In a rare and memorable confluence of music and meaning, Bengaluru played host to Ilaiyaraaja 50: Live in Concert - Music for Meals, a landmark celebration honouring Maestro Ilaiyaraaja’s 50 years in Indian music. The evening also marked The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s 25 years of unwavering service to children, nourishing young lives through the PM POSHAN programme. Held at the BIEC - NICE Grounds, Madavara, the concert brought together legacy, emotion and purpose in a shared celebration.

The concert marked the Maestro’s return to Bengaluru after seven years, as his timeless compositions once again filled the city with melodies that have defined eras and transcended generations. Each performance paid homage to a musical journey that has shaped the cultural fabric of Indian cinema for five decades, leaving the audience immersed in nostalgia and reverence.

Presented by One Mercuri, the event carried deeper significance through its association with Music for Meals, an initiative of The Akshaya Patra Foundation. More than a musical showcase, the evening reinforced the belief that art, when aligned with purpose, can become a powerful catalyst for social change.

Ilaiyaraaja 50: Live in Concert - Music for Meals stood as a reminder that music can move beyond applause, becoming a force for collective good. As melodies flowed through the evening, they symbolised nourishment not only for the soul, but also for millions of young lives across the country.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Madhu Pandit Dasa, Vice-Chairman Chanchalapathi Dasa and CEO Mr Shridhar Venkat highlighted the shared vision behind the initiative, underscoring the importance of sustained support in ensuring that children receive the nutrition and care they need to pursue education and build brighter futures.

Feeding the Future: 25 Years, 4 Billion Meals
Founded in 2000, The Akshaya Patra Foundation has served over 4 billion meals, making it the world’s largest social impact organisation serving mid-day meals in partnership with the Government of India. As it completes 25 years of service, the Foundation is recommitting itself to holistic child development, strengthening the link between nutrition, education and equality.

The concert concluded as a historic chapter, honouring a musical icon, celebrating a humanitarian milestone and reaffirming the enduring impact of art when it serves a greater purpose.