It is possible to run a concert with solar energy: Folk-rock band Swarathma

Bengaluru’s folk-rock band Swarathma is excited to perform in Mumbai this weekend as they are all set to power it with solar and clean energy. The band members Varun Murali, Vasu Dixit, Jishnu Dasgupta, Sanjeev Nayak and Vinay Ramakrishnan have worked with teams of solar energy experts for this multicity eco-tour that begins with Mumbai. “I think this is the first time a concert powered by renewable energy is taking place on this scale,” says Jishnu Dasgupta, the bass guitarist.

‘We aren’t doing this just to set an example for everyone else, but to also set an example for ourselves’
The band is known for their songs Pyaasi, Topiwalleh, Naane Daari, Aasman Ki Dukaan and Raah-E-Fakira. When the members first thought of this, it was like any other idea that excited them, “much like writing a new song”. “Traditionally, we’d not heard of concerts being run by solar power. So, it started as a great idea, but we questioned its feasibility. However, after talking with our partners and friends, we realised it was possible. We aren’t doing this just to set an example for everyone else, but to also set an example for ourselves,” says Varun Murali, guitarist and vocalist.


‘It is definitely more sustainable than the conventional way’
The band is excited that this is a good start. Jishnu says, “The idea here is to prove that it is possible to run a concert with renewable energy. I think it’s very important for people with a certain amount of consciousness to make a start. When you try something different, people often wonder if it’s really worth it. I don’t think that’s the right approach. To get anywhere, you have to make a start, and this is what we are doing. By no means will our concert be 100% sustainable but it is a start, and it is more sustainable than if we had gone the conventional way.”