Inlaks Takeoff Grantees 2023: Supriya Vohra, Kristina Ammattil and Anusha Merrin

Supriya Vohra is an independent journalist based in Goa, India.
She writes about the coast and the fisheries sector from the lens of
socio-ecological justice. She examines the socio-economic status of
fishers across the coastline, and the dangers exposed by a changing climate.

Kristina Ammattil is a South Indian soprano from Kerala,
specializing in Western Classical performance and opera at the
Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London.

Anusha Merrin is an artist and a student of Western Classical Music,
with a Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Studies and Opera from the
Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK. 

In this week’s post, they tell us about their pursuits
and what they hope to achieve through the grant.

—

Supriya Vohra

Under the Inlaks Takeoff Grant, I intend to examine the growing aquaculture sector in India. I will document the lived realities of fishers and fish-farmers living along the coastline and aquaculture belts of Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Through this work, I hope to address some pressing questions around food security, susceptibility to disease and pollution, and impacts of climate change.

I will also use this opportunity to build Fishy Waters, an independent, fortnightly newsletter, a space for consistent and dedicated coverage of coastal issues in South Asia, something that is lacking in the mainstream media. I look forward to dedicating myself to this line of inquiry for the long term, contributing to informed public discourse.

Kristina Ammattil

 I realised a fierce passion for singing at a young age, and now continue to hone my skills at a Masters level. Aside from developing vocal technique and drama skills, an element of interest for me within this music is the historical and linguistic variety that demands meticulous research and learning to sing in European languages such French, Italian, German, Czech and English. I am also practicing the Alexander technique, a method of rediscovering the natural balance of the body and finding freedom in the singing voice. 

I joined the KM Music Conservatory, Chennai in 2016, where I was introduced to Western Classical music. During my study, I was awarded the ‘Performer of the Year’ every year from 2017-2019 and was encouraged to pursue my studies further at the partner institution, Middlesex University, London. While completing my undergraduate degree in London, I discovered an interest in music philosophy. Over the pandemic, securing a scholarship on a MA by Research, I published my dissertation titled, The Third Eye of Musical Performance, delving into the subconscious of the performer and subjective experiences such as intention, embodiment and catharsis. During this time, I studied privately with Indian-born soprano, Patricia Rozario, who has been an inspiration to Indian singers pursuing a performance career in the UK. Under her mentorship, I have performed with the British Youth Opera, in collaborative recitals and have secured a scholarship at the Guildhall School. 

The next three years of study will prepare me for a professional career in vocal performance at an international level. I enjoy a wide range of music, especially from the Baroque and Romantic periods. Recognizing the rise of Indian composers within the field, I am keen on exploring their contemporary works, continuing to develop my artistry.

Anusha Merrin

Opera is a vibrant and thriving art form that has influenced me radically. Even though it may have been referred to as a ‘dying art form’ in the past, it is clearly a misconception. The technological advances as well as the inclusion of a diverse range of artists have propelled the Opera industry to the fore. 

As an artist and a student of Western Classical Music, past opportunities in various performances have contributed to my growth in confidence as a performing artist. Being a minority both in the country as well as in the field of Opera has only pushed me to succeed with utmost dedication. However, the limited opportunities towards Western Classical music education in India along with the competition in this field have compelled me to pursue another year of training at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, UK for the Postgraduate Diploma in Vocal Studies and Opera. 

Despite the many challenges of relocating to a new country during the pandemic and battling illnesses, I started to realise my potential when I secured second prize in the Joyce and Michael Kennedy Award for the singing of Strauss. Along with that, I was part of the productions of Die Fledermaus and Mansfield Park. Working in the theatre, particularly in full-scale productions, ignited a newfound passion to delve deeper into the world of Opera. This, I think would further my knowledge and enhance my confidence as a performer. With the training and guidance I receive, I aspire to become a skilled singing actor. I also hope to provide Western Classical training to more Indian voices and contribute to the development of a richer culture for Opera and Classical music in India. Pursuing a career in the performing arts is not only challenging emotionally and physically but financially as well. I look forward to the numerous opportunities and experiences that are now accessible with the grant, and significantly shaping my journey into the world of classical music and Opera.⁠