concert at nominal cost given the cause.

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 16 Sep 2013, 08:34

Ravikiran has given additional muscle and it is worth considering and incorporating in rasikas award.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 16 Sep 2013, 09:08

Ravikiran,
You don't stop to amaze us--as a super musician, scholar 'and' organizer (your brother's speciality).

Thanks to you, not only for participating in a constructive way as a Rasikas.org member, but also for sharing your knowledge about the nitty gritty.

Your point about one time financial awards sounds practical as opposed to monthly allowances--which need a lot of time, effort and commitment from volunteering members at Rasikas to carry it all out..

We also have to go by the statement that Rasikas.org expects that members become sponsors, and use the forum for communication. It does not want to get involved in the logistics of carrying out the responsibilities of finding the awardees and seeking ways to carry out the collection of funds. Fair enough...

You share your experiences about how difficult it is to achieve any goal when people disagree on most things. As a result, things don't get done! The simpler, the better, it seems.

I am sure other members of Rasikas.org are taking enough interest in thinking over this. For all the enthusiasm we so far have seen, for it to bear fruit, we need 'doers' and donors!

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 16 Sep 2013, 11:20

Dear Rasikas,

I have seen the thread by Sri Ravikiran and if Rasikas.org and MBF merge,a substantial amount as assistance can be given.But still it does not provide for a medical scheme
which any of the member artists can make use of.The award will be an annual affair and may not consider any exigencies.My thinking is that there should be a medical insurance scheme with participation from a good number of hospitals.The premiums should be substantial less than the standard medical insurance and this should be met by Rasikas.org members on annual basis.The artists should be made members and each one is issued with a card for identification.With this card,the musician and direct dependents get exclusive medical facilities.
Sri RSachi is also studying this aspect and with the help of like minded musicians like Sri Ravikiran,a good scheme and a tie up with hospitals and Insurance company can emerge.
The scheme should not depend on members contribution each year.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 16 Sep 2013, 12:41

The Government of Tamil Nadu has an Insurance Scheme under which all members of a family with an annual family income of less than Rs.72,000/- can get comprehensive health care. This would be of great help to members of the family of musicians (in Tamil Nadu) with annual income below the prescribed level.

Check this for details of the scheme :-
http://www.cmchistn.com/eligibility_en.html

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 16 Sep 2013, 13:21

Dear Sri Pratyaksham Bala,

I think this thread is not taking the intended course.Several schemes exist,but for the great service rendered by musicians,there is a need for an exclusive scheme.
There should be some reward for the musicians without a scheme which has a lot of red tapism built into the system.We know how such general schemes are administered compared to a good medical insurance scheme.

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 16 Sep 2013, 14:16

hnbhagavan:

The idea is to highlight the schemes that are already available!
Many (musicians included) are not aware of the LIC group insurance which is in operation since 2005. Similarly many deserving musicians may not be aware of the TN comprehensive health care scheme. Till the time an ideal scheme exclusively for musicians comes into force, they can think of making use of these.

So, the intention is not to derail your great efforts!

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 16 Sep 2013, 14:43

Friends
This thread has already served the discussion well, as it has brought out
1. The need to help some very deserving types of people in special situations
2. The availability of a health insurance scheme from LIC Since 2005
3. An initiative being bolstered by musicians, for musicians, and led by an eminent person like Ravikiran.
4. A pointer to government schemes like healthcare and old age pension.

Rasikas.org brings a two-fold factor into this discussion- a large base of members, and a common desire to give back something to musicians. That is a considerable factor.

Ravikiran has taken many steps to organize benefit concerts and such. It is a VERY commendable initiative and rasikas.org can help this cause by co-organizing such concerts in many cities. This can over time be a big movement. It calls for time, money and effort.

Finally, to my mind, any initiative well administered for the musicians, by the musicians and of the musicians, with outside support from rasikas.org. will be the best.

Some additional points:
As VKM mentioned, a one time help to someone in need is ideally addressed by the rasika closest to the person in need. Should the support be then leveraging a common fund from rasikas.org (made up of contributions and then managed say by a trust or bank) or just be word of mouth or email among a few rasikas who will be approached by the first one? I think the latter will work in the short term, but in the long term considerable organization will be needed by rasikas.org to mobilize a fund and manage it.

My enquiries tell me so far:
1. Health insurance has improved considerably in India and many cashless schemes are possible.
2. Health insurance is an annual premium affair and realistically needs to be obtained by each individual or family with specific circumstances. Unless there is a common employer or underwriter, a group insurance won't be feasible for musicians.
3. One can revive/recreate a scheme like the old LIC one but this kind of a policy will gather strength only in numbers.

How about a Carnatic Musicians Benefit Fund+rasikas.org+The Hindu initiative during the coming Dec. season to gather enrollment for such a scheme of health insurance!? If we can ascertain the level of interest among musicians for such a scheme, then the Fund+rasikas can then
-talk to some insurance providers and chisel out a good cashless scheme with or without subsidy.
-work with the Fund to set up a process for health insurance - ideally done online (with local document collection etc. by the insurance company.)
- work on a subsidy scheme on a case to case need basis.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 16 Sep 2013, 16:36

Dear Rsachi,

Continuing your points,I wish to summarize the following points:

1. A one time cash award to a deserving artist does not serve a common cause like medical emergency.

2.Several schemes/initiatives like Ananya and by Sri Ravikiran exist.

3.The coverage provided by Ananya and its list of beneficiaries is required.

4.The exact status Of a benevolent fund initiative by Sri Ravikiran and its list of benefeciaries is required.

5.Further a group Insurance scheme already in existence by LIC - by Sri Balasubramanyam - its scope and it's present status is required.

Would it be possible to consolidate and make one good scheme by Rasikas.org + Ananya + Ravikiran's scheme?

The biggest challenge would be do it under one banner and cover musicians across all the places.A central Scheme under one organizational banner needs to be worked out.

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 16 Sep 2013, 17:15

Sir
We have no locus standi to get details from Ananya.
We can prospectively work with Sri Ravikiran of possible.
Does anyone know details of the LIC group health insurance for musicians 2005?

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 16 Sep 2013, 22:17

Dear Rsachi,

There are too many aspects to be covered and above all the musicians themselves should show keen interest in the schemes for it to be successful.Judging by Sri Ravikiran's posting,the scheme has not taken off in a big way.However we will continue the discussion and see what can be done.
The award will be a first step and we will know the response of all Rasikas when the time for collecting the amount comes.

srkris · Post by **srkris** » 17 Sep 2013, 08:44

I agree with Rsachi that the group as a whole should not drive any such proposal as it probably will not end up to anyone's full satisfaction.

For this reason I request everyone concerned not to carry out any fundraising or spending activity in the name of "Rasikas.org", at least not yet. We need to have a lot of stuff in place to seriously support an initiative of this kind.

I don't think we have to lend our name to any such scheme, interested individuals can back schemes like Ananya's and Sri Ravikiran's that already exist, and let's see how it goes to start with.

Another thing I was thinking about is if we become a charitable organization rather than be just an interest group as we are now, not everyone may welcome that change... Let's find out how many of us would like to make regular donations of at least Rs one thousand a month for supporting poor musicians and their families?

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 17 Sep 2013, 10:02

srkris,
Thanks for your post. It puts an end to all speculations. As well-meaning as all are, many on the forum do not have the time to carry out the responsibilities.
And, why do we need Rasikas.org name to contribute to a good cause, when there are already many active charities doing it?
sanyAsi pUnai vaLartha kadhai, we are familiar with

(sanyAsi finds a stray kitten, wants to keep it as pet, gets a cow so that the cat can have milk to feed on, gets a a cowshed built, and needs someone to look after the cow--a wife!).

We do like to contribute to good causes (as much as we can)--especially when friends from Rasikas propose it. Simple thing to do is to connect with the sponsor and give what you can. My view, anyway...

srkris · Post by **srkris** » 18 Sep 2013, 07:14

Yes that's all it is really. We can all do things individually, and we can contact one another here if it interests any of us.

I fail to see why we need a "brand name" or a formal organization to do a good job of it.

The reason I am saying this is not just about logistical difficulties (which can be dealt with) but we need a statement of commitment from a sufficient number of members (let's say atleast 25-50 people) to contribute regularly before we can even start to act meaningfully.

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 18 Sep 2013, 08:24

I fully agree with Srikris and Arasi.We should support any initiative undertaken by Big Music institutions.For the Forum to get involved directly is not feasible given our diversity both in geography and tastes.

My late father had tried to initiate a scheme with the Shanmukhanda Sabha in Mumbai(after his persuasions with the Chennai folks did not go far!!) and I recall based on his recommendation the Sabha did offer support to a musician(I do not know the name). Whether the proposal actually went thro or not I am not sure/

I can find out the current status from the Shanmukhananda folks(V.Shankar--President/Patron).

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 18 Sep 2013, 11:44

There are several possible suggestions, all running at the same time.

Setting up any sort of pension or benefits scheme requires substantial capital. It is a great idea, but requires an investment of lakhs to generate just a few thousand a month. Whilst small contributions would add up, this is only really an option for the wealthier philanthropists. On top of the initial generosity needed to do such a thing would then come an ongoing management/trustee problem. Nobody is going to give such sums unless they are sure of the future management, and there is every possibility that difficulties or controversies might arise.

Being charitable to individuals on an adhoc basis is much easier. It is simple to give a few thousand Rs, or even to offer to give a monthly amount circumstances permitting.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 18 Sep 2013, 14:18

Dear all,

The idea was to get substantial health benefits to musicians and family based on general Insurance ideas.But due to the diversity of opinions and also different locations of musicians and rasikas,it becomes a difficult proposition.A Central authority to administer the scheme would also be required.In addition,this needs pro active participation of musicians also.The random benefits to certain individuals in need is going on without being noticed.As Ananya is already organizing this type of facility,similar schemes should be run by organizations at each important locations.
Music Academy at Chennai
Shanmukananda Sabha at Mumbai(may be it already exists).
The musicians will participate once these are under reputed organizations.
The Rasikas forum may not be able to administer this kind of scheme,but can strengthen the hands of any reputed organization willing to undertake this type of scheme.

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 18 Sep 2013, 16:15

hnbhagavan wrote:But due to the diversity of opinions and also different locations of musicians and rasikas,it becomes a difficult proposition.A Central authority to administer the scheme would also be required.In addition,this needs pro active participation of musicians also

This is the real problem. We should understand this situation before formulating any ambitious plan. Under the circumstances, Nick's suggestion given below is the workable solution.

Nick H wrote:Being charitable to individuals on an adhoc basis is much easier. It is simple to give a few thousand Rs, or even to offer to give a monthly amount circumstances permitting.

.

When any of us come to know of any particular help needed by any musician or his family, we can circulate that by private mails and interested members can contribute. This being a small group, one person can administer and hand over the money to the needy. Nick has told about the family of one musician who needs help. We can start with the instant case.

hnbhagavan · Post by **hnbhagavan** » 18 Sep 2013, 16:44

Dear Rama,

I hope you read my posting completely.I think that a comprehensive medical scheme is required.But it should be done thru an organization.This is a broader picture and does not need monetary help from individuals.A system should be in place and if organizations are willing to help by way of enrollment of musicians,then Rasikas.org can participate with financial help.Some of the rasikas may be in influential positions to get some sponsorship as well.A tie up with Insurance company and hospitals has to be worked out.
I am waiting for Sachi to get back to the forum after he completes his findings on the issue.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 18 Sep 2013, 21:01

Well, in the mean time,what are we all doing with the particular case that Nick had surfaced? Let us do something.

Rsachi · Post by **Rsachi** » 18 Sep 2013, 21:47

Still working, progress is slow...