Ever since its inception SSCF-USA has conducted many fund-raising events to support cancer treatment in India. A quick overview of these events reveals that a majority of these events are centered around music. Raaga, the bay-area based music group has dedicated the funds raised through its annual showcase event to SSCF. This year’s Raaga event SWARA SANJEEVINI 2018 was able to raise money close to $41,000 and these funds were applied to the treatment of seven patients. SSCF-USA has frequently invited renowned musicians from India and organized charity events in collaboration with other bay area cultural groups such as Kannada Koota of Northern California, Sandalwood Geleyara Balaga, Kasturi Media. Organized at a smaller scale, karaoke events help aspiring local vocalists to combine their passion for singing and for doing good for the underprivileged cancer patients in India. It is safe to say that music and music-based events have positively influenced the organizers, performers and audience alike and has played an important role in making this fundraising model very popular in the Bay area.

The impact of music on emotions has been well documented. The positive effect of music (both listening and performing) on mood, health and immune system has been well-documented. These findings have led to the emergence of music therapy as a new treatment modality, particularly for psychological and cognitive disorders. It involves singing, composing, listening or dancing to music in individual or group sessions under the supervision of a certified therapist. Studies on music therapy regimens have shown increased production of serotonin (the hormone that is associated with a feeling of joy) and dopamine and improved immune system.

Music treatment is frequently prescribed for patients suffering from anxiety, depression and other psychological disorders and a majority of patients have experienced reduction in symptoms following exposure to music. In the case of cancer, from the point of diagnosis to remission, patients undergo a period of high physical and mental stress. Most oncology treatment centers in the US have developed extensive programs that cater to alleviating this by including music-therapy as part of cancer treatment and palliative care. Given the rich musical tradition in India, it is not surprising this form of supportive therapy is now being incorporated as a part of cancer treatment regimens in many Indian oncology centers. Empirically, it is known that within the Indian classical music systems, specific ragas are associated with different moods and feelings and a recent study has scientifically corroborated these observations.

The benefits of Indian music therapy are explored at the Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru through an innovative collaboration with Svarakshema, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru that has developed music therapy modalities to aid children with special needs, geriatric conditions and psychiatric diseases. At SSCH, they conduct cancer-oriented music therapy workshops for the staff and patients and give talks highlighting the benefits of music therapy. Following substantial research, the group has developed unique playlists suitable for separate areas of the hospital. For example, the wards where patients presumably need a relaxing environment; waiting rooms where patients may experience anxiety over their diagnoses and operation rooms where the kind of music could influence both the patient and surgeon, each of these rooms receive specific forms of music therapy. Apart from catering to the comfort of patients, this unique collaboration can provide information for the development of future treatment regimens.

The benefits of Indian music therapy are explored at the Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital in Bengaluru through an innovative collaboration with Svarakshema, a non-profit organization based in Bengaluru that has developed music therapy modalities to aid children with special needs, geriatric conditions and psychiatric diseases. At SSCH, they conduct cancer-oriented music therapy workshops for the staff and patients and give talks highlighting the benefits of music therapy. Following substantial research, the group has developed unique playlists suitable for separate areas of the hospital. For example, the wards where patients presumably need a relaxing environment; waiting rooms where patients may experience anxiety over their diagnoses and operation rooms where the kind of music could influence both the patient and surgeon, each of these rooms receive specific forms of music therapy. Apart from catering to the comfort of patients, this unique collaboration can provide information for the development of future treatment regimens.

Indian classical music concerts are regularly organized at SSCH, free-of-cost to patients. Infrastructurally, SSCH has been designed to provide easy access to the music hall and patients are easily transferred from their wards during concerts. Speakers have been installed in various rooms, so that immobile patients can also enjoy these concerts. These concerts also serve as a means to show appreciation to the caregivers and the medical staff who work relentlessly.

Cancer is a complex disease that affects the physiology and psychology of the patients, it is imperative that its treatment incorporates complex therapeutic modalities including medical treatment, counselling and holistic approaches such as yoga and music therapy. With the combined efforts of SSCH and Svarakshema and the contributions made by the patrons of SSCF-USA, we hope to provide an environment where patients experience minimal anxiety and speedy recovery from their ailments.

The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in the text belong solely to the author, and not SSCF-USA, SSCH or any organization or persons mentioned in the article.