The gaudy interiors and the tantalizing aroma of continental cuisine. Did nothing to wipe out the sullen expression on Tarun’s face as he stepped out of the restaurant bar. His downcast eyes scanned the phone for recent notifications of happening events in the city. The dimmed street lights illuminated his path as he walked home. Tarun peered at a photo of himself jamming with a group of his friends. ‘I miss those weekend impromptu jamming sessions in Pune’ he thought pensively. Back in the day, they got together at regular intervals at Bandra Bandstand and Juhu Beach.
A chilly breeze shook him out of his reverie. He began to write the day’s musings in the journal and a few nagging thoughts. It's been six months since he traveled from Mumbai to live in Bangalore. Tarun worked at the Institute of Aerodynamics as a project engineer in Bangalore. A smile crept up his lips and lit up his eyes as he looked up from his journal. 'Tomorrow is going to be a great start' he spoke aloud with an unmistakable zeal. He instinctively knew that his lonely weekends were a thing of the past.
The next day morning Tarun sat to converse with his two friends around the dining table. "Let's start a drum circle" Tarun announced. They laughed before Ranjit gestured a thumbs up and Santosh nodded in agreement. Since they both were instrumentalists they quickly understood. They started to map out the execution plan and drew on a big chart paper. The idea was to bring people and instruments together to let the synergy flow.
The following weekend Tarun along with a few friends sat in a small circle on the grass. It was the first drum circle as planned at Cubbon Park. But within a few moments, an officer asked them to leave immediately. He said, "This space is off-limits due to the presence of a court in the vicinity." The sudden downpour of rain was a deterrent as well. Undeterred Tarun searched and located the perfect place that housed his dreams.
An old warehouse known as the Bangalore Creative Circus. Tarun was amused it was sheltered, accessible and open to everyone. Every passing week saw people trickle in at the Open Drums Circle. He greeted and welcomed young men and children seated in a circle with their drums. While others danced to the drum beats in joy.
Tarun's eyes sparkled with excitement and his hands tapped the drums rhythmically. As he glanced at the circle of working women, teenagers, septuagenarians and women of all ages danced and twirled to the beats.
People voiced their happy moments. It began with a 50-year-old life coach and a visual designer amongst others. They thanked Tarun for the community-driven initiative that helped them bond with family and friends.
The festivities of the first anniversary were unforgettable. The huge spacious hall was packed with more than 100 people and enthusiastic volunteers. The air was celebratory with the rhythmic beats of the drums.