Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (Spic Macay)

The SPIC MACAY Gurukul Scholarship programme, initiated in 1986, offers students a unique glimpse into the ancient guru-shishya tradition. It serves as a means to introduce school and college students to a lifestyle where individuals have dedicated their lives to their pursuits with unwavering dedication. This scheme provides students with a rare opportunity to spend a month during summer vacations (May/June/July) living with and learning from a guru. It allows them to immerse themselves in a distinct educational and lifestyle system, offering valuable insights beyond their own experiences.

SPIC MACAY's Rural School Intensive (RSI) is a novel initiative designed to extend its reach to underserved rural children. The organisation is dedicated to actively engaging students from rural areas, public schools, and Government institutions through an expanding repertoire of programmes. This endeavour possesses the capacity to profoundly impact young minds, fostering their aesthetic appreciation and instilling core values like discipline, focus, and humility that are deeply rooted in Indian culture.

The central activities involve hosting numerous lecture demonstrations and concerts annually. Distinguished artists specializing in various forms such as classical music, dance, folk traditions, and global heritage visit educational institutions to present captivating performances for students. These lecture demonstrations offer a platform for informal exchanges between students and artists, contributing to the cultivation and refinement of a future audience.

To connect with countless young students in semi-urban and rural areas of India, SPIC MACAY has enlisted talented and vibrant artists. These artists journey to the farthest reaches of the nation, showcasing their art forms, primarily classical music and dance, in underprivileged schools. This distinctive approach represents progress in our efforts to impact the lives of every child across the country.

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, SPIC MACAY has responded to the mental stress experienced by young individuals by organising several flagship weeklong online programme series such as Anubhav, Parampara, Rendezvous, and Global Connect. These initiatives aim to immerse youth in the mystical and multifaceted realms of Indian art, culture, and heritage, offering solace during these challenging times. Through these diverse series, SPIC MACAY creates a virtual platform for students to engage with distinguished figures and inspirational artists. The organisation aspires to guide a select group of students toward reaching their "inner Mount Everest" and inspiring others to embrace and safeguard India's diverse cultural heritage.

Virasat, a significant cultural festival by SPIC MACAY, is a vibrant celebration of India's rich cultural heritage. Launched in Dehradun in 1995, this annual event takes place in the first half of the academic year and is embraced by educational institutions worldwide. Under the Virasat banner, numerous events, totalling (a number of events in a year), offer a diverse showcase of Indian culture, featuring folk and classical music and dance, cinema screenings, heritage walks, handicraft workshops, and theatrical performances. In addition to Virasat, the organisation also hosts Fest Series in winter and World Virasat in select universities, highlighting non-Indian classical art forms.