Toshiro Agarwal reports from an event at OIMR, Pune, in The Times of India on July 17, 2025
Yudi Dhawale performed at the Osho International Meditation Centre. The Indian percussionist played African-style drum beats. The music created a joyful and meditative atmosphere. Attendees danced and swayed to the rhythm. Shanmukha Ankamanal described the event as full of creativity and healing energy. The performance transcended cultural barriers. A sense of peace filled the air after the final beat.
The sound of drums filled the Sunday morning air at the Osho International Meditation Centre as Indian percussionist Yudi Dhawale brought a powerful and moving performance to the premises. Yudi played African-style dancing drum beats that had the crowd swaying, spinning, and dancing. There was no set choreography, no instruction — just the energy of the beats guiding each person in their own dance.
Speaking about his performance and the vibe, Yudi shared, “Drums are like the rhythm of the soul. Spirituality goes hand in hand with anything that has rhythm. It can be the sound of nature, or the humming of a bird.” The session was like a healing session for attendees amidst a calm, joyful, and alive atmosphere. Shanmukha Ankamanal, who attended the event, shared, “The atmosphere was full of creativity and healing energy. The music was meditative to the ears and I was extremely pleased to have experienced that.”
Bringing African drum music into an Indian spiritual setting was unusual, but the rhythm crossed all barriers of culture, language, background, and became something pure and powerful. As the final beat faded, there was a sense of peace in the air. Some sat quietly, others hugged, while few continued to sway.
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