31WOMEN: Devaki Thomas - Musician in 'Stunflower' & Kirtan Leader interviewed by Adrian Beckingham

From Myth To Miracle: Tales of Inspired Humanity

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First broadcast as part of our 31Women project which broadcast a new interview with a different woman every day in March 2023 as our month long celebration of International Women's Day. Lack of resources meant this project could not repeat for 2024, fingers crossed for enough sponsorships/subscribers in 2025.
Devaki Thomas grew up in Western Canada within the social bubble of the Hare Krishna movement. Her father was a key member including being a Temple President and the man who introduced the folk music of the 60's he was immersed in to the Mantra meditation music of the Krishnas. He also was first to tour his brand of MANTRA Rock across international cities. Although in those days females members were forbidden/discouraged from playing lead instruments and leading Kirtans in the long daily rituals of song, her father used his privileged position to bend the rules and encouraged Devaki to play music and perform. Falling in love and beginning a family at a very early age, she and her musician husband fled the confines of the Krishna community life to explore the unknown outer world. They began playing at festivals and touring with their band Samsara and eventually set up and ran the Komasket Music Festival after being invited by local indigenous Okanagan people to host the event on their powwow grounds. Learn here this fascinating story plus about the fusion of music as a tool for performance and healing. To find out more about Devaki you can visit her website: www.soundandmovementsanctuary.com

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