After helping 5,000 critically ill children receive life-saving treatment, Genesis Foundation celebrates a milestone carved in compassion. Simran Sagar, the Foundation’s Operations Director, reflects on this emotional journey—and the return of the beloved Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival, where music meets purpose in the most powerful way
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
Some milestones are measured in numbers. Others, in their lives changed. For the Genesis Foundation, reaching the mark of supporting 5,000 critically ill children isn’t just a statistic—it’s a celebration of second chances, of hope restored and of families reunited with the possibility of a future. At the helm of this purpose-driven mission is Simran Sagar, the Foundation’s Operations Director, whose personal loss became the seed of a life-saving movement. As Genesis Foundation prepares to bring back the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival (KRBF) after a five-year pause, Simran reflects on the powerful confluence of music and mission, community and compassion. In this conversation with The Pioneer, she shares the stories behind the heartbeat behind the cause, and why KRBF is more than a festival—it’s a festival with a soul.
Reaching the milestone of supporting 5,000 critically ill children is both humbling and deeply emotional for all of us at Genesis Foundation, says Simran Sagar. “Personally, it’s a moment of immense gratitude—gratitude for the journey that started from a place of personal loss and transformed into a mission of hope and healing for thousands of families across the country.” This number isn’t just a statistic; it represents 5,000 lives—5,000 children who were given a chance to live, laugh, and dream.
Simran reflects on the story of Harsh, a two-year-old who had already endured more than most do in a lifetime—constant infections, poor weight gain, and an uncertain future. “His parents, earning a modest Rs 11,000 a month, were desperate for answers but kept hitting walls due to the unaffordable nature of treatment,” she shares. Through the support of a generous donor, Harsh received the surgery he urgently needed and spent 25 critical days in the ICU. Today, he is thriving—healthy, playful, and free of medication. “His story is not just one of survival, but of what’s possible when community, compassion, and care come together,” Simran emphasizes. After a five-year hiatus, the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival is returning and Simran is thrilled to bring this community-driven celebration back to life. “Bringing the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival back to life after a five-year pause is incredibly special for all of us at Genesis Foundation. This festival isn’t just about music—it’s about community, purpose and heart.” Kasauli, with its close-knit charm and stunning backdrop, has always embraced KRBF as its own. To return to this beautiful town and reignite the energy, joy and unity the festival inspires feels like coming home.
KRBF is more than just a music festival; it’s a platform for mobilising a community for a cause. Simran highlights the inspiring groundswell of support from both local and national communities. “From artists who generously perform pro bono, to attendees who return year after year not just for the music but for the mission—it’s this collective spirit that powers KRBF,” she notes. Local partners in Kasauli open their doors and hearts, and supporters from across India come together to raise funds and awareness for children with Congenital Heart Defects.
Over the years, the KRBF community has grown into a powerful force united by music and purpose. Simran shares that musicians lend their talent generously, donors contribute with incredible trust and attendees spread the word, creating a wave of awareness and support for children battling Congenital Heart Defects. “It’s this shared mission that transforms a music festival into a life-saving platform—proving that when people come together with heart, change becomes not just possible, but unstoppable,” she emphasises.
Beyond the rhythm and melodies, Simran hopes that attendees leave KRBF with a sense of connection—to a cause, to a community, and to the power they hold to make a difference. “We want every attendee to walk away knowing that their presence helped save a life. That every beat of the drum echoed with purpose, every cheer uplifted a family in need, and every ticket contributed to giving a child a future.” Hosting KRBF in the heart of Himachal is a privilege and Simran deeply values the connection built with the local community over the years. “We engage local artists and cultural groups, partner with regional vendors for food and crafts, and involve volunteers from nearby communities to help bring the event to life,” she shares. Their warmth, hospitality and participation are at the heart of KRBF’s spirit.
In today’s world, where people are searching for meaning in their leisure experiences, KRBF offers a unique blend of joy, reflection and community spirit. Simran believes that the festival becomes more than just an event—it becomes a heartfelt experience. “What sets KRBF apart is its powerful purpose. Every note played, every cheer from the crowd, contributes to saving a child’s life.”
Simran recalls the story of Abhijeet, a two-year-old from Punjab who was born with a heart condition that caused a bluish tint to his skin. Through the support of Genesis Foundation, Abhijeet received life-saving surgery and is now thriving, healthy and ready to return to school. “This story serves as a reminder that every contribution made at KRBF directly impacts the future of a child—just like Abhijeet—who gets a second chance at life,” Simran says.
The festival has led to unexpected connections—between an artist and a family, or a donor and a child’s journey—that deeply move Simran. Many of those who attend KRBF once become part of our extended family—returning year after year, and in some cases, becoming long-term supporters or advocates for our cause,” she shares. That spirit of genuine connection is what makes the festival so much more than a musical experience—it becomes a shared journey of purpose and compassion.
As KRBF continues to grow, Simran envisions maintaining the intimate, heart-led essence that has always been at the core of the festival. “The beauty of KRBF lies in its ability to blend the energy of live music with a deep, shared purpose—to raise awareness and funds for critically ill children battling congenital heart defects,” she notes. Every artist, every attendee, and every supporter plays an integral part in saving lives.
