THIS HAPPENED TO ME| MUSIC| GRATITUDE

Notes of Melodious Hope on a Summer Afternoon

A library full of songs

A little library, a bunch of young talents, and one unforgettable afternoon. [Photo owned by the author]

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Towards the end of May, I had the privilege of being invited to judge a children’s singing competition at the library of my locality in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Music has been a constant companion in my life.

Having received vocal training in Indian classical music and being an avid listener of music across genres, I have always appreciated the courage it takes to share one’s voice with others.

This is a late post, but some experiences are best savored twice — once while living them and again while writing about them.

What a beautifully melodious way the month of May came to an end.

Outside, Ahmedabad was wrapped in the familiar harshness of the scorching western Indian summer — blazing roads, tired daytime, air shimmering with heat.

And yet, inside Pustak Vimaan, the beautiful little library in our locality lovingly nurtured by Mrs. Kirti P, there was music, laughter, joy, excitement, and the soft warmth of human connection.

The participating children walked onto the stage with little nervousness at heart but hopeful eyes.

Some were found discovering the rhythm within themselves, some sang fearlessly, some carried more courage than musical perfection, and some held onto every note like a tiny dream taking flight.

Parents and teachers watched quietly from corners, smiling, listening, lip-syncing, recording, and praying.

And somewhere between those innocent, learning to find comfort within the notes yet sincere performances, the room slowly filled with something far greater than competition — vulnerability, courage, innocence, effort, and joy.

As a judge, I realized once again that music is about expression, vulnerability, and the confidence to let your voice be heard, not merely about perfection or melody.

And as I write this now, it quietly dawns upon me that we are already halfway through 2026.

Time truly moves like music itself — flowing gently, touching deeply, and slipping through our fingers before we even realize it.

Just before the declaration of the winners, I was warmly requested to sing a song. I chose *Vande Mataram* (the National Song of India) and invited everyone present to sing along.

Slowly, all voices came together in unison, filling the room with a quiet sense of belonging, pride, and emotion. For a few beautiful moments, it felt like one shared heartbeat wrapped in music.

And as if the afternoon had already not gifted enough warmth to the heart, I also returned home with a beautiful Feng Shui gift — a thoughtful little reminder of harmony, positivity, and the lovely memories the day carried with it.

Some days do simply stay behind softly as beautiful memories etched in the heart forever.

Where words fail, music speaks- Hans Christian Andersen

Light and peace🌕🪔

©️**Moon & Deep, 2026**