It was a pleasure to listen to the familiar notes of Carnatic Classical music. Having been a student of the art for more than 10 years, I deem it an honour to have been exposed to such unique yet fascinating aspects of India's cultural heritage. But more than anything else, it was the sheer joy hearing my teacher utter those melodious verses drafted by great poets and maestros.
I was excited the moment I heard him sing one my favourite ragas - Sindhu Bhairavi. It was as if he had read my mind and was determined to ensure that I sit through the entire recital. His voice was fabulous and probably flawless. Although it has been nearly 9 years since we had sung before each other, I continue to remain in awe, and will always be grateful for the all the lessons that he has taught me.
All of a sudden, I was transported back in time. I still remember how my guru would enter my house, dressed in a mundu and kurta/shirt, sit crossed legged and begin teaching me the very basics of Carnatic music. To me, Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni are not mere notes, but are words that have always brought a cheer to me. Each note sung reminds of some of the best memories of childhood. Not to mention the manner in which I learnt how to play the harmonium too. I still recall how I would doze off during some of my music sessions, and would wake up only after sensing a smile on my teacher's face. Then again, perhaps the notes were carefully weaved into my sub-conscious and today, I remember every syllable that I was taught.
I was lucky to have been taught music by three extremely talented teachers. The first guru was instrumental is trigger that desire to learn as much as I could about this great art. My second teacher encouraged me to feel the music in everything I heard - whether songs sung in the movie, streets or even the buzzing of the generator! My third Guru taught me that music has to be enjoyed and should never be looked upon as a burden.
It is strange how something as soothing such as this is often looked down upon by a large group of people. Some claim it to be a meaningless quacking and deserves no attention, while some others believe that it is best for it to remain extinct.
I believe an art as rich as classical music should never be looked down upon. For it these art-forms that define who and where we belong. Each of these arts depicts the divine aspects of certain bonds and help us become better human beings. The Guru - shishya parampara is one such example. Was it genuine or habitual - I cannot tell. But I sensed a feeling of heartfelt respect and honour after bowing before my guru. .
After all, there is never day, I do not think of those who taught me my basics. It is this art that often keeps me in sync with the world around me. Not mention, the pride I have in hearing my own voice and re-discovering the happy elements of life.
I guess it is time for us to introspect and find out who we really are, and not pursue something so as to 'fit in.'
I was excited the moment I heard him sing one my favourite ragas - Sindhu Bhairavi. It was as if he had read my mind and was determined to ensure that I sit through the entire recital. His voice was fabulous and probably flawless. Although it has been nearly 9 years since we had sung before each other, I continue to remain in awe, and will always be grateful for the all the lessons that he has taught me.
All of a sudden, I was transported back in time. I still remember how my guru would enter my house, dressed in a mundu and kurta/shirt, sit crossed legged and begin teaching me the very basics of Carnatic music. To me, Sa, Ri, Ga, Ma, Pa, Da, Ni are not mere notes, but are words that have always brought a cheer to me. Each note sung reminds of some of the best memories of childhood. Not to mention the manner in which I learnt how to play the harmonium too. I still recall how I would doze off during some of my music sessions, and would wake up only after sensing a smile on my teacher's face. Then again, perhaps the notes were carefully weaved into my sub-conscious and today, I remember every syllable that I was taught.
I was lucky to have been taught music by three extremely talented teachers. The first guru was instrumental is trigger that desire to learn as much as I could about this great art. My second teacher encouraged me to feel the music in everything I heard - whether songs sung in the movie, streets or even the buzzing of the generator! My third Guru taught me that music has to be enjoyed and should never be looked upon as a burden.
It is strange how something as soothing such as this is often looked down upon by a large group of people. Some claim it to be a meaningless quacking and deserves no attention, while some others believe that it is best for it to remain extinct.
I believe an art as rich as classical music should never be looked down upon. For it these art-forms that define who and where we belong. Each of these arts depicts the divine aspects of certain bonds and help us become better human beings. The Guru - shishya parampara is one such example. Was it genuine or habitual - I cannot tell. But I sensed a feeling of heartfelt respect and honour after bowing before my guru. .
After all, there is never day, I do not think of those who taught me my basics. It is this art that often keeps me in sync with the world around me. Not mention, the pride I have in hearing my own voice and re-discovering the happy elements of life.
I guess it is time for us to introspect and find out who we really are, and not pursue something so as to 'fit in.'
