A Melody of Change: How Isai Ragam is Transforming Village Lives
It’s a weekday evening in Auroville, and across the seven village locations of Isai Ragam, children are gathering for classes. Some practice violin and keyboard, others rehearse Bharatanatyam or street dance, while a few work on English, math, or computer skills. The atmosphere is vibrant, safe, and full of encouragement—far removed from the challenges many of these children face at home, where poverty, fractured families, or alcohol abuse can make learning difficult.
This week, excitement is especially high. On October 12, students will take the first-level Bharatanatyam examinationsat the Unity Pavilion, certified by a renowned master teacher in India. For many, this is more than a test of skill—it’s a milestone that recognizes years of dedication and opens doors to future opportunities. Some students even pursue dual degrees, balancing professional studies with classical arts, a path made possible by affordable programs through the music college in Pondicherry.
“Passing these exams can open doors that were once unimaginable.”
Serving Children in Need
Today, Isai Ragam reaches around120 children, aged six to twenty-three, from villages and Dalit settlements in the region. Many come from homes affected by poverty, fractured families, or alcohol abuse, where educational support is scarce. In the evening hours and on weekends, these children find not only tutoring and structured activities but also safety, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.
“For many of these children, coming to Isai Ragam is the first place they feel truly supported.”
The program’s offerings are broad and deliberately holistic:
- Academic Support: English conversation, maths tutoring, and homework help.
- Digital Literacy: Typing, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Photoshop.
- Arts Education: Keyboard, violin, guitar; Bharatanatyam and folk dance for girls; street dance for boys.
- Community Engagement: Weekend activities, cultural performances, and occasional tours.
Classes run every weekday evening from 6 to 8 pm, with full-day programs on weekends across multiple village locations, including Kottakarai, Puddhupakkam, Mahaveerapuram, and Acharampet.
The Journey Behind Isai Ragam
Ivar Jenten had already been living and working in Auroville for decades when Brigitte Vink first visited in 2005. In the following yearly she began visiting regularly, before moving permanently in 2010. Drawing on years of experience in village work, the duo built programs that respond to both practical and creative needs.
In 2003, Ivar founded Isai Maiyam in Pondicherry, offering music, dance, computer lessons, and programs for differently-abled children serving a 48 children who attended daily. The co-ed home program for underserved children was forced to close during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the remaining funds were redirected to support former students in pursuing higher education.
After moving to Auroville, Brigitte first taught music at Isai Ambalam School, a school founded and directed by Ivar, and later transferred to Auroville. Along with Isai Ambalam, Briggite also taught English at other AuroMitra Trust schools, and later worked at the Matrimandir. Seeing many local children missing school, she and Ivar began informal English and math lessons, which gradually evolved into Isai Ragam, formally launched in 2021 under the Auromitra Trust.
“My work and our life in India is very varied. Never a dull moment!”— Brigitte Vink
Student Focus: Rajeshwari
“From a home where even reading the time was impossible, Rajeshwari is now pursuing a PhD in mathematics—a true testament to her talent and perseverance.”
-Brigitte Vink
Rajeshwari’s parents are intelligent but had no access to formal education. Her father works as a watchman and cannot read or write; her mother cannot even read a clock. Yet Rajeshwari displayed extraordinary talent in mathematics. With consistent support from Isai Ragam, she completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is now pursuing a PhD in mathematics—a remarkable journey from humble beginnings to academic excellence.
Student Focus: Jerolin
“With the right support, hidden brilliance can flourish in any child.”
Jerolin, an orphan, astonished everyone with her musical gifts. Without formal training, she could play complex pieces by Bach and Beethoven entirely by ear. At Isai Ragam, her talent was nurtured, and today she studies both piano and violin at a high level while living in housing provided by the program.
Bharatanatyam Examinations and Dual Degrees
Other students follow similarly inspiring paths: some combine nursing or business studies with Bharatanatyam dance training; others develop practical skills, like a young man supported to set up a small roadside repair business. Many children now have a safe space for homework, computer learning, and arts practice—opportunities that their homes cannot always provide.
For students drawn to dance, a major milestone is the Bharatanatyam examinations, which recognize skill, discipline, and dedication. Isai Ragam is committed to helping each child build their native gifts, whether in music, dance, academics, or practical trades.
Some students also pursue either a full Bharatnatyam degree or choose dual degrees, balancing professional studies with classical arts. For example, one student studies nursing while continuing Bharatanatyam training; another completes a business degree while maintaining dance practice. Through the music college in Pondicherry, these programs are affordable enough to make dual degrees feasible, allowing children to balance practical careers with the continuation of India’s artistic traditions.
Music and dance remain at the heart of Isai Ragam, but Brigitte and Ivar emphasize helping each child discover their own talents and nurturing them with care and commitment. Despite financial challenges—the project relies primarily on Ivar’s pension and small donations from supporters in the Netherlands—Isai Ragam continues to grow.
“In every classroom, in every note of music, Isai Ragam gives children not just skills, but the courage to imagine new possibilities.”