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October 17, 2024
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Empowering Artisans, Enriching Communities. TOTAL MEMBERS 10000 + Welcome to the official website of the fastest growing Shilpi Sansad in the history of India. Play
Empowering Artisans, Enriching Communities.
TOTAL MEMBERS
10000
+
Welcome to the official website of the fastest growing Shilpi Sansad in the history of India.
Shilpi Sansad
The History of the organization
The All India Kirtan, Baul and Devotional Singers Welfare Trust, popularly known as Shilpi Sansad, is a dedicated national-level organization committed to the preservation, promotion, and welfare of India’s rich and diverse devotional music traditions. Headquartered in India, the Trust serves as a vital platform for traditional folk and spiritual artists, including Kirtan singers, Baul performers, and other devotional musicians, who form an essential part of the country’s cultural and spiritual fabric.
The Trust regularly hosts cultural festivals, artist meets, and community gatherings, bringing together singers, instrumentalists, and spiritual leaders. Special focus is given to regional and rural artists, many of whom lack access to institutional support. Shilpi Sansad also collaborates with schools, universities, and cultural bodies to integrate devotional music into educational and public programs.
In times of crisis—such as during the COVID-19 pandemic—the Trust has played a vital role in distributing relief, arranging virtual concerts, and supporting affected artists through crowdfunding and aid networks.
Artist Welfare and Support
Provide financial, medical, legal, and social security support to Kirtan, Baul, and other devotional singers, especially those in economically vulnerable or marginalized situations.
Recognition and Advocacy
Working with governmental and non-governmental bodies to advocate for policy reforms and greater recognition of devotional musicians in the cultural ecosystem.
Cultural Preservation
Documenting, archiving, and promoting rare and traditional musical forms such as Kirtan, Baul, Bhajan, and other devotional styles.
Performance Opportunities
Creating national and international platforms for artists to showcase their work through festivals, concerts, and cultural collaborations.
Capacity Building
Organizing workshops, residencies, and training programs to nurture emerging talent and support intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Sidhartha Shankar Naskar
President Of All India Kirtan, Baul And Devotional Singer's Welfare Trust (Shilpi Sansad)
Artists in the devotional music sphere are valuable assets to our society, as they spread messages of peace and harmony. Yet, in the final stages of their lives, many of them face extreme poverty, often resorting to begging for survival. I have personally witnessed the plight of renowned artists from the Kirtan world, such as Radharani of Jiaganj, Baul artist Prahlad Brahmachari, and Shanti Gopal from the Jatra tradition. Alongside them, thousands of artists have faded into the shadows of history, their stories marked by destitution.These artists deserve not only government support in their later years but also greater recognition for Harinam, Kirtan, and Baul traditions. It is worth remembering that the roots of global music history lie in Kirtan, yet instead of honoring this origin, accolades and awards are often reserved for artists from other genres.
As a Kirtan artist myself, I take great pride in having established the All India Kirtan Baul and Bhaktigeeti Welfare Trust (Shilpi Sangsad) with the support of fellow devotees and artists. Through our collective movement and petitions, thousands of devotional music artists across the state are now receiving government stipends.
Thanks to our continued efforts, major events and VIP appearances are now inaugurated with the resonant sounds of Harinam, accompanied by khol and kartal, marking a significant achievement of our organization.
In the face of troubling developments—such as the desecration of temples and idols, disruptions of Harinam, Kirtan, parikrama, and Bhagavat readings, and attempts to halt the worship of deities—we are striving to build a larger and more unified artists’ organization. Our goal is to protect our cultural and spiritual heritage and ensure the safety and inclusion of all, regardless of caste, creed, or religion.
News & Press Releases
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