About us
Introduction
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.
Mission and Objectives
Shilpi Sansad was established with a twofold purpose: to protect the cultural heritage of India’s devotional music and to support the socio-economic wellbeing of the artists who uphold these traditions. Shilpi Sansad operates with the core mission of empowering grassroots artists and ensuring the continuity of India’s centuries-old spiritual music heritage. The Trust’s objectives include:
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.
Cultural Preservation: Documenting, archiving, and promoting rare and traditional musical forms such as Kirtan, Baul, Bhajan, and other devotional styles.
Capacity Building: Organizing workshops, residencies, and training programs to nurture emerging talent and support intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Performance Opportunities: Creating national and international platforms for artists to showcase their work through festivals, concerts, and cultural collaborations.
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.
Activities and Outreach
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.
Governance and Membership
Shilpi Sansad is governed by a diverse panel of renowned musicians, cultural scholars, and social activists who bring their expertise and passion to the mission. The Trust welcomes memberships from practicing artists, researchers, and patrons of devotional music, fostering a vibrant and inclusive community.
Impact
Since its inception, the Trust has touched the lives of thousands of artists, offering them a voice, a community, and a support system. It continues to serve as a beacon of hope for preserving India’s intangible spiritual heritage while addressing the real-world challenges faced by its custodians.
Feature process
Our working process
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