Taran Kumar

Q1. To begin, could you give us a quick intro about yourself? When did you join PSG, and what hobbies or passions have you picked up during your time there?

I'm Taran Kumar. You may know me from either the music corridor, football field, or even the DP/MYP space.

My journey with Pathways began in the second semester of 7th grade, during the pandemic. After only three weeks of in-person school, I transitioned to virtual learning. Despite forming friendships and pursuing my passions online, I believe my true journey began in 9th grade.

The return to physical school brought new responsibilities and opportunities. Choosing my MYP e-examination portfolio subjects introduced me to the music department. Initially a group of strangers, this community soon became my safe haven, providing a sense of belonging.

Around the same time, I tried out for the football team, a sport I've loved since childhood. I was thrilled to be selected and invited by Mr. Khoirom to play in my first block-level tournament as one of the youngest players. Over the years, I've had the honor of captaining the U-17 team and now lead the U-19 team with optimism.

Reflecting on this period, I also began participating in debates. Public speaking has always been a passion of mine. My friends and I were active in the virtual Model United Nations, even winning at the Harvard MUN. In physical school, we extended this interest, becoming one of the top 50 teams in the World Scholar's Cup global and regional rounds and placing as runners-up in Behes debate tournaments.

Q2. What sparked your interest in music, and how has it developed both in and out of school?

I began taking guitar and vocals seriously around age 12, but my love for music started earlier during long drives in Dubai with my mom, who played hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

When I arrived at Pathways, the vast music facilities impressed me, though they often seemed empty and silent.

Dreaming of being in a band, I was thrilled to perform with my fellow musicians as the closing act for the inter-house music competition. Our band quickly became a fixture at school events, growing into a small community. By 10th grade, we were infamously known for constantly occupying the music department, practicing during every break and free period. This community became like a family, deepening our friendships.

In DP-1, our band "Purgatory" was thriving. We won KAAFILA 2023, Band-it Regionals and Grand Finale, and even performed as the opening act for Papon at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium. This success was possible thanks to the unwavering support of the music department and our teachers, who accommodated our extensive practice sessions.

Over the past three years, our little group has grown together, both musically and personally. It's incredibly rewarding to see the once-empty music room now bustling with over 10 new bands, filling the department with joy and energy.

On a personal level, I have continued my studies in both guitar and music production. Most recently, I was awarded distinction in my Grade 8 examination (as one of the high achievers in Northern India) from Rockschool and now have a diploma in electric guitar.

Q3. How did the idea for forming Jugalbandish come about? What obstacles did you face, and how did you tackle them?

Starting in 2023, Jugalbandish has been a passionate project merging music and philanthropy by hosting an inter-school Battle of the Bands at Pathways School, Gurgaon. With the support of the MYP council and dedicated student volunteers, we raised 40,000 INR in our first year, funding keyboards for the Lotus Petal Foundation school. The March 2024 edition saw significant growth, raising over 1,00,000 INR through expanded revenue sources, including ticket, merchandise, and food sales.

The idea for Jugalbandish originated in 2021 during my visit to the Lotus Petal Foundation school. I saw children singing together despite their daily struggles, demonstrating how music serves as a lifeline of hope. Inspired by this experience, I initiated a project where music could give back to them.

Initially, the project was delayed due to a busy calendar, but I fast-tracked it by incorporating it into my MYP-5 personal project. This allowed me to pilot the event within our school, refine the plan, and address areas needing improvement.

We faced multiple challenges, from scheduling conflicts and COVID outbreaks to missing vendors. However, with the support of the SLT team, Mr. Chandelkar, and my dedicated team of MYP students, we overcame each obstacle.

Today, Jugalbandish stands as a testament to this resilience and dedication.

Q4. Congratulations on the IB Global Youth Action Fund award! Could you share a bit about that experience?

Being selected for the Global Youth Action Fund is a profound validation of the journey I've embarked upon with Jugalbandish. It's an affirmation that our efforts to merge music, charity, and community are resonating on a global scale.

From ideating to executing a humble battle of the bands event in 2023 and 2024 to envisioning a vibrant day-long carnival, complete with merchandise, games, and recognition of diverse art forms, every step has been driven by a deep-seated belief in the power of creativity to effect positive change in our society. This recognition doesn't just honor past accomplishments; it fuels my resolve to continue pushing boundaries and amplifying our impact.

With the support of the Global Youth Action Fund, I'm more determined than ever to transform dreams into realities, and to create a world where music not only entertains but also uplifts and empowers every individual it touches.

Q5. Finally, what are your future plans?

Ever since I began my journey at Pathways, I have centered myself around one word: LEGACY. Many batches have come and gone, but the impact we leave will shape the school's future and our memory.

With Jugalbandish, our immediate goal is to establish a fully-equipped music room at Lotus Petal Foundation, fulfilling the vision of providing quality education in and through the performing arts, especially for the disadvantaged. Leveraging diversified revenue streams like food stalls, carnival games, and merchandise, Jugalbandish aims to transition from an individual-led project to a sustainable annual festival driven by student leadership and social impact. Through our funding efforts, we aspire to create a lasting legacy that champions the transformative power of music in building a more equitable society, aligned with SDG-4 Quality Education.

Before I graduate from Pathways, I aim to leave a lasting impact—whether in music, sports, or the overall school environment.

"What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." - Pericles