Anahad Foundation

Backpack Studio, a mobile recording studio, is at the heart of Anahad Foundation’s approach. This innovative technology enables folk artists in remote areas to access professional-quality production services at no cost to them, overcoming the financial barrier of high recording costs and limited access to equipment. By offering cost-effective production, documentation services, and training in music production and digital marketing, Backpack Studio helps artists create and monetise their work through streaming platforms, providing them with economic independence.

Through copyright and legal protection training, Anahad ensures that folk artists understand their intellectual property rights and are compensated fairly for their work. Additionally, by adapting traditional music with modern production techniques, Anahad helps increase the demand for folk music, connecting artists with a broader, contemporary audience.

The Anahad Fellowship is a residential program that empowers young professionals to preserve and promote India’s folk music heritage. Fellows receive a stipend and gain hands-on training, mentorship, and immersive fieldwork in music production, cultural documentation, artist empowerment, and community engagement. The program integrates technology—such as Backpack Studios and Dolby-supported systems—for music documentation and digital distribution, enabling sustainable livelihoods for artists. Fellows also explore artist management, digital rights advocacy, and policy research, fostering inclusive cultural platforms and stronger community ties. Designed for those passionate about heritage and social impact, the fellowship nurtures a network of cultural changemakers, amplifies the visibility of folk artists, and supports cultural sustainability and inclusive development.

EQUALS began as a response to the growing need for fresh, original songwriting in the folk genre. Designed as a songwriting and mentoring project, it led to the creation of India’s first folk docu-webseries on an OTT platform—spotlighting artists rooted in traditional forms while exploring new creative directions.

Each episode follows a single folk-rooted artist or group, using their journey to spark dialogue around songwriting across regions and genres. The series asks a central question: What is folk?—framing it as fluid, organic, and deeply connected to the people.

At its core, EQUALS is a celebration of music as the great equalizer—breaking down barriers and connecting communities. It offers a space where folk traditions meet contemporary expression, keeping the spirit of folk music alive and evolving.

Women have long been the torchbearers of India’s diverse folk music traditions, from the chants of the Khasi, Mizo, and Naga communities to the vibrant songs of Rajasthan, Bengal’s Bauls, and Maharashtra’s Lavani performers. Despite their central role, many women folk artists face barriers that limit their visibility and economic potential. This project leverages the BackPack Studio—an innovative, mobile recording unit—to bring professional music production to rural women artists, enabling them to document, preserve, and share their art.

Alongside high-quality recordings, the initiative offers training in digital skills, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship to build capacity and unlock new income opportunities. By creating a digital archive and connecting traditional music with contemporary platforms, this is a movement to preserve cultural heritage, promote gender equality, and empower women through the power of folk music and technology.