Music and Youth
Sony Music Kids enters podcast scene with audio stories
MUMBAI: In a first, Sony Music Kids has partnered with Eklavya Foundation to bring 67 Chakmak Kathayein in the form of audio stories and podcasts. Providing a modern twist to these classic tales of information and entertainment, the association will deliver this original content to 240 audio streaming platforms worldwide. Catering to the demands of a whole new generation of children and adults alike, that prefer consuming content on digital mediums, Sony Music Kids will release the first eight Chakmak Kathayein on 19 March 2021, as ‘Exam Break’ stories.
In a bid to give kids the perfect break from their hectic study schedules, the first volume of Chakmak Kathayein will include eight engrossing stories titled Bhaat ki Khushbu Aaj Bhi Yaad Hai, Kala Chaand, Kala Pathar, Pass Tha; Fail Bataya, Raju Ram Sa, Tan Tan Tan, Langda Gudda and Khazane Ki Khoj respectively.
With Chakmak Kathayein, Sony Music Kids will bring stories that are relevant, poignant, and engaging to kids of all ages and also evoke a feeling of nostalgia for their families who have grown up listening and reading stories that are fun, and nuggets of lessons for life. These stories include a beautiful tale of a child fascinated by his new teacher who has come from the city, incidents of childhood mischief, fascination and a never-ending urge to explore new things, and tummy knots that bring alive the fears of failing exams in school that hit you just as hard as an adult as it did when you were a kid.
Sony Music Kids head Anjana Devraj said listening to music, podcasts and audio stories encourages kids to use their mind’s eye, thus helping in increasing memory and retention skills, improving attention and concentration skills and basically stimulating their imagination.
“Media consumption has grown exponentially, and the pandemic has seen devices land up in everybody’s hands, including kids from rather small ages. By bringing Chakmak Kathayein and family friendly content in audio formats, we hope to maximise the learning potential of children, reduce screen time, and create options of quality time learning and entertainment. Chakmak has been a name that has carved out an ever-lasting legacy in their space and we’re glad to associate with them and have their interesting stories being narrated and made available world-over in a digital format,” added Devraj.
Chakmak Kathayein will be available on YouTube, Google Play Music, Spotify, Amazon Prime Music, Apple Music, Hungama Music, Gaana.com and Jio Saavn – http://bit.ly/ChakmakSMK
MUMBAI: Mumbai is about to witness something it has never seen before. The Global Youth Festival arrives on 6-7 December at Jio World Garden with 15,000 attendees and 60-plus experiences sprawled across six sprawling arenas. On its sixth edition, this is no ordinary jamboree—it is a carefully orchestrated collision of wellness, adventure, arts, music, yoga and social change.
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis will throw open the proceedings with a landmark ceremony, signalling the state’s backing for a movement that has already mobilised youth across 20-plus countries and 170-plus cities. The sheer scale is staggering: 500-plus volunteers powering the machine, 600,000-plus volunteer hours logged across previous editions, and millions of lives touched annually.
The speaker roster is formidable. Diipa Büller-Khosla and Dipali Goenka, chief executive of Welspun India, will share the stage with Malaika Arora in conversations spanning leadership, creativity and culture. Union Minister for Sports and Youth Affairs Mansukhbhai Mandaviya will also attend, reinforcing GYF’s reach into the corridors of power.
But this is not mere talk. The Solaris Mainstage promises concerts from renowned Indian artists. Innerverse delivers a 360-degree LED spectacle of art, technology and sound. The Love and Care Arena houses hands-on projects spanning women’s empowerment, child education, rural upliftment and animal welfare. India’s largest outdoor sound-healing experience awaits. An inflatable obstacle course, neon drifter karts and open-sky bouldering cater to thrill-seekers.
Some have branded GYF the “Coachella of Consciousness.” Others call it “India’s Largest Sober Festival.” Spiritual visionary Pujya Gurudevshri Rakeshji, who inspired the festival, will deliver the Wisdom Masterclass. Every rupee goes to charity.
After Mumbai comes Kolkata on 14 December. New York looms next year. For one weekend in December, Mumbai becomes the epicentre of youth-driven change—and nothing will be quite the same after.
Tickets available on BookMyShow. Visit youthfestival.srmd.org or follow @globalyouthfestival on Instagram.
