Not just another talent show
An open shed was converted into a concert hall; the audience sat on green cloth sheets, and the stage was simply the cement floor. But for eight-year-old Manish, it might as well have been the stage of Indian Idol. Barefoot and beaming with excitement, “he held the mic like a bar of chocolate and sang a popular Hindi song, which brought a fun vibe and in the last part of the song, we all sang along,” recalls project coordinator Manan Parekh.
“Who knew this tiny fellow had such a powerhouse voice?” he laughs. “We were all just expecting some cute nursery rhymes, but he made us dance.”
This performance was just another audition round for Manzil 4.0 – Kalakaar Ki Nayi Pehchaan, a talent shows organised by RAC Ahmedabad Prahladnagar, RID 3055. “But for this little boy, and hundreds of children like him, it was their chance at being seen, heard, and maybe even celebrated like the stars they believe they could be,” says Parekh and adds that “these kids don’t usually get applause, let alone a stage. We wanted them to feel that they are seen, celebrated, and most importantly, worthy.”
The event was open to children from NGOs, low-income schools, and those with physical and intellectual disabilities. For the club, “this wasn’t just about scouting talent, but about amplifying voices that go unheard. We didn’t want to separate them by labels. To us, they were all performers, all artists, all dreamers, who came as participants, and left as stars.”
This wasn’t a one-day event either. It began with seven separate auditions across schools, reaching around 300 children. Every child who stepped up was appreciated with motivational gifts. Parekh’s favourite memory from the event is of “a special child who clutched his gift and kept repeating ‘I’ve never won anything before.’ That moment alone made the project worth it.”
After the auditions, 50 semi-finalists were selected and invited to perform before a panel of professional judges. Snacks and refreshments were served to all. “You should’ve seen the energy in the room, it was electric. For many of them, this was their first time being evaluated for something they loved doing.”
The grand finale was held in an auditorium, attended by more than 180 people. Eighteen finalists took the stage with winners taking home cash prizes totalling ₹45,000, but no one left empty-handed. Every participant received a stationery kit worth ₹200, and everyone, including Rotaractors, enjoyed a grand dinner. “We didn’t want them to just perform and leave. We wanted them to stay, celebrate, eat together, laugh. That’s what belonging feels like,” adds Parekh.
The entire event was sponsored, “from prizes to snacks to dinner every rupee was raised through partnerships and goodwill. It was humbling to see how many people came forward when they heard what we were doing,” he says .
The feedback from parents, schools, and the community has been “overwhelmingly positive. Many are already asking when Manzil 5.0 will take place. But for us we didn’t just create a show. We created memories, confidence, and maybe even new dreams. That’s the real prize,” smiles Parekh.
