Devanga Bidrum Kalita, a talented pianist from Dibrugarh, Assam, began his musical journey in second grade, inspired by a friend. Diagnosed with a specific learning disability, he faced initial hurdles, especially finding a piano teacher in his hometown. Undeterred, he and his mother made monthly trips to Guwahati for lessons, a dedication that eventually led him to AR Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory in Chennai and later to Middlesex University in the UK, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music. Today, Devanga shares his passion as a piano tutor at two schools.
Fate intervened when Devanga met Chayan Taneja, a graphic designer and drummer on the autism spectrum, and his mother, Archana Taneja. Archana had a vision to form a neurodivergent music band in Delhi NCR, and together, they brought “Chayanit – The Chosen Ones” to life in May of this year. Devanga Bidrum Kalita is a co-founder and pianist of the band.
The band quickly gained momentum with the support of the Hyundai India Art for Hope Grant 2025. After performing at various venues across Delhi, Chayanit is now ready for their big debut outside the capital at Sammohan 2025. This national-level showcase for People with Disabilities will be held at the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram on September 27. Chayan Taneja is the drummer and co-founder of the band.
The talented ensemble includes Kevin Aryan Mitchell on guitar, and Eshaan Pratap Singh and Shreyam Shreevardhan on vocals. Guiding their artistic journey is mentor Sandeep Paul, Chayan’s childhood teacher, while Archana Taneja masterfully coordinates the group’s activities.
Their Inspiring Origin Stories
“I started playing toy drums when I was four and was fascinated by them,” recalls Chayan, a devoted fan of Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal, during a Zoom conversation. “I began formal lessons with Sandeep sir at age 10, and just five months later, I had my first solo performance. Beyond drums, I also enjoy playing the cajon, djembe, and tabla.” Chayan proudly holds a Grade 6 drumming certification from Trinity College London.
For Kevin, a 19-year-old on the autistic spectrum, the guitar became his calling in his teenage years, inspired by his father’s playing and German artists. He taught himself to play ‘Country Roads’ at just 14. Kevin Aryan Mitchell is the guitarist of Chayanit – The Chosen Ones.
Eshaan, who also navigates the autistic spectrum, shares, “My passion for singing blossomed during the lockdown when I began practicing with my mother.” Shreyam, living with ADHD and a learning disability, attributes his early love for music to the legends Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar, and Hemant Kumar, whose songs he cherished from the tender age of three. Eshaan Pratap Singh and Shreyam Shreevardhan are vocalists of Chayanit – The Chosen Ones.
Overcoming Challenges and Pursuing Dreams
Archana candidly discusses the journey of these neurodivergent musicians. “Each member possesses a unique personality and faces distinct challenges. For instance, Chayan would tire quickly while drumming, complaining of aching hands. Implementing timers helped immensely, and now he can play for two hours straight! Learning music notation was another hurdle, but Sandeep sir devised a method of marking the drums to aid his memory.”
Devanga, an Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 8 certified pianist, reflects on his experience: “In class VI, I struggled to grasp my music teacher’s instructions. My father would attend lessons with me, and then he would patiently re-explain everything.”
Archana, who left her career as a fashion designer to manage the band, emphasizes their philosophy: “Our focus is entirely on their abilities, not their disabilities. Every child possesses undiscovered talents. It’s a message I wish every parent would embrace: your child is speaking; you simply need to listen.”
Sandeep, their mentor, adds, “I don’t view this as a difficult task. My goal is to cultivate masters in their respective fields, and that’s precisely what we’re doing.”
“This band is a dream realized,” Archana beams. “While logistical planning and coordination present challenges, the joy on our children’s faces is our ultimate driving force.”
Looking ahead, Chayanit is preparing for two more concerts in October, including a performance at the International Purple Fest in Goa. They are also excited to release their first original song.
“I aspire to establish myself as a musician, making my mother and mentor proud,” says Eshaan. “I want to inspire others who might be held back by their disabilities.”
Chayan echoes this sentiment: “My dream is for our band to share the stage with icons like Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghoshal. We want people to understand that while we are special, we are not lesser. We are Chayanit—The Chosen Ones.”
Catch Chayanit – The Chosen Ones performing at Sammohan 2025 on September 27, starting at 3 PM, at the Different Art Centre, Thiruvananthapuram. Entry is free.