Cactus singer Siddhartha Sankar Ray, better known as Sidhu, performs with underprivileged children at an event organised by Save The Children at Mohar Kunja

The sun was blazing but the spirit even more so as Cactus lead singer Sidhu braved the afternoon heat to rehearse with a bunch of underprivileged children before performing with them at Mohar Kunja on February 21.

Some of the children were nervous, some too soft for the microphone and others slightly out of tune. But their guru for the day was patient and encouraging.

The musical afternoon was organised by NGO Save The Children as part of its Creating Educational Opportunities for Street Children of Kolkata project run in partnership with NGO CINI Asha and such city schools as Assembly of God Church School, Modern High for Girls, St. James’ School, Loreto Day School (Sealdah) and Our Lady of Providence. The students of these schools are encouraged to take on the role of “peer educators” and teach street kids.

The atmosphere was electrifying as around 20 children in bright red jerseys appeared on the stage decorated with glittering cut-outs of musical instruments and notes.

The audience of 100-odd kids cheered the singers as they belted out Bhupen Hazarika’s Aaj jibon khunje pabi before moving on to Aashayein from Iqbal and ending with the Cactus hit Holud Pakhi. While Sidhu sang along with the children, many from the audience also joined in.

“It was a pleasure conducting a music workshop for these kids. We had lots of fun and were also up to mischief at times,” said Sidhu.

The programme also saw students putting up a small skit and some dance numbers.

On February 22, Save the Children felicitated 73 child domestic helps who have given up working in homes and enrolled for skill-training programmes such as beautician’s course. The programme was held at the Birla Academy of Art and Culture.