Music for a Cause: Meena Sundaram Shares Details of Her Upcoming Concert Benefiting Refugees
“Music and musical learning is a life-long commitment and a pleasurable voyage of discovery for me.” We are excited to share the story of today’s woman dreamer, Dr. Meena Sundaram. In her inspiring Women Who Win interview, she reflects on her journey as a cardiologist with a passion for music, and shares details on her upcoming show, Mere Sapnon Ki Rani, a melodious musical event featuring the elegant Sharmila Tagore sung by your favorite singers. Music for a cause, proceeds will benefit Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP) who work with rehabilitating and resettling refugees from Afghanistan, Burma and Haiti. Check out her story, and if you are in the Massachusetts area, we encourage you to attend the show and support this important cause as well. Tickets Here
Tell us your story. You are a cardiologist with a passion for music. How did you find your passions/interests in your career and personal life?
My passion for music preceded my career in medicine by over a decade. I had an inclination to music from early childhood and performed in group singing and school events . Like any South Indian little girl, I underwent training in Carnatic music during my school years but always enjoyed Film music and popular songs. In fact, one of the songs I performed in school was Runa Lailaji’s version of Damadam Mast Kalander which was thoroughly enjoyed by my friends! I found music always balanced some of the academic interests I had and did provide a happy distraction during the arduous years of medical school and that combination of an intense work schedule as a cardiologist and listening, learning and practicing music became a perfect milieu for a happy work-art-life balance!
2. You are doing a music show for refugees coming up soon. Tell us more about this show, and the vision for it?
Our show Mere Sapnon Ki Rani: Songs featuring the enchanting Sharmila Tagore is an encore presentation … Sharmila Tagore has always been a great favorite of mine for her elegance and beauty; her diverse roles in films from Amar Prem, to Evening in Paris to Mausam were hallmarks of a long and illustrious career. In addition, her films had fantastic co-stats like Shammi Kapor, Rajesh Khanna and Dharmendra and unbelievably melodious songs with music directors including SD Burman, RD Burman and Laxmikant-Pyarelal. We decided to do this event for WRAP as my friend Maithili ( Millie) Rao is on the Board and also serves as the Education coordinator. I learned about this organization through her ongoing involvement. A very committed individual who plans to join the Peace Corps, she has been an inspiration to all of us with her dedication . She provided me the following summary of the work WRAP is involved with:
The Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to assisting refugees and resettled migrants achieve sustainable self-reliance through mentoring, advocacy, and educational assistance. The needs of newly arrived refugees are complex, and range from food and shelter to social support. Worcester Refugee Assistance Project (WRAP) was created in 2009 in response to the overwhelming needs of refugees from Burma who resettled in Worcester and needed help beyond what social service agencies could offer. WRAP is unique in that our programming has no time limit and is meant to provide longitudinal relationships and community support for years. Several of our board members and program leaders are refugees and deeply understand the challenges this population faces.
Supported by the educational programs offered by WRAP, including an after-school program, college preparation, citizenship and ESL classes, many refugee community members have learned the English language, continued to college education, and become U.S. citizens. WRAP expanded its mission in 2021 to assist and augment the efforts of the Worcester Together Collaborative to serve the Afghan, Ukrainian refugees and more recently the Haitian refugees.
3. How does music empower you? What do you hope to learn more about/achieve with your music in 2023?
Music and musical learning is a life-long commitment and a pleasurable voyage of discovery for me. I am a lifelong student of music and am very grateful to our local performers and music-loving audience in New England for participating, attending and supporting our musical events. I believe of keeping the golden era of Hindi Film music alive in our minds and hearts and entertain our listeners along with benefiting nonprofits and noble cayuses. Our team has sone events to benefit Asha for Education, Snehalaya, Food link, Sankara Foundation and many more. This activity enriches and empowers us all and I hope to continue the same in 2023.
4. As the platform for women dreamers, what is your next big dream?
To be honest, I am living the dream. Having a career and profession that I love which works on enhancing and restoring cardiovascular health is a privilege few people get. In addition, being able to enjoy, learn and perform music with friends in our community and benefit worthy causes is immensely joyful. I do feel very blessed where I am right now. I hope to continue this as long as possible. Thanks to all of you for your love and support
4. How can folks get tickets? Tell us more about the details!
The show is Mere Sapnon Ki Rani: Songs featuring the Enchanting Sharmila Tagore on Saturday, January 21st at 6 PM Sharp at the Parish Cwnter of the Arts, Westford, MA. This is a musical event featuring a melodious selection of solos and duets featuring the elegant Sharmila Tagore sung by your favorite singers! All proceeds to benefit Worcester Refugee Assistance Project ( WRAP) who work with rehabilitating and resettling refugees from Afghanistan, Burma and Haiti.