The Musical Prodigy

She can play 42 musical instruments. But for Niyati, this is just a beginning in the world of music. She dreams of teaching music or being a Music director someday. Niyati’s journey into the world of professional music began when she was barely four. At five, Niyati had already given her first Trinity exam. “I want to pursue a PhD on the evolution of music from the Vedas to the present times,” says Niyati with a smile. She firmly believes that music evolved through the Vedas.

A Musical Genius

Niyati was just a six-month-old baby when she was first introduced to the black and white keys and the xylophone. What followed next was the ‘sound of music’ everywhere – pots and pans, keyboard, the humming of birds and her toy keyboard. Play a song or tune in front of Niyati, and the next thing you know is she will reproduce it effortlessly on one of her many musical instruments in a jiffy.

Divya Saxena, Niyati’s mother and a Freelance Content Writer is elated with her daughter’s many talents. “The first instrument that Niyati wanted to play as a child was the keyboard.” Niyati initially was enrolled at a local music school that taught Indian classical music. However, Niyati’s interests inclined more towards western music. Niyati is one of the few musicians in India, who can melodiously play the Ravanahatha- an instrument that is believed to have been invented by the demon king, Ravana. Divya says, “Out of the eight grades offered by Trinity College of London, Niyati has already cleared six grades, she’s pursuing the seventh one now.” The little girl is quite a musical maverick. She can play the keyboard and piano blindfolded. Niyati can even play on two keyboards simultaneously. Not many know that Niyati has a formal certification of working on FL Studio- a music mixing software system.

A Troubled Past

In a country obsessed with ‘a male child’, Niyati was allegedly thrown from the balcony of her house by her father when she was barely a month old. He despised the idea of having a girl child. Divya recollects, “Niyati was fortunate that a neighbour caught her and she was saved.” Divya has been a pillar of strength for her daughter. Niyati says, “My mother has been my strongest supporter and guide.” She laughs and adds, “Other parents push their kids into pursuing streams like science and commerce. My mom tells me to opt for humanities and pursue music.”

An All Rounder

Interestingly, Niyati has proved her mettle in academics too. She scored 97% in the 8th Grade and even topped her class. Says Divya proudly, “I think every parent should invest in spending quality time with their kids.” It is not about how lavishly you live or the amount of money you spend on your little ones, what matters is spending quality time, nurturing and helping them fulfil their dreams. Sharing her experience as a single mother. Divya says, “Even in a city like Delhi, I have faced stigma.” Some insensitive and inquisitive people ask Niyati, “Where is your father?” However, Niyati fends off such nosy numbers saying, “Despite not having a father, I have a mother who is supportive, come what may.” Niyati says that her mother always nudges her into pursuing music. “One of the main reasons why kids my age don't pursue their dreams enough, is because their parents may not be as supportive,” she opines.

In Perfect Sync

Each time Niyati plays music, she strikes a chord with the audience. This tiny musical maestro plans to train herself through formal education in Sanskrit and pursue a PhD in music when she grows up. Her zest for life and passion for music serves as an impeccable example of zeal, dedication, and perseverance to one and all.