From a small workshop to an internationally recognised center for Sound Experience in Auroville. Svaram is much more than an instrument-making hub. They produce unique instruments and sound sources, blending tradition and creativity and exploring the role of sound, music and vibration in healing, wellbeing, education, and community building. It welcomes thousands of visitors and students each year. With Karthik, one of the founders, we explored SVARAM’s journey till date.
What is the story of SVARAM?
Karthik : “At that time, work was scarce, and I didn’t want to continue studying. I started by helping Aurelio with painting jobs and setting up his musical instruments for his performances. Over time, I became interested in the instruments he had— his collection included over a hundred different kinds—and I started repairing them. My curiosity grew, and I wanted to learn how to make them, but Aurelio told me it required knowledge and skill. Despite this, I persisted. I co-founded SVARAM with Aurelio in the 2000’s. We began with only a hundred dollars and a book on making musical instruments. Our first workshop was a small ten by six feet room in a village where we made our first instruments. As we needed funding to sustain the center, we launched an income-generating project, Svaram Musical Instruments. Now, I have been in this field for almost 25 years!”
What is SVARAM’s mission and vision ?
Karthik : “Our goal in the beginning was to make music accessible to everyone, not just musicians. We used locally available materials such as bamboo, stones, seeds, and wood. For the past years, we have also focused on research, exploring how music and sound connects with medicine and art.”
Today SVARAM produces more than 80 different types of instruments. These are not traditional instruments like Veena or Tanpura but unique creations as well as new developed versions of traditional instruments from around the world. Currently, we employ about 80 local craftsmen and craftswomen as well as 10 Aurovillians and export our instruments in 42 countries worldwide. Our artisans, many of whom are self-taught, craft these instruments using their specialised skills in woodwork, percussion, strings, flutes and chimes fabrication for indoor as well as for outdoor settings.
What are the activities visitors can participate in?
Karthik : “We offer various workshops for visitors and students. Our instrument-building workshops teach children and adults to create percussion instruments and flutes, which they take home. We also introduce them to playing techniques. Another key activity is our drum circle, where groups of 10 to 15 people learn teamwork through rhythm and music, fostering harmony and collaboration.”
Unlike museums where instruments can only be observed, here visitors can touch, play, and learn how they work. We provide explanations about the purpose and functionality of each instrument, making learning interactive and enjoyable.” SVARAM has carefully curated a sensory Sound Garden with life size instruments to provide an experience beyond the sound of music – here you can feel it, walk in it, touch it, stand on it – different instruments come alive with different approaches.
Additionally, we developed the Sonorium, a sound healing room featuring unique instruments such as the Tubular Bell and Sonic Stone, made from local materials. These instruments, designed for therapeutic purposes, provide a distinctive sound experience.”
Our educational programs attract 4,000 to 5,000 students annually for instrument-making workshops, drum circles, and sound-based activities. We welcome volunteers from all over the world for three to six months’ projects. Additionally, we have introduced specialised training courses in sound healing and instrument building. Now, we offer seven categories of courses, including outdoor instruments, sound healing instruments, educational instruments, and string instruments. Our work continues to evolve, blending music, culture, and innovation.”
In your opinion and experience, why are sound, music, and instruments so essential to human societies?
Karthik : “Music and sound play a crucial role particularly in healing and education. After the pandemic, the need for healing through music became even more evident. Every year, around 30 participants come to learn about sound healing, and they continue this work in their own communities. Sound from our natural material instruments not only provide healing but also support the local economy through our projects in Auroville.
We actively support Auroville’s schools and events in Auroville. We’re also welcoming around 1,800 visitors weekly.
Can you share a noteworthy moment or achievement that you cherish ?
Karthik : “Over the years, we have had many memorable visits, including ambassadors and large delegations. A significant achievement was creating a 16-meter wind chime for Mumbai Airport, potentially a world record.“Every year, we innovate by designing new instruments and tuning systems, continuously expanding our offerings. Our work is strengthened by international collaborations, artists, sound healers, educators and musicians contributing their knowledge and learning from us in return. This cross-cultural exchange enriches our project, making it a unique space for learning and creativity. Auroville provides an ideal environment for such collaborations, supporting both local and global engagement in music and culture. Music transcends language, allowing everyone to connect and understand its universal appeal.”
Do you want to craft your own instrument? Join the hands-on Crafting Your Own Musical Instrument Workshop at Svaram. Discover the joy of creating sound with your own hands and take home a musical piece made by you!
Explore the healing power of sound: Dive into the transformative experience of the Sound Therapy Workshop. Learn how vibrations, resonance, and handcrafted instruments can guide you toward wellbeing and inner balance.
