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Shyam's Journey:

Embracing Life and Music with Parkinson's

Parkinson’s disease can significantly diminish one’s quality of life, both physically and emotionally. For Shyam, however, the diagnosis became a catalyst for action and inspiration.

Determined to make a difference, Shyam and his wife Nalini sought ways to contribute to the fight against Parkinson’s. They partnered with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, actively participating in fundraising efforts to support vital research for improved treatments and a cure.

Shyam also turned to the healing power of music. In 2016, he began studying Dhrupad, a traditional Indian classical music form known for its emphasis on breath control, connecting the mind, body, and soul. The practice has provided Shyam with calmness and a profound sense of well-being.

Shyam’s dedication to both fundraising and his Dhrupad practice is truly remarkable. His story demonstrates the transformative power of art and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Let Shyam’s journey inspire us to raise awareness and support for Parkinson’s disease, fostering hope and a brighter future for all those affected.

Shyam parikhs incredible story
Music has helped me navigate through a range of difficulties in my personal life, first with childhood polio, and, in 2017, I had to face the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. I therefore feel that we need to create awareness of Parkinson's Disease (PD) globally. Since there is still little or no permanent cure, people tend to accept life dependence and feel handicapped instead of learning to manage
- Shyam Parikh.
shyam parikh performing dhrupad

Shyam always believed in the impact and healing power of various art forms. Taking his firm beliefs forward, Shyam started learning Dhrupad from the Maestros Padmashree Gundecha Brothers in 2016. Since then, there’s no looking back.

Shyam continues to learn Dhrupad and practices every day.

Dhrupad has been a cornerstone in the conception of Indian classical music. Commonly, Dhrupad is known only by its literary meaning from the words Dhruva and Pada. Conceptually, however, it refers to and emphasizes the circulatory construction of our music. Dhruva means unmoving steadfast. It implies the return of the Swara (tonal), Kala (time), and Shabda (textual) trajectories to a fixed point.

With excellent breath control, the Dhrupad style connects the mind, body, and soul. The captivating compositions and the Raagas have a profound effect on providing calmness.

image drawing representing singer teaching music to a person

Shyam’s dedication to raising funds for Parkinson’s research and his passion for Dhrupad music is truly remarkable. His journey is a testament to art’s healing power and the human spirit’s strength.

Let’s all draw inspiration from Shyam’s story and join hands in creating awareness and supporting those affected by Parkinson’s disease.

Shyam parikh at a recording studio

Media Bites

media by newspaper cutting 1 parkinson
newspaper cutting about the interview with shyam parikh
newspaper cutting dhrupad special sangeet program
newspaper 70 year old shyam parikh performance