Sitar for Mental Health by Rishab Rikhiram

Dear reader, After a series of performances across the United States and several ongoing integral sound therapy training studies it brings me immense joy & pleasure to invite you to Sitar for Mental Health experience.

Sitar for Mental Health events are multi sensory-immersive experiences helping bridge ancient practices of sound and energy medicine using traditional Indian Classical music, designed to invoke states of deep reflection, receptivity, and introspection. Bringing awareness towards Mental health by inducing education and experiences of the auditory sensory processing system which Classical music brings forth and re-introduce sound of the Sitar as a transformational tool.

The 60-minute experience would entail a multi-sensory immersive art and sound installation. With the use of accompanying instruments such as the Khartal, Sound Bowls, Daf, deep percussion, etc. The hour will focus on silence and deep listening, and gradual adoption of the development of musical improvisation and consciousness; which is more than just mere awareness. It’s how we experience the world, how we turn input into directions. Rishab navigates to use Sitar as a tool to put the audience through a journey, beginning by focusing on a personal intention, taking time to sense their emotions. Visualizing them and feeling them. Letting go of all mental and physical attachments in that moment.

About Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

Rishab Rishab Sharma is a Sitarist, music producer, and composer born in Delhi to the renowned Rikhi Ram family of luthiers, Rishab first started playing the Sitar at the age of 10 and was immediately captivated by its magic. Rishab's father, master luthier Sanjay Sharma (Rikhi Ram), was his first Guru. He recognized Rishab’s unwavering dedication and commitment to the instrument and introduced him on stage to the world in the year 2011. This performance of Rishab’s caught the attention of Sitar Maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar who blessed him by taking him under his guidance. Rishab soon became the maestro’s youngest and last disciple. After Pt. Ravi Shankar’s unfortunate passing, Rishab continued his Sitar training under Pt. Parimal Sadaphal, one of the most senior disciples of Pt. Ravi Shankar. He also had the honor of learning from great exponents of music such as Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Rais Khan, Pt. Arun Bharatram, and more.

One of Rishab’s many notable achievements is that he is the only Sitarist of his generation to have performed a solo in front of a real audience of 60,000 and 500 million at-home live viewers. He has also appeared on major Indian reality TV shows and TV channels such as Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, Hindustan Ke Hunarbaaz, NDTV, Aaj Tak, Doordarshan India, and many more.

Rishab is an alumnus of Delhi Public School R. K. Puram. At the age of 17, he moved to New York City to study at City University New York, Queens College Campus; pursuing Music Production and Economics. Rishab has built a strong network in the US and is well-known for incorporating modern music elements into his classical training. He has also amassed quite a following on mediums such as Youtube, Instagram, Facebook, and most recently, Clubhouse. On social media, you can find Rishab regularly sharing his musical experiments, collaborating with other artists, and pioneering the formation of a global community of musicians and music lovers in generating awareness for mental health.

Guidelines for the Sitar for Mindfulness Experience

As soon as you enter, please turn off your cellphones and tuck them away in your bags. Come dressed in comfortable clothing, socks to keep your feet warm, and an open heart and mind. This will be a no-shoe experience. The experience is best received sitting on the ground, making direct contact with the Earth, therefore being seated on the floor is encouraged.