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Simran Sagar, Operations Director at Genesis Foundation, talks candidly about the Kasauli Rhythm & Blues Festival's (KRBF) life-changing experience in an exclusive interview with Moneycontrol.

What started out as a straightforward music festival has grown into a potent platform for raising money and awareness for kids with congenital heart defects (CHD).

Simran offers perspectives on artist selection, poignant moments, and the foundation's overarching goal of saving lives—one tiny heart at a time—as the festival's influence and audience continue to expand.

Excerpt from the Interview: 

The festival has always been more than just music. Can you share how KRBF has evolved over the years in terms of its purpose and impact?

Over the years, KRBF has grown from a simple music festival to a powerful platform for change, deeply intertwined with our mission at Genesis Foundation. What started as a celebration of music and community has evolved into a dynamic force for social good, with every aspect of the festival contributing directly to our cause of saving children with Congenital Heart Defects (CHD).

When KRBF first began, it was a way for music lovers to come together in a beautiful setting and enjoy performances by talented artists. But as the festival grew, so did its purpose. We realized that this was an opportunity to not only celebrate music but to also raise awareness and funds for critically ill children who would otherwise have no access to life-saving treatment.

The festival became a way to connect people—from donors and volunteers to artists and attendees—who all shared a commitment to making a tangible impact in the lives of these children.

Over time, the festival's impact has expanded far beyond the two days of performances. It’s created lasting connections between artists, families, and donors, and helped us support the medical treatment of over 5,000 children. KRBF has also raised awareness about Congenital Heart Defects, a condition that often goes unnoticed, and inspired a sense of collective responsibility in those who attend.

Today, KRBF is a celebration with a clear purpose—uniting music, joy, and generosity for a cause that changes lives. It's no longer just about enjoying the rhythm and blues; it’s about giving children a fighting chance at life and creating a community that stands for something much larger than any one of us. Every year, it evolves, but the heart of it remains the same—bringing people together to make a difference.

This year’s lineup is incredibly exciting, from Parikrama to Madboy/Mink. How do you curate artists who align with Genesis Foundation’s mission of “Saving Little Hearts”?

Curating the lineup for KRBF is a thoughtful and deliberate process that goes beyond just selecting talented artists—it’s about finding those who truly resonate with the mission of Genesis Foundation: saving little hearts. Every artist we bring on board is someone who believes in the power of music to drive change and has a genuine connection to the cause we champion.

Over the years, we’ve been fortunate to work with musicians who not only offer incredible performances but also understand the significance of our mission. Whether it’s Parikrama with their iconic rock sound or Madboy/Mink with their electro-funk vibe, the artists we choose have always been people who embrace the idea that their music can be a catalyst for something bigger than just a performance.

What makes KRBF unique is the way these musicians lend their voices and talent to a cause that is close to their hearts. They aren’t just performing for the sake of the festival; they are actively supporting Genesis Foundation’s goal to raise awareness and funds for children in need of life-saving surgeries. Many of our artists personally connect with the families we help, learning about the incredible impact their involvement has on the lives of these children. It’s not just about the music—it’s about making a meaningful contribution to a shared mission, and that’s what makes our lineup truly special.

The diversity of genres—from rock to jazz to funk—also reflects the broad spectrum of people who come together for this cause, and each artist helps amplify the message that every note, every performance, and every ticket sold helps us save lives.

As Operational Director, what does KRBF personally mean to you—and what moment are you most looking forward to this year?

KRBF is incredibly close to my heart—not just as an event, but as a manifestation of everything we believe in at Genesis Foundation. It’s where purpose meets passion. For me, KRBF represents the power of community coming together—artists, volunteers, donors, attendees—all aligned toward one heartfelt mission: saving little hearts. It’s a reminder that change doesn’t always begin in operating rooms or boardrooms; sometimes, it starts on a stage, with a song, under the open skies of Kasauli.

What I’m most looking forward to this year is that moment when the music fades for just a bit, and we tell the story of a child whose life was saved because someone in the audience decided to show up, support, or donate. Watching those stories resonate with people—seeing eyes well up, hands come together, and hearts open—that’s the magic. That’s when it hits home that what we’re doing here matters deeply, and that this festival is truly changing lives, one beat at a time.

Can you walk us through what a typical intervention journey looks like—from diagnosis to recovery—for a child supported by Genesis Foundation?

Absolutely. Every child’s journey is unique, but there’s a core path we often see—from uncertainty to healing—thanks to the support made possible through Genesis Foundation.It typically begins with the diagnosis of a Congenital Heart Defect (CHD), often at a government or partner hospital where families have come seeking answers. Many of these families have limited resources and are overwhelmed by the emotional and financial burden of their child’s condition. Once a diagnosis is confirmed and a medical team determines that intervention is possible, the hospital reaches out to us.

From there, things move quickly. We assess the medical and financial details, and once we approve the case, we immediately release funds so treatment can begin without delay—time is often critical in CHD cases. The child is then admitted for either surgery or a catheter-based intervention, depending on the nature of the defect. Our support doesn’t end at surgery; we also cover post-operative care and ensure the family receives the guidance they need during the recovery period.

We stay in close contact with the hospital throughout, and once the child is discharged and healthy, we follow up to see how they're doing months later. Many children go on to live normal, active lives. What makes this journey truly remarkable is the collective effort—it’s the doctors, donors, families, and our team working in sync to give these children a second chance at life.

Congratulations on reaching the 5,000 children milestone! What does this number represent to you beyond the statistics?

Reaching the 5,000 children milestone is incredibly humbling — and deeply emotional. Beyond the number, it represents 5,000 families who were given hope in moments of uncertainty. It marks 5,000 children who were given a chance at life — a chance that many once thoughts was out of reach.

Each story is unique, and while outcomes vary, what remains constant is the collective effort behind each one — from donors and doctors to hospitals and supporters. This milestone isn’t just about quantity; it’s about a shared mission to bring healing, dignity, and second chances. It reminds us that when a compassionate community comes together, we can create powerful ripples of change — one heartbeat at a time.

Looking ahead, how do you plan to scale impact—from fundraising strategies like KRBF to partnerships with CSR and healthcare institutions?

Our focus is on deepening and widening our impact through a combination of strategic partnerships, storytelling, and community-driven events like KRBF. The festival has proven to be a powerful platform—not just for fundraising, but for building awareness and emotional connection to our mission. We plan to expand such initiatives across other cities and formats, creating more touchpoints where people can engage with the cause in meaningful ways.

Additionally, we’re strengthening collaborations with CSR partners and healthcare institutions to ensure sustainable support for treatment. By investing in capacity-building, streamlining referral networks, and leveraging data to track outcomes, we aim to treat more children, more efficiently. The goal is simple: to ensure that no child’s life is lost due to lack of resources, and that every partnership—whether through music, corporate support, or medical alliances—brings us one step closer to that reality.

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