Empowering Autistic Voices Through Music

Conceived in 2024 and registered in 2025, SVARAM is an organization founded by high school students in Fresno and Clovis, California. The acronym SVARAM stands for Sounds, Voices, and Rhythms for Autistic Minds. The word 'svaram' also means 'sound' in Sanskrit.

A person is seated on the ground in a meditative pose, holding a red-tipped percussion mallet to their forehead. They are wearing a beige shirt and loose blue patterned pants. In front of them, a large singing bowl is placed on the ground. The background features a clear blue sky and some green trees.

Our Mission and Vision

Join Us Today

Our goal is to connect community volunteers with autistic individuals for personalized music therapy, while supporting research on the benefits of music therapy for autism. Together, we create inclusive musical experiences.

Matthew Paul (Founder and CEO)

Matthew Paul is currently a freshman at University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His life changed in 2017 when his brother Jacob was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 years. Over the next several years, Matthew had a front-row view of the challenges faced by families with autistic children.

Matthew showed an early aptitude in music, starting with piano training at the age of 5 years. After moving to Fresno, California in 2018, he took up violin and soon excelled at it, qualifying for the California Orchestra Director's Association (CODA) state orchestra on three occasions. He also spent time volunteering as a music mentor for younger children at his school, and volunteered time at elder care homes and Valley Children's Hospital, Madera, CA playing music solo, and with friends.

Matthew noticed early on that his brother seemed to enjoy music, listening intently and picking up tunes that Matthew would play on piano or violin. This motivated him to look deeper into the effect of music on autistic children. He explored options of helping autistic children through music, and realized that forming an organization with his friends would be more effective than going alone. This led to the concept of Svaram in 2024 which was officially registered as a non-profit organization in California in 2025.

Youth Board Members

Achuth Vinay

(Chairperson, Youth Board)

Achuth is a senior at Clovis North High School with a strong interest in environmental science and creating inclusive communities. His has developed AI-based approaches to wildfire prevention and studied environmental challenges facing California’s Central Valley. Beyond academic interests, Achuth is passionate about fostering a sense of belonging. Through adaptive sports, he has used basketball to build confidence, friendships, and meaningful connections with neurodivergent athletes. As a longtime flute player, music is another powerful tool for him to bring people together. Through SVARAM, he hopes to combine his love of music with a commitment to inclusion, creating opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to express themselves, connect with others, and experience the joy of being part of a community.

Ayush Hegde

Ayush is a junior at Clovis North High School with deep interests in music, math, and science. An avid piano player, he has been training in piano since he was 6, and has completed level 5 of the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM) program. He also enjoys composing his own music, and creating melodies inspired by his favorite songs. He finds this relaxing and inspiring. His other interests include tennis and basketball. Ayush is passionate about volunteering and using his skills in supporting his community. By being part of SVARAM, he hopes to combine his passions for music and volunteering to support children with autism.

Eliana Ta

Eliana is a sophomore at Clovis North High School. Beginning violin lessons when she was seven, she now trains under Thi Nguyen. She has had featured solo performances with the Clovis North Chamber Orchestra and served as the concertmaster of the Clovis North Chamber Orchestra and Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF)’s Philharmonic Orchestra. She won the instrumental portion of the Kings Symphony Orchestra Young Artist Competition in 2026 and was a featured soloist at their spring 2026 concert. As a mentor in the Musical Mentors program at Clovis North, she helps peers improve their violin technique. She also plays regularly for services at her church and has played for Christian conferences, local community events, and weddings.

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Advisory Board

Ritika Hiregoudar

Chairperson, Youth Board 2025-26

UCLA Class of 2030

Board Members: Matthew Paul; Varsha Babu; Navin Paul; Anupama Poliyedath; Dayawathie Hikkaduwa Liyanage

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SVARAM

Empowering autistic voices through music and community.

CONTACT

Support

svaramfresno@gmail.com

559-478-1310