Research with Bhupendra is an initiative to document and discuss social issues, PhD research, and academic insights. This platform features interviews with scholars, research presentations, and discussions on empirical studies in social work and related fields.
Hosted by: Bhupendra Pratap Singh
Series: The Soul Traveller Podcast
In this mesmerizing episode of The Soul Traveller, we sit down with Parvindar Singh, a Nagpur-based multi-instrumentalist and craftsman whose life story is a symphony of transformation. Parvindar’s journey is not a straight line but a vibrant tapestry of artistic evolution—moving from the silent precision of sketching to the rhythmic pulse of salsa dance, and finally finding his home in the world of sound.
This conversation explores the philosophy of a man who doesn't just play music; he lives it. Through life’s unexpected highs and lows, Parvindar discovered that music was the ultimate medium for his self-expression. Today, he channels his creativity into playing and building instruments, treating every vibration as a bridge between the physical and the spiritual.
Parvindar Singh is a musician, instrument maker, and the visionary founder of Chittavan. A master of the tabla and the handpan, he is known for his unique ability to blend traditional rhythmic structures with the ethereal, ambient sounds of modern melodic percussion.
Beyond his performance, Parvindar is a dedicated luthier who builds musical instruments by hand. His approach to craftsmanship is deeply meditative, viewing the creation of an instrument as an extension of the soul. Based in Nagpur, he has become a pivotal figure in the local art scene, fostering a community that values slow living, nature, and raw creative freedom.
A highlight of this episode is the story of Chittavan, Parvindar’s initiative located in a forest near Nagpur. He describes it as a sanctuary for the spirit—a place where, every Sunday, people gather to escape the noise of urban life. In the heart of the woods, participants engage in a "free expression" ritual that includes playing instruments, painting, yoga, and meditation. It is a living example of Parvindar’s belief that art and nature are inseparable.
The Creative Roller-Coaster: A candid look at Parvindar's life journey and the pivotal moments that reshaped his path.
The Evolution of Expression: Moving from the visual world of sketching and the physical world of dance into the auditory world of music.
The Soul of the Handpan: Insights into the mesmerising world of melodic percussion and the tabla.
The Maker’s Mindset: The technical and spiritual process of crafting musical instruments with one's own hands.
Chittavan & Community: Building a forest-based initiative for collective healing and artistic freedom.
The Sensory Finale: A live showcase where Parvindar plays unique, handcrafted instruments, transforming the podcast into an immersive sound experience.
Parvindar Singh’s story is a reminder that we are allowed to reinvent ourselves as many times as it takes to find our "true calling." His journey from a salsa instructor to a forest-dwelling instrument maker is proof that the most fulfilling lives are often the least conventional. This episode is essential listening for artists, musicians, seekers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature and their own creative pulse.
The Soul Traveller Podcast documents conversations with changemakers, survivors, educators, travellers, and activists whose lives reflect resilience, purpose, and social responsibility. Hosted by Bhupendra Pratap Singh, the podcast captures stories that inspire reflection, action, and collective healing.
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