On World Music Day, as cities worldwide resonated with melodies, the IHA Foundation chose to celebrate a unique group of artists who are the soul of Kolkata's streets—the street musicians. These unsung heroes, with their heartfelt tunes and enduring spirit, have transformed ordinary street corners into concert halls, uplifting the daily lives of countless citizens.

The IHA Foundation, staying true to its mission of honoring resilience and humanity, hosted a heartfelt celebration to recognize these musicians for their contribution to the city’s cultural heartbeat. In a poignant ceremony, IHA Foundation presented each musician with a token of appreciation in the form of a Plaque and Uttriyo for their contributions to the culture of the city and a bouquet of flowers along with a financial honorarium. This gesture was a symbol of gratitude from the citizens of Kolkata, acknowledging the struggles and triumphs of these artists who have kept the city alive with their music, often in the face of personal hardships.

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia, Chairman of the IHA Foundation, encapsulated the spirit of the day, saying, "The music of our streets has always been the soundtrack of Kolkata's vibrant life. Today, we honor not just the melodies but the souls behind them. These musicians are more than artists—they are storytellers, healers, and custodians of our shared heritage.”

Satnam Singh Ahluwalia further made a heartfelt promise to the street musicians, pledging year-long financial support for the repair, upgrade, and maintenance of their musical instruments. He emphasized that IHA Foundation would stand by them in ensuring their craft continues to thrive, enabling them to enrich the streets of Kolkata with their soulful tunes without any hindrance. This commitment underscores IHA Foundation’s dedication to empowering these artists and preserving the cultural essence they bring to the city.

The celebrations didn’t end there. In a heartfelt gesture of inclusivity, the street musicians were invited to Fabbrica Originale, a restaurant outside which many of them have performed tirelessly. For once, the tables were turned—they became honored guests. Over a shared meal, stories, smiles, and camaraderie flowed freely. This moment was a powerful reminder that these musicians are not just performers but an intrinsic part of the city’s family, deeply woven into its cultural fabric. Rishab Ghosh, a another Street Musician of Park Street, remarked "We, the street musicians, are often overlooked, yet we pour our hearts into every note, hoping to touch someone’s soul. To have the IHA Foundation recognize and celebrate our efforts is overwhelming—it feels like being seen, truly seen, for the first time. Music knows no barriers, and today, we felt like family, singing and sharing joy together. It’s moments like these that remind us why we keep going, despite the struggles. Thank you for making us feel that our music matters."

Throughout the day, IHA Foundation volunteers passionately scoured the streets of Kolkata, identifying talented street musicians and bringing them into the spotlight. In a spirit of camaraderie, they not only honored and celebrated these artists but also joined them in crooning a few soulful melodies, creating a beautiful symphony of unity and joy that resonated with the essence of World Music Day. One of the musicians Sushmita Biswas, visibly moved, expressed,"We never imagined our efforts would be recognized in this way. To share a meal with those who have supported us silently was beyond anything we could have hoped for."

Raghav Kapur, Owner of Fabbrica Originale, shared his thoughts on the occasion "As a part of this vibrant city, it’s a privilege to honor the street musicians who bring so much life to our streets. They’ve been performing tirelessly outside our doors, becoming a part of our story. Today, inviting them in as our guests is our way of showing gratitude and respect for their invaluable contribution to Kolkata’s culture. They are not just performers; they are an intrinsic part of the fabric that makes Kolkata unique." Shri Rajiv Kothari, Owner of BarBQ, added "The music of Kolkata’s streets has been a constant companion to all of us, a reminder of the city's soul and spirit. Recognizing these musicians is long overdue. Initiatives like this by the IHA Foundation not only honor their craft but also highlight their importance in our everyday lives. It’s an honor to be a part of this movement to give back to those who have given us so much joy through their music."

The endeavor was inspired by a heartfelt vision to address an often-overlooked truth: while we readily recognize and honor the celebrated musicians of our city, we frequently forget the street musicians who keep Kolkata’s spirit alive. These unsung heroes, with their unyielding passion and raw talent, bring music to the everyday lives of citizens, transforming mundane moments into memories. This initiative by the IHA Foundation aimed to bridge that gap, celebrating the street musicians as the soul of the city and ensuring they are cherished, supported, and uplifted for the invaluable joy they bring to countless lives.