Profile Article: Ray Mitra, Founder
“Where Art Meets Heart – The Journey of Induz.”
By: Christina Antos, Freelance Writer
It takes a lot of determination, struggle, and heart for a well intended idea to develop into a solid reality. For Ray Mitra, founder of Induz, a non-profit organization that aims to connect people and cultures through art, that reality is finally taking shape. After five years Induz is seeing the results of their hard work with the progress of their first program, the Tulika Project− a program that provides art, music, and dance centers to underprivileged children in rural areas with its first site in the remote village of Silghat, Assam, India. Silghat, which was once a city of commerce, had suffered from a devastating flood in recent years. People’s homes were destroyed, jobs were lost, and the community had become isolated and silent. Not only is the Tulika Project in Silghat providing children of the village the opportunity to practice and pursue art, but it is providing people with jobs and in general lifting the spirits of the entire community.
Moving from India to the Bay Area ten years ago, Ray found himself consumed in the routine of work, status, and family. Longing for and inspired by the color and vitality of India, his passion for art and music, and watching his young children as they grew, he found that he wanted to make a difference in the lives of others by sharing his love of the arts. This lead to the birth of Induz and all the up’s and down’s that followed in the process of running a non-profit organization.
Because the largest source of funding for non-profit organizations come from individual donations and corporate funding*, Induz has had to organize events and gain sponsorship in order to raise money for the Tulika Project. Event fundraising has had its pros and cons. On the positive side, the events organized have all embodied a theme of art, culture, and unity that helps Induz in their overall mission. On the other hand, finding sponsors is a struggle and the whole fundraising process can be very stressful.
As difficult as it can be, Induz believes it is still very much worth it and is currently in the process of planning their next fundraising event: the KRIA-World Fusion Music & Dance Benefit Concert, scheduled to take place September 20 at the Santa Clara Convention Center. KRIA, in Sanskrit, means “Action”. In order to complete an action, one must embark on a journey of inspiration, collaboration, and obstacles; much like that of the journey of Induz. The concert celebrates and reflects this journey by the musicians and dancers who have collaborated to create a unique performance masterpiece. Headlining are musicians Abhishek Basu, internationally acclaimed tabla player and composer and Pandit Tarun Bhattacharya, santoor maestro who has performed with musical legends Ravi Shankar and George Harrison of the Beatles. An art auction featuring the work of local artists will take place and special guest appearances include Hollywood actor and activist of the arts, Faran Tahir, actor in Iron Man and Star Trek XI.
Proceeds will go towards the long term goal of sustaining the Tulika Project in India for three years and building future programs benefiting the arts in the Bay Area.
“Art is immensely important yet it seems to constantly take a backseat in today’s society. I not only want a hand in changing that, but introducing people to different forms of art from different cultures and communities and really showing the beauty and benefits it has to offer.” Ray concluded.
To find out more about Induz, visit www.induz.org
References:
* Giving USA
