Chandini is emblematic of what the country stands for
By Neeraj Manchanda
Whether it’s Janapada (folk songs), Bhaktigeete (devotional songs), or Bhavageethe (emotional songs connected to a personality or event), the community around Chikkaballapura turns to Chandini, a 47-year-old artiste and businesswoman. Despite being a Muslim, Chandini is celebrated for her Hari Katha performances—a traditional Hindu religious discourse. She explores religious themes, diving into the lives of saints or stories from Indian epics. You’ll often find Chandini adorned with a garland of Kanakambara flowers, also known as tropical flame or firecracker flowers, in her hair. Her voice captivates audiences, making her a beloved personality in the region. She confidently performs Hari Katha across all the villages in the district, showcasing India’s beautiful cultural and religious diversity.
Hari Katha is a rich mix of storytelling, poetry, music, drama, dance, and philosophy. Chandini brings these elements together with the grace of a seasoned veteran. For over 25 years, she has performed at various venues, including temples, with many of her songs paying homage to Hindu gods. Chandini’s journey into singing began during a challenging period in her life, following the loss of her husband. Music became her solace, giving her purpose and lifting her spirits. By day, she runs a shop selling oil and lubricants. By night, she transforms into a performer, often performing until the early hours of the morning. In the surrounding villages, she enjoys rockstar status.
Her popularity is clear from the 10-15 events she is invited to each week. She and her team of five musicians are constantly busy, charging INR 1,700-1,800 per event. Chandini’s story doesn’t end with music. For over a year and a half, she has been a proud member of the ZUGE Electric family, serving as an EV ranger. Her journey is not just about music but also about embracing new technologies and roles, embodying the spirit of modern India.
At ZUGE Electric, we believe in empowering rural India, especially women. We strive for wealth creation at the grassroots level, particularly in rural areas, to create opportunities and prevent migration to already resource-stressed urban centers. This commitment ensures that the quality of life for rural populations is not compromised.
#ZUGE #EV #HariKatha #Karnataka #Chikkaballapura #Janapada #Bhavageete #Bhaktigeete #Chandini #NeerajManchanda
(Neeraj Manchanda is the founder of ZUGE Electric, India’s first multi-brand EV platform in the MetaVerse)