SPIC MACAY For private circulation only Vol.17 - No.1 September 2011 Sandesh To inform & inspire NEWSLETTER National Newsletter of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth

INSIDE PROUD TO SERVE THE NATION SPIC MACAY GETS RAJIV GANDHI SADBHAVANA AWARD 2 Dedications t was a moment of immense ...... honour and joy for the lakhs Iof volunteers and well wishers of SPIC MACAY when it was 4 presented this year’s Rajiv Gandhi Conceptual Corner National Sadbhavana Award for its I Feel Strongly outstanding contribution to the ...... promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill. 5 The award, which carries a State News sum of Rs 5 lakh and a citation, ...... was given on August 20, the birth anniversary of Sh. Rajiv Gandhi, 9 by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan 26th National Convention Singh in the presence of Sh. Karan Review Singh, Chairman of the advisory ...... committee of the award and Sh Rahul Gandhi. Dr. Kiran Seth, 11 Founder Chairperson of the Interview movement, accepted the award. p`QaanamaM~I Daå manamaaohna isaMh ka saMbaaoQana ...... Instituted in the name of SPIC MACAY kao [sa vaYa- ko sad\Baavanaa pu$skar ko ilayao caunaa gayaa hO. [sa saaosaayaTI nao the late Prime Minister Sh. Rajiv BaartIya Saas~Iya saMgaIt ko ja,iryao hmaaro ivaSaala doSa maoM AaOr KasataOr pr naaOjavaana laaogaaoM maoM 12-13 Gandhi, this was the 19th edition 26th National Convention of the award that is given out ekta kI Baavanaa pOda krnao ko ilayao bahut AcCa kama ikyaa hO.]nhaoMnao BaartIya Saas~Iya Glimpses every year to an individual or saMgaIt¸ laaok klaaAaoM AaOr hstklaaAaoM kao BaI vaZ,avaa idyaa hO.hmaaro saaMskRitk maUlyaaoM ka ...... an organization who has made &ana saaQaarNa vyai@t kao kranao maoM SPIC MACAY ka ek bahut mah%vapUNa- yaaogadana rha an outstanding contribution to hO. ]naka kama yah dSaa-ta hO ik saMgaIt AaOr saMskRit kI BaaYaa ka ]pyaaoga raYT/I`ya ekta 14 promote communal harmony and ko ilayao bahut p`BaavaI ZMga sao ikyaa jaa sakta hO. Remembrances Earlier recipients of the award maOM samaJata hMU ik yah bahut ja,$rI hO ik hma laaoga Apnao saMgaIt¸ klaa AaOr saaih%ya sao AcCI ...... to fight terrorism and violence. include Mother Teresa, Ustad trh vaaik,f haoM.hma sabakao yah p`yaasa krnaa caaihyao ik hma ApnaI saaMskRitk Qaraohr kao 16 Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, AgalaI pIZ,I ko ilayao saMBaala kr rKoM. Vision 2020 Sunil Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Kapila maOM [sa saaosaayaTI sao jauDo, saBaI laaogaaoM kao maubaarkbaad dota hUM,. SPIC MACAY sahI maayanaaoM ...... Vatsyayan, Maulana Wahiuddin Khan, Gautam Bhai, Teesta maoM [sa pu$skar kI hkdar hO. Seetalvad and Harsh Mandar 18-22 maOM Aaja SPIC MACAY ko saMsqaapk p`ao ikrNa saoz kI ]PlaivQayaaoM ka BaI KasataOr pr Scholarship Scheme (jointly), Mohd. Yunus, Hiteshwar Saikia and Subhadra Joshi (jointly), ija,Ë krnaa caahuMgaa. saala 1977 maoM [sa saMsqaa kI sqaapnaa krto samaya ]nhaoMnao jaao safr Reports Jagan Nath Kaul, S.N. Subbarao, Sau$ ikyaa qaa vah Aasaana nahIM qaa. ]nakao p`arMBa maoM ijana kiznaa[yaaoM ka saamanaa krnaa pD,a ...... Swami Agnivesh and Madari ]nasao kao[- saaQaarNa vyai@t jald hI Gabara jaata. laoikna p`aoå saoz nao ihmmat nahI harI.yah Moideen (jointly), K R Narayanan, ]nakI AnaaoKI Sai#sayat ka hI natIjaa hO ik SPIC MACAY [tnaa kuC kr payaa. 23 Nirmala Deshpande, Hem Dutta SPIC MACAY Abroad and N Radhakrishnan. ]nakI kamayaabaI hma sabakao p`orNaa dotI hOM......

Dr Kiran Seth’s Acceptance Speech: Page 23 Delhi Virasat Inauguration : Page 8 1 Sandesh September 2011 DEDICATIONS

world for performances before Ust. R. FAHIMUDDIN KHAN DAGAR select audiences. His recordings Rahim Fahimuddin Khan Dagar was an exponent of Dagarbani have even been released in Dhrupad, one of the most pristine and richest forms of Indian classical Switzerland, Germany and Italy. music and represented the 19th generation of Dagar tradition. He was Ustad Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar also one of the staunchest supporters of SPIC MACAY and fondly seen was honoured with various awards as the grand daddy of the movement, who would be present at almost among which the prominent ones all major events of the movement. are Sangeet Ratan (1956), Sangeet The distinctive musical idiom of the Dagar family is the Dagarbani, Natak Akademi Award (1993), one of the four traditional styles of Alaap - Dhrupad singing. It is said Dhrupad Ratan(1993), Sahitya Kala to have arisen from the ‘Shuddha Giti’ style mentioned in the ancient Parishad (1996), Indira Gandhi musical treatises like the ‘Sangeet Ratnakar’ of Sharangadev. Hindustani music is indebted to the Dagar Tradition and especially to the innovative Ali Khan Award (1997), Mewar Fellowship (1997), Ustad Hafiz genius of Baba Bahram Khan Dagar who passed away in 1881. Foundation Award (2002), Maharaja Sawai Ishwari Singh Award (2002), The present Dagar generation follows the path laid by him. Ustad Kalidas Award (2002), Bihar Dhrupad Ratan (2002), Rajasthan Sangeet Rahim Fahimuddin Khan Dagar was known not only for the power and Natak Akademi Award (2003), Sangeet Bhushan (2003), Shama Indian spontaneity of his alaap, but also for his rich repertoire of compositions, Cultural Society Award (2004), Lifetime Achievement Award (2005) by some of which are believed to date back to the 12th and 13th centuries. North American Dhrupad Association, Lifetime Achievement Award, As he used to put it, “In the words of my ancestor Shat Shastri Baba by Govt. of Delhi (2007), Padma Bhusan Award (2008), Sangeet Natak Behram Khan Dagar, Dhrupad, as presented within our Dagarbani, is Akademi Ratna Purashkar (Fellowship) (2010) and Ustad Mushtaq Ali ‘raagatmak-swaratmak, shabdatmak, varnatmak, taalatmak-layatmak Khan Lifetime Achievement Award (2011). and rasaatmak. The singer has to portray its kalaatmak, vidyatmak and adhyatmak aspects to do proper justice to it.” He passed away on 27th July 2011. It was the quality of his music that took Fahim sahab all over the A TRUE NAAD YOGI: Pg.15

and was nominated to the Rajya MAQBOOL FIDA HUSAIN Sabha in 1986. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1991. Maqbool Fida Husain, popularly known as MF, was an eminent MF applied the formal lessons painter of India. He was widely regarded as the “Picasso of India” and of European modernists like Cézanne and Matisse to scenes Husain was associated with Indian modernism in the 1940s. He influenced a whole generation of artists in the country. from national epics like the Mahabharata, Ramayana and to of whatever hotel room or house he happened to be staying in and the Hindu pantheon. His themes— payingnever maintained for damages a studiowhen buthe checked he spread out. his He canvases created out four on museums the floor usually treated in series—include to showcase his work and had a collection of classic sports cars. topics as diverse as Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Ramayana, Mahabharata, produced more than 60,000 paintings. Enormously prolific, a gifted self-promoter and hard bargainer, he the British Raj and motifs of Indian urban and rural life. One of the 1947, he joined the Progressive Artists Group (PGA), founded by Francis most celebrated and internationally recognized Indian artists of the Husain first became well-known as an artist in the late 1940s. In Newton Souza. This was a clique of young artists who wished to break 20th century, he also received recognition as a printmaker, photographer with the nationalist traditions established by the Bengal school of art and to encourage an Indian avant-garde, engaged at an international M.F. Husain died, aged 95, on June 9, 2011, following a heart attack. and filmmaker. and over the next few years, his work was widely seen in Europe and He had been unwell for several months. Prime Minister Manmohan thelevel. US. In In1952, 1955, his he first was solo awarded exhibition the wasprestigious held at Zürich,Padma Switzerland Shri by the Singh said his death was a “national loss”, and President Pratibha Patil Government of India. said his death had “left a void in the world of art.” Through the Eyes of a Painter. It was Talking about Husain’s self-imposed exile and death outside of shown at the Berlin Film Festival and won a Golden Bear (Short Film). India painter Akbar Padamsee said that it was a “pity that a painter as M. F.In Husain 1967, hewas made a special his first invitee film, along with Pablo Picasso at the Sao important as Husain had to die outside his own country because of a Paulo Biennial in 1971. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1973 crowd of miscreants”.

2 Sandesh Sandesh September 2011 September 2011 DEDICATIONS

Ust. ASAD ALI KHAN Asad Aali Khan wa s Ust.MEHMOOD DHAULPURI born in 1937 in Alwar in the Mehmood Dhaulpuri was born on March 23, 1954 in the seventh generation of Rudra Dhaulpur District of Rajasthan. He was one of the country’s veena players. His ancestors most acclaimed harmonium players and belonged to a family of were royal musicians in the musicians, most of whom were Sarangi players. When he was eleven, courts of Rampur, U.P. and Jaipur, Harmonium came in to vogue and he promptly took it up. He Rajasthan in the 18th century. His received his early training from his grandfather, Ustad Buddha great-grandfather Rajab Ali Khan was head of the court musicians of Delhi Gharana. Gradually, he developed a style of his own Khan and was finally groomed by Ustad Nasir Ahmed Khan in Jaipur and owned a village and soon became a front ranking harmonium player who land holding. His grandfather accompanied legendary vocalists like Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Pt. Jasraj, Ust. Musharraf Khan was a court Parween Sultana, Smt. Girija Devi and many other luminaries musician in Alwar and also of Indian classical music. In fact, there was a time when every performed in London in 1886. He vocalist in Delhi wanted Ustad Mehmood Dhaulpuri for the grew up in a musical surrounding accompaniment. and was taught the Beenkar gharana of Jaipur and vocals for 15 years. Accompaniment, according to the late maestro, meant not Ustad ji was one of the few active musicians who played the Rudra only following the vocalist, but doing so with a certain intellect veena and the last surviving master of one of the four schools of through which the accompanist must show his own spark of Dhrupad, the Khandarbani. He performed in many countries including genius. Apart from his deep commitment and dedication to Australia, US, Afghanistan, and Italy and other European countries the world of Hindustani classical music and the harmonium, and conducted music courses too. He worked at the All India Radio Dhaulpuri also resolutely upheld the composite secular cultural and taught at the Faculty of Music and Fine Arts at the University fabric of the nation. Born a Muslim, he spent many years living of Delhi for 17 years and continued to train students privately after in temple precincts in Delhi and was a long time supporter of his retirement. He was involved in preserving the playing of the SAHMAT, raising his voice against communal forces through the instrument which he believed was created by the deity Shiva. He was power and strength of his music. the most regular performer for SPIC MACAY. Dhaulpuri will always be credited for bringing back the ‘once He received several national awards, including the Sangeet Natak banned’ Harmonium into the mainstream classical arena. He also Akademi Award in 1977 and the Padma Bhushan in 2008. believed that Harmonium was not a foreign instrument. He also

Shri. ‘Yeh harmonium mujhe aisi jagah le gaya hai, jise main khwaabonbecame the mein first bhiharmonium nahin soch artiste sakta to tha be ’,awarded he once thesaid Padma in an MANI KAUL interview. Mani Kaul, born on December Ustad ji died after a 25, 1944, was a renowned prolonged illness in New Delhi in the early hours the Film and Television Institute of May 25, 2011. He was offilmmaker. India (FTII) He graduatedwhere he was from a 58 and blessed by three student of Ritwik Ghatak and daughters and two sons, later even taught there. He who are carrying forward started his career with Uski Roti his tradition. (1969) that won him the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Film and Some went on to win many awards like Memories: Pg. 15 the National Film Award for Best Direction in 1974 for Duvidha and again for his documentary Siddheshwari in 1989. Uski Roti has also been described as “one of the film, markedHis firsta drastic film departure from earlier Indian cinema technique, key films of the New Indian Cinema or the Indian New Wave”. It in Indian cinema. form and narrative. It was one of the early formalContinued experimental on page films 8

2 33 Sandesh September 2011 CONCEPTUAL CORNER

Save the Tiger …and maybe also the ‘Rudra Veena’ hen Ustad Asad Ali Khan passed ancestors, realizing that each human being wisdom of these techniques is slowly getting away a few days ago, it suddenly is unique, designed many roads leading to lost. They are either mutating into something Wstruck me that future generations the same goal. We learn about these great with a totally different world view to ensure would not possibly hear the Rudra Veena discoveries from our gurus and then choose their survival or are dying a slow death, like played in the majestic Khandarvani style the Rudra Veena. that he had mastered. A legacy passed down Each of our art forms represents a philosophy The West has given us so much in the one or more to find our own way to our goal. through many generations has only one of life and when one is lost, we lose one road outward tangible domain. Cell phones, doubtful inheritor. When the tiger was getting to the top of the inner mountain. internet, cars, planes, air-conditioners etc. extinct the dwindling numbers were carefully Smt. Kishori Amonkar, the great vocalist due to which our day to day living has been recorded and great efforts were & are being said a few years ago, that once a handful of made much easier in the physical domain. made to make sure that our children and their musicians leave us, classical music would not The intangible domain, which contributes progeny do not miss out on this beautifully remain the same. Changes come and they to making our lives fuller and more evolved animal. However, a treasure chest of should, but once the ‘raison d’ être’ changes meaningful, has been experimented with our heritage has just disappeared and very then there is a problem. In the past three years, extensively in this country. However because little attention is being paid to this fact. Smt. Gangubai Hangal, Smt. D. K Pattamal, its results take time to show, belief in the It may be argued that Darwin’s theory of Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Guru processes suffers in this day and age of instant evolution would necessitate the birth of new Gangadhar Pradhan, Ustad Asad Ali Khan and forms emerging from the old. If anything can many others have passed away with practically of the casualties, forms a beautiful part of our positively affect even a very small group of no one to replace them. classicalgratification. music, The which Rudra is Veena nothing which but isNaad one people intensely in the present, it has relevance Yog - a wonderful method of connecting with and requires support. The Rudra Veena and become the leading economic, technological, the within, to reach a goal which is abstract, many other instruments and art forms in the military India power is definitely by the progressing.year 2020, but We India may subtle, inspiring and mystical. country like Dhrupad, Surbahar, Gottuvadyam, may not remain India. Its biggest contribution It is much easier to see the deforestation Kudiyattam, Biraha, Pandavani and the Patua to humankind is that it has developed different taking place all around us, but much more style of painting are fast disappearing and forms of ‘Yog’, different methods of connecting very little is being done about this fact. Our with the inner self. The knowledge and blindness which is taking over society at large. difficult to be able to realize the inner TANYA JAIN says she has witnessed life beyond life as a volunteer with SPIC MACAY SPIC MACAY – A term with which I did not even know what the acronym people who shared their experiences. I got acquainted the moment I came SPIC MACAY stood for? But I always I think SPIC MACAY is one huge into my senses in this universe. I feel knew its purpose and its motto. The family of volunteers and the best part blessed to be associated with Indian stories that I had heard from my mother is that each volunteer is associated with culture and classical forms of music and regarding the initial days of its creation one another in a very unusual manner. dance ever since I was eight-years-old. and how it grew in the years that went The family atmosphere and the respect by always motivated me immensely to for each person invoked me to give as Kuchipudi. It was my mother, a sitarist join this movement and add my bit to much as I can for this very noble cause. andMy firsta disciple ever danceof Pt. Debustep wasChaudhuri, that of help it grow further. who introduced me to the wonderful In school whenever there was a I once had the opportunity to world of classical music and dance. SPIC MACAY concert I was the most Under the direction of my mother and active volunteer to take initiative in recital by Dr. Raja-Radha Reddy at organize a full-fledged Kuchipudi the guidance of my gurus I went on to organizing the event – from setting the Daulat Ram College, Delhi University learn not one but two dance forms – stage to addressing the artists. When and it proved to be an experience of Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam. I started visiting the Resource Centre a life time. Today, I am the Central- The passion that developed and the in Delhi and joined this movement Student facilitator for Gujarat state inner enlightenment that happened as a regular volunteer I realized that chapter and also working for Sandesh, as I practiced these dance forms lead whatever I had done so far was already this wonderful national newsletter of

I FEEL STRONGLY I FEEL me towards an organisation which in the rule books. It gave me immense SPIC MACAY. I am also looking forward promotes culture. Till last year the only pleasure in attending the Saturday to the Scholarship Scheme through term I was aware of was SPIC MACAY. meetings and listening to the learned which I wish to

Continued on page 8 4 Sandesh September 2011 STATE NEWS

BIHAR The Virasat series 2011 started in Bihar on August 3, 2011 with the performances of YAMINI : A NIGHT TO REMEMBER Smt. Arati Ankalikar Tikekar (Hindustani) Extract from a report in THE HINDU & Pt. Pushpraj Koshti (Surbahar) at the FOR ALL our sceptics who worry L.N. Mishra Institute. The other artistes over the loss of appreciation of our who performed during the series were Pt. classical music and dance, SPIC MACAY’s Parthasarathy (Sarod) and Pt. Rajendra annual overnight rendezvous with the Gangani (Kathak). The excitement and best in music and dance drew clusters buzz among institutions in Patna and from the student community, apart surrounding areas was high and a number of them came forward to participate in the attend ‘Yamini’ the overnight concert. series. Hyderabadfrom the art Universityaficionados whoauditorium came to Smt Arati Ankalikar performed at DPS buzzed as musician after musician took and National Institute of Fashion Technology the platform from dusk to dawn! Bleary- (NIFT) , Patna while Pt. Pushparaj Koshti eyed, past midnight, a cuppa tea was percussionists, D.S.R. Murthy on the was hosted by Patna Women’s College, all that was needed to get back into the mridangam and Nemani Somayajulu on National Institute of Technology, DPS and auditorium to appreciate and applaud in the ghatam was brief but engaging. Art & Crafts College, Patna. full swing. Andhra Natyam and Perini by Guru Pt. Parthasarthy (Sarod) performed T.N. Seshagopalan’s vocal concert Kalakrishna and disciples was a visual at Colonel’s Academy, Katihar, Bhagalpur was something to write home about. treat. It was like a tribute to the memory University, Magadh Mahila College, Patna, Keeping in mind, the occasion and the of late Nataraja Ramakrishna, architect IIT Patna, BIT Patna, RPS Residential Public audience, he chose the best from his vast of the revival of temple dance tradition, School and Bankipur Girl’s High School, repertoire that made his presentation an Kalakrishna himself in the garb of a Patna. Pt. Rajendra Gangani (Kathak) had educative, enriching experience. Each of female, took to showcasing the famous his programmes at Gaya College and DAV his choicest pieces were laced with a brief Nava Janardhana Parijatham a solo Public School, Gaya; Delhi Public School, on the importance of the song, the raga piece where the principal character Bhagalpur, Litera Valley School, Patna and and its structure, the importance of our Satyabhama, one of the queens of Lord Arvind Mahila College, Patna. classical music and its seven notes, all of Krishna, pines for her beloved but stops The second leg of the series (25th which enabled better appreciation from short of uttering his name in public and August to 15th September) we will have the uninitiated. in the form of Dasavataram that stops Smt. Kala Ramnath (Violin), Shri Bhute The connoisseurs were all eyes atfinally Krishnavatar. clarifies her Kalakrishna stand through excelled images in Khan’s Group (Langas & Manganiyars) and and ears. The varnam was a technical grace and abhinaya and his preface gave Smt. Rita Ganguly (Hindustani) performing exposition of Panthuvarali raagam. the lay audience an insight into Andhra in different places all over Bihar. The Shobillu Saptaswara, a eulogy by Natyam repertoire. Thyagaraja of the import of each syllable RURAL SCHOOL INTENSIVE of our musical notation, was rendered Hyderabad Brothers concert towards the second half of the night went into the A Rural School Intensive, the first of its The musician drew a reference to the wee hours of pre-dawn. D. Seshachari and kind by SPIC MACAY is being planned at Gayatriwith a virtuosity mantra which that cancomprises find no 24match. beej D. Raghavachari have by now established Narendrapur village, Siwan district from akshara (key letters) and the 24 shrutis credentials for their shruti shuddam, Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, 2011. Hundreds of theory which, though not in prominence emotive rendition and command over students from nearby rural areas and today, was followed by Thyagaraja. diction with optimum technical show. also from outside Bihar are expected at Right from Sri Gananadham bhajare, a the three-day camp. The maestro took up an elaborate Dikshitar composition, it was one pleasant alapana of Bhairavi, spelling out the journey. Stylistic display of manodharma difference between the Carnatic Bhairavi is the duo’s forte. The Annamayya keertana ANDHRA PRADESH and the Hindustani Bhairavi. He rounded In 2010-2011, Andhra Pradesh had in Ahiri was melodic. off the recital with RTP (ragam, tanam, 179 events in 87 educational institutions pallavi). The wonderful tillana piece For a taste of Hindustani, Ronu situated in 2 cities, 16 towns and 8 villages where the swaras do not involve the lips Majumdar’s ‘bansuri’ recital opened in located in 13 districts. This is one of the touching was the master-stroke which the grave Darbari Kanada, true to being most extensive coverage in any state by a bowled the listeners over. The tani by played deep into the night. His expertise SPIC MACAY chapter. Continued on page 8

55 Sandesh September 2011 STATE NEWS

Last year programs were presented - all concerts at par with his other Kutcheris FkkA vf/kos”ku dh [kkl ckr ;g jgh dh blesa u dsoy (in Carnatic music Kutcheri means a full pkj dk;ZØe vk;ksftr fd, x,] cfYd jkT; ds vk; O;; namely Bapatla, Kunchanapalli, Mangalagiri concert). Vidwan TVS, as he is popularly andfor the Vaddeswaram first time -- in of9 townsGuntur and District, villages known, considers all concert platforms as ds C;kSjs ds izLrqfrdj.k ds lkFk ubZ dk;Zdkfj.kh dk Hkh Palasa of Srikakulam district, Pulivendula temples and his vocal concerts as Pooja for xBu fd;k x;kA of Kadapa district, Kuchipudi and Vuyyuru the God called Music. vf/kos”ku ds igys fnu fd “kq#vkr ehrk iafMr ds of Krishna District and U. Kothapalli of East For the vocal concert at IIMB he “kkL=h; xk;u ls gqbZA blds ckn fLid eSds ds laLFkkid Godavari District. appropriately picked the theme of Lord v/;{k MkW- fdj.k lsB us jkT; Hkj ls vk, izfrfuf/k;ksa o Despite of the volatile situation in Krishna as it was held on Janmashtami. vyoj ds esgekuksa dks lacksf/kr fd;k vkSj fLid eSds dh Andhra Pradesh due to the Telangana Beginning with a brisk varnam in raag issue, the state chapter kept moving ahead Chakravaka, seeking Lord Ganesha’s ;k=k ds vius vuqHko ckVsaA ;g Hkh tkudkjh nh fd u dsoy with reaching new institutions. A circuit Blessings, he effortlessly linked Ganesh ns”k esa cfYd jktLFkku esa Hkh bl o’kZ xfrfof/k;ksa dh la[;k of Kumari A. Kanyakumari (Violin) was with Krishna as nephew and uncle in divine 10 xquk rd c<+ tk,axhA ns”kHkj ls dyk izsfe;ksa] ljdkjksa o organised from August 5 to10 in Nellore, connectivity. He then sang a beautiful vU; ?kjkuksa ds fey jgs lg;ksx ls ;g lc laHko gks ik,xkA Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Kunchanapalli, Purandara Das kriti on Lord Krishna and Mangalagiri, Chittoor while Madurai T.N. the striking feature was that he made vxys fnu vyoj] t;iqj] dksVk] HkhyokM+k] Seshagopalan (Carnatic Vocal) mesmerised this as the epicentre of his performance. nkSlk] vtesj] fpRrkSM+x<+] y{e.kx<+] fiykuh] guqekux<+] the students with his performances at Normally musicians take up Purandara Jhxaxkuxj lfgr lHkh pSIVlZ ds lapkydks us vk;&O;; Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Pithapuram, Das compositions towards the end of a dh tkudkjh ds lkFk ogka chrs o’kZ gqbZ xfrfof/k;ka crkbZA Peddapuram, Kunchanapalli and concert, called as Tukkada and choose light igys fnu ehrk iafMr dk “kkL=h; xk;u Fkk rks nwljs fnu Mangalagiri, from August 14-18. classical or Bhajan rendition to please the dh “kq#vkr vk;ksuk HkknqM+h ds vksfMlh u`R; ls gqbZA ine Hyderabad also continued with the ears of the audience. Vidwan TVS however, legacy of Yamini 2011, the overnight elaborately delineated the raag with the kriti foHkw’k.k ,y-ds- iafMr dh iq=h ,oa f”k’;k Xokfy;j ?kjkus dh concerts on August 14 at University of interspersed with amazing Swaras. xkf;dk ehrk iafMr dh ehBh vkSj lqjhyh xk;dh us vyoj Hyderabad beginning with Madurai Sri T.N. This was preceded by a beautiful aalap dh mel Hkjh “kke dks jkx es?k eYgkj ls tSls cwanks dh Seshagopalan (Carnatic Vocal) and ending of raag Todi followed by the famous song Qqgkj lh dj nhA mrkj&p<+ko vkSj y;dkjh ls Hkjiwj jkx with Sh. Sanjeev Abhyankar (Hindustani “Thaye Yasoda” with melodious niramal es?k eYgkj dh ckjhfd;ksa dks mUgksaus lkjaxh vkSj rcys dh Vocal), other artistes were Sh. Kala Krishna and complicated swars adding grandeur (Andhra Natyam) Pt. Ronu Majumdar to beauty. Raag Desh had both piety and r; vkSj fjn~e ds lkFk ftl vankt+ esa is”k fd;k mlus dyk (Hindustani Flute), Hyderabad Brothers- dks rj dj fn;kA vxys fnu Hkko vkSj eqnzkvksa dh cstksM+ Sh.D. Raghavachari and Sh. D. Seshachari absolutely captivated with the opportunity izLrqfr us vk;ksuk th dks [kwc iz”kalk fnykbZA “kke “kgukbZ (Carnatic Vocal). ofpatriotic exposure flavour. to TheCarnatic students music of IIM and B were the xwat mBhA dykdkj Fks] latho “kadj vkSj vf”ouh “kadjA secretary of the chapter thanked SPIC nksuksa dh tksM+h us tks tqxycanh is”k dh mlus okrkoj.k esa KARNATAKA MACAY for this spiritual experience on Sri Krishna Janmastami. e/kqjrk ?kksy nhA rhljk vkSj vafre fnu jgk Hkiax ds ukeA The ongoing Virast 2011 series in [;kruke yksd dykdkj mej Qk#[k ,oa lkfFk;ksa ds Hkaix Sh. T.V. Sh. TVS was provided admirable Sankaranarayanan graciously agreed to vocal support by his daughter Amruta oknu ds lkFk tksfx;k lkjaxh] Kanjira player S. ,d dk dks&dksfMZusVj ts-ih-ekFkqj o nqljs dksfMZusVj jktu One of the highlights was the Venkataraman also embellished the concert. ikaMs dks cuk;k x;k gSaA ckn esa t;iqj ds euh”k esgrk dks Gokulashtami Concert at IIM Bangalore: LVsV Vstjj fu;qDr fd;k x;kA jpuk vklksik dks ,Mokbtjh Vidwan T.V. Sankaranarayanan performed at RAJASTHAN cksMZ ds fy, la;kstd cuk;k x;k gSA lh, iziqQYy esgrk dks IIM Bangalore on August 22, 2011. It was a LVsV baVjuy vkWfMVj fu;qDr fd;k x;k gSA classical Kutcheri with complete adherence jkT; vf/kos”ku] vyoj to traditions as he sang for more than two fLid eSds jktLFkku dk 22 ls 24 tqykbZ 2011 rd fojklr J`a[kyk esa gksaxs dbZ dk;ZØe hours. Translated into our lingo, he never vyoj esa jkT; vf/kos”ku vk;ksftr fd;k x;kA igyh ckj jkT; vf/kos”ku esa fd, x, fu.kZ; ds vuqlkj jkT; esa dilutes his SPIC MACAY concerts and treats jktLFkku esa rhu fnu dk vf/kos”ku vk;ksftr fd;k x;k cM+h la[;k esa dk;ZØe vk;ksftr fd, tk,xsaA dk;ZØeksa dh

6 Sandesh September 2011 STATE NEWS

“kq#vkr 21 vxLr ls gks xbZA buesa ,u-jkte ¼okW;fyu½] The Director General ICCR has Krishna Bhagwat. She also performed at ‘kksouk ukjk;.k ¼dFkd½] iafMr HkksykukFk feJ ¼‘kkL=kh; consented to be the Chief Guest at the Vidyanjali International School (Indore), inaugural function on the Sept. 16 at MANIT. xk;u½] HkqV~Vs [kka ¼yksd xk;u½] e/qfLerk eksgarh ¼vksfMlh½] Prestige Institute of Management and Research (Indore), Queens College (Indore) mej Qk#[k ¼Hkiax½] iwf.kZek pkS/kjh ¼‘kkL=kh; xk;u½] latho INDORE and at School of Computer Science, Devi ‘kadj vf’ouh ‘kadj ¼‘kgukbZ½] vfuy xkck VkWd ¼iQksVksxzkiQh½ The Indore chapter is celebrating the Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (Indore), Prestige dykeaMye xksih ¼dFkdyh½] lklfd;k jko ¼lsyks½] eqjkn vyh 25th year of its association with SPIC Institute of Management (Dewas), Sanskrit ¼lkjaxh½] fpfuckl esgrks ¼iqjqfy;k Nm] yksd u`R;½ yko.k~;k MACAY. During the silver jubilee year in 2011, Mahavidyalaya (Ujjain), Pithampur Public various activities have been undertaken in vuar ¼HkjrukV~;e½ lfgr dbZ dykdkjksa dh izLrqfr;ka gksaxhA School (Pithampur), Ram Krishna Vidya our endeavor to create an awareness of our rich heritage amongst the youth and inspire Mandir (Dhar), Govt. Polytechnique College NEW CHAPTERS them. (Dhar) and Wishwood Cottage School (Mhow). New chapters were established in This year four students from Indore were Rajasthan at the Rashtriya Military School selected for the SPIC MACAY’s Scholarship (RMS), Dholpur and Singhania University, Scheme and had the opportunity to spend CHHATTISGARH Udaipur with SPIC-MACAY volunteers a month with inspiring gurus. Meryl John The Chattisgarh State Convention is visiting these places and conducting went to Pt. Birju Maharaj (Kathak), Anusha orientations. Singhania University is a scheduled for September 2, 3 & 4 in the erstwhile princely state of Khairagarh. The residential university where more than 1,400 (Dhrupad) and Avani Jain went to ITC students are studying in various streams SangeetPhadnis Research went to Ust.Academy, Zia Fariduddin Kolkata. All Dagar these venue is the well known Indira Kala whereas RMS is a well known public school students were from Delhi Public School, Sangeet Vishwa Vidyalaya (IKSVV). The meant to provide education to children of Indore. Antara Killedar from Sri Sathya university was established in 1956 and has defence personnel and also civilians. Sai Vidya Vihar also went to ITC Sangeet the oldest & the most priceless classical All meetings were very fruitful. The Research Academy. records that are kept in the Listening Room University and the school have shown keen After the summer holidays in July of the University with utmost care. interest in holding workshops and concerts and with the commencement of the new Artistes performing at the convention are in the upcoming Virasat series. academic session, the Indore chapter Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, Mohan Veena, along organized programs of Ust. Bahauddin In fact Singhania University has already with Sh Ram Kumar Mishra on the table. Pt Dagar, the Rudra Veena exponent who was inaugurated its chapter by hosting a concert Birju Maharaj and Saswati Sen (Kathak), of Pt. Ronu Majumdar on August 7, 2011. accompanied on the Pakhawaj by Sh. Sanjay Smt Ashwini Bhide Deshpande (hindustani Hopefully, these new associations will Agle. On July 19, he performed for the junior strengthen the SPIC-MACAY movement in and senior classes at The Daly College and vocal), accompanied by Sh M Bhale on tabla the state. at Indian Institute of Management (IIM). and Sh Farooque Lateef on sarangi and the On July 20, he performed at DPS Indore and Bharati Bandhu of Kabir Gayan fame. conducted a workshop for 70 students and MADHYA PRADESH We are grateful to Vice Chancellor Dr then performed for the students from Class The MP State Convention shall take place Mandawi Singh for graciously agreeing to I to IV (a special initiative by the school for on September 16, 17 & 18 at MANIT in underprivileged students). host the convention. Bhopal. Representatives from all chapters in MP are expected to participate in the Between July 21-23, he performed at convention. The inaugural concert on Sept Gyanodaya School (Mhow). This school GUJARAT 16 will be by Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, who provides education for underprivileged The Ahmedabad chapter started its will be accompanied by Sh Ramdas Palsule students. He also went to Colonel’s Academy Virasat 2011 series with the concerts and on the Tabla. (Mhow), Shishukunj International School Lec-Dems by Pt. Ronu Majumdar (Flute) on (Indore) where he conducted a workshop July 11 in various schools and colleges across This event also marks the beginning of for 100 students. the SPIC MACAY Heritage Festival in Bhopal Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. that will go on till the end of September. He later performed at New Digamber The places where Panditji performed are: The festival has been designed to sensitise Public School (Indore) for the junior and Sabarmati Gurukulum, Tripada International foreign students towards Indian culture and senior classes and at the Prestige Institute of is sponsored by the ICCR. We are hoping Management and Research (Indore). School, Anand Niketan Satellite, Ahmedabad to organize around 100 events, covering Between August 1-6, Shankar International School, Manav Sadhna - Gandhi Guitar exponent Dr. Kamala Shankar talks, walks. workshops etc in several performed in and around Indore. She was Rachana School, City Pulse Institute of Film & institutionsclassical & folk. modules, film screenings, accompanied on the Tabla by Sh. Pundlik Television,Ashram, Zydus K.V. School School, and St. DPS, Xavier’s Gandhinagar. College,

77 Sandesh September 2011 STATE NEWS

lay in bringing in the element of emotional NATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD The next National Advisory Board Meeting DELHI VIRASAT 2011 Contd. from Page 5 has been planned for October 17, 2011 at IIC, impact of this difficult raag. The vibrato New Delhi. Dr Karan Singh, Chairman of the INAUGURATED AT board will preside over the meeting. YAMINI MIRANDA HOUSE on the komal Gandhar which is not all NATIONAL SCHOOL The annual VIRAST series 2011 was inaugurated at the Heritage Hall, Miranda magical touch. The bandish Jo guru kripa INTENSIVE kareinthat strong gave in a glimpsethis raag into reflected his speed the maestro’s that was House, University of Delhi on September controlled and compelling at once. The Peelu The National Schools Intensive will be 1, 2011. Prime Minister’s wife Smt. Gur- raag that followed rounded off with a lighter held at DPS, Pune from December 24-30, sharan Kaur presided over the programme. composition which was rippling in keeping 2011. Hundreds of studens from all over A Santoor recital by Pt. Shiv Kumar Shar- with the prahar. India are expected to participate in this ma and Thumri by Smt. Girija Devi were annual event. The much-sought-after Sanjeev the highlights of the event. Abhayankar began his rendition with raag - Lalith with an extensive elaboration of the Ek Choti Si Boond through ences of all sorts from all over the world , it is raag, and later coming to the lyric, we had the Kendriya Vidyalayas and importantIn an age to expose where the we young are open minds to toinflu the aakar taan in Sanjeev’s melodic tones. The beautiful and rich traditions of our country. lyric proper was handled with composure and Navodya Vidyalayas Virasat 2011 has been dedicated to SPIC MACAY has collaborated with the Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Ust. Asad Ali Khan, M.F. dignity that had the audience at his feet. Rohit Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) and Husain, Ust. Rahim Fahimuddin Dagar, Ust. Mazumdarconfidence onby the vocalisttabla and and Milind rendered Kulkarni with on a the Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) the harmonium were assets to the musician. Mehmood Dhaulpuri and Sh. Mani Kaul, each student across the country. Under KVs all of whom passed away recently. These SAAMI IN INDIA thereto fulfil are our 981 vision schools to reachwhere out almost and 10inspire lakh great souls of this nation, in their own ways, contributed immensely to the cultural and Renowned maestro of Delhi Gharana of students are waiting to be inspired. Similarly spiritual development of our land. classical music Ust. Naseeruddin Saami from there are 593 JNVs. We are looking to create a Pakistan visited India on the invitation of SPIC long term collaboration with each KV and JNV The series will cover all aspects of our MACAY’s international wing SPWHAY and across the country. heritage like music, dance, folk arts, theatre, performed all over the country. He performed The numbers are encouraging us to at this year’s National Convention at Cuttack accomplish our target of increasing the the artists participating in the series are: Pt. and also took intensives there. He later went on number of programs by a whooping 1574! Hariprasadliterature, crafts, Chaurasia talks , Pt.and Debu films. Chaudhuri, Some of a circuit to Uttarakhand where he performed Since this collaboration has already been Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt , Pt. Birju Maharaj, in Dehradun and Mussoorie. He also went sanctioned we have to ensur that we reach out Pt. Rajan – Sajan Mishra , Prof. T.N. Krishnan, to Bangalore where he gave 8 Lec-Dems to all of them in each state. If you feel inspired Smt. Uma Sharma, Smt. Geeta Chandran, and two workshops. His performances to add your tiny drop to the bucket, please get Smt. Madhavi Mudgal, Smt. Teejan Bai ,Warsi were appreciated by connoisseurs and in touch with [email protected] brothers and others. youngsters alike. Continued from page 3 Continued from page 4 MANI KAUL experience the real essence which prevails in our rich Ashad Ka Ek Din culture. A lot of us are aware of SPIC MACAY but there Mohan Rakesh. Duvidha are many more who are not. This society gives each and It grew out of a short(1971), story byhis Vijayan next film, Detha was andbased tells on thea play story by every individual an extravagant platform to witness the of a merchant’s son, who(1973), returns his with third, his was new his bride first to in have colour. to priceless cultural heritage that has been woven under depart on family business. A ghost falls in love with the bride. It one roof. The soul gets transformed at SPIC MACAY and was widely shown across Europe. one always blooms with positive vibes. This is a forum where one witnesses life beyond life. An individual will Mani Kaul was one of the co-founders of the Yukt Film Co- ultimately locate and identify the potential within him operative (Union of Kinematograph Technicians) in 1976, leading and will be able to associate himself with his/her roots.

Writer is a student of Daulat Ram College, DU and ofto avantgardeArt, Mumbai. films. Mani He Kaul also taughtpassed music away inon the July Netherlands 6, 2011 at and his I FEEL STRONGLY I FEEL Asst. Editor for this newsletter homewas Creative in Gurgaon. Director of the film house at Osian’s Connoisseurs

8 Sandesh September 2011 REVIEW: 26TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Colourful Cuttack provides a peep into rich heritage BY C.S.PANCHAMAKESAN t is said that when God created India, the country was bestowed not only with great sages, choicest rivers and mountains but also Ia rich cultural heritage. We have today inherited one of the most precious cultural traditions in the world and no country can ever match the depth of our parampara and ancient wisdom. The 26th National Convention of SPIC MACAY was dedicated to Swami Vivekananda, Guru Gangadhar Pradhan and Pt. Bhimsen Joshi. The Convention was organised at the historic and prestigious Ravenshaw University, Cuttack from May 23 - 29, 2011 where more than 1200 students participated from all over the country. The power-packed week was aimed to inspire the youth about our classical art forms. The Convention was inaugurated by Hon. Governor of Odisha Sh. M. Chandrakant Bhandare. He observed that the Convention which (Odissi music- Mahari tradition). Participants also learned different 75th year of the forming of the Odisha State. He also complimented types of crafts from over 20 craftspersons. SPICwas being MACAY held for for holding the first the time convention in Odisha and at Ravenshawalso coincided University with the which has fostered value-based education for many decades. He Day Three: The programmes included a brilliant performance appealed to the assembled students from all over India to use this of Uttam Thullal by Kalamandalam Mohanakrishnan with the occasion as a life time chance to experience the bliss and dedicate theme of Kalyana Sougandika. There was lots of humour, mime, themselves to preserve and protect our culture. Also present on the mimics and histrionics as the audience were enthralled to watch occasion were the Hon. Governor of Chattisgarh Sh. Shekhar Dutt the artist alternatively portraying Bheem and Hanuman. This was and Odisha Chief Minister Sh. Naveen Patnaik. followed by a Mohiniattam performance by Dr Methil Devika, who is one of the youngest SNA Yuva Puraskar Awardees. The inaugural concert was given by Guru Ram Hari Das. He sang beautiful Geet Govinda bhajans followed by some well known In the evening two veterans adorned the concert platform. First songs associated with Lord Jagannath. It was a pious invocation for there was Bharatnatyam by Guru C.V. Chandrasekhar from Kalak- the Convention. The evening programme featured two icons of In- shetra followed by Carnatic vocal by Sh. T.V. Sankaranarayanan. In the forenoon there was a presentation and talk on Puppetry by the Kathak followed by Vidushi Smt Girija Devi, the queen of Thumri. distinguished Dadi Pudumjee and also a talk on our heritage by Thedia, eachaudience, a legend which in his/her included own several field. Pt.VIPs, Birju was Maharaj treated performed to a great Dr. D.P. Patnaik. It turned out to be a memorable day for everyone. experience of dance and music. Day Four: Sh. Gadhadhar Mohapatra spoke on Gita Govinda of Day Two: The day started at 5am when the entire group of chil- Mahakavi Jayadeva. Konarak Natya Mandap, an institution estab- dren came for the Yoga session. The yoga classes continued for the lished by the great guru Gangadhar Pradhan, presented a thrilling next 5 days conducted by eminent Yoga gurus. The delegates were also taught Nada Yoga. During the day there was a scholarly talk on who passed away recently. The famous play Charan Das Chor was Literary Heritage by Jnanpith awardee Sh. Sitakanta Mohapatra. presentedGotipua dance. by Naya It was Theatre a fitting (founded tribute by toHabib the Tanveer).memory ofThe the crown Guru- Later, all delegates were divided into various groups for the purpose ing glory of the evening was a delightful Rudra Veena by the young of Intensives and each group was attached to a great Guru for the and dynamic Ustad Bahuddin Dagar followed by a great Hindustani next four days. classical vocal by the well known duo of Pt. Rajan and Sajan Misra. The eminent gurus who conducted Intensives were Smt Ash- Day Five: The world famous painter Sh. Jatin Das delivered a wini Bhide (Vocal) Ust. Naseruddin Sami (Vocal) Smt. Kapila Venu talk on art and society which was followed by a movie screening. (Kudiyattam), Guru Ram Haridas (Odissi music) , Dr Ileyana Citaristi Celebrated director Shyam Benegal presented his own movie Making (Chhau), Prof. C.V. Chandrasekhar (Bharatnatyam), Sh. Madan Gopal of the Mahatma. In the evening, Pt. Venkatesh Kumar gave vocal concert followed by an intense Kudiyattam by Kapila Venu.

Singh (Sufi), Smt Aruna Mohanty (Odissi dance) and Smt. Ritha Devi Continued on page 10 99 Sandesh September 2011 REVIEW: 26TH NATIONAL CONVENTION

Day Six: The highlight of the forenoon was a presentation by the participants who underwent the 5 day intensives. Each group came to the stage and displayed what they had learned during the

age old Guru-Sishya tradition. After an early dinner all delegates as- sembledlast five daysfor the in crowningthe presence piece of of the the respective Convention Guru i.e. thein the Overnight typical Concert like the way it used to be held in ancient India. The overnight started at 8pm and the artists who performed one after another were Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Vidwan Mandolin U. Srinivasan, Ust. Naseer- uddin Saami (Pakistan), Vidushi Sunanda Patnaik and Vidushi Dr. Aswini Bhide Deshpande. It was heartening to see the young audience going through the entire night of classical music till the next morning and come out not sleepy but with stars in their eyes about this unique experience. Last Day: Delegates were taken on a heritage tour of Cuttack, Puri and Bhubaneswar. They returned to their respective home states with amazing memories of the Convention and also as cultural ambassadors of Odisha.

LIVE WEBCAST & EXTENSIVE PRESS COVERAGE: The entire proceedings were well covered by press and media. There was an impressive press conference on day Six and on going press and media coverage of the events on all the days. For the first time all the concerts happening at the Convention were telecast live through the web by HOOGHLI.COM, a professional streaming company. It en- abled thousands of people in India and abroad to enjoy the convention from the comfort of their homes. A news report on the National Convention was also broadcast everyday on DD Bharati from August 1-5, 2011. We are extremely thankful to Doordarshan for always extending its full support in the promotion and telecast of SPIC MACAY’s important and national programmes thereby taking our movement’s message across India.

1200 children got a peep into our culture. They were taught Yoga, meditation and exposed to “some of the best craftsmen and classical musi-

cians of the country. They will share their experi- ences with hundreds and thousands of others and

will spread an awareness of our rich heritage. As they grow up they will become responsible citizens and will work for peace and harmony “ that will give the country prosperity. More than anything else these children will hopefully grow up with value based outlook towards life.

More photos of the Convention on page 12-13

10 Sandesh September 2011 INTERVIEW "MY LANGUAGE IS MY DANCE" Our senior volunteer C.S. Panchamkesan caught up with renowned Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dancer Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant and talked about her dance and life struggles.

CSP: You are a multi-faceted personality. How do you cope up with so many activities? ANANDA: Whatever I am today is due to God’s grace and Guru’s my faith that has sustained me. My life is dance which has helped mekrupa. to transcendI had gone the through physical many and difficult lead my situations audience in on life a spiritualand it is and ethereal journey. CSP: Tell us how and when did your journey of dance begin? ANANDA: My passion for dance began when I was 4-yrs-old. A chance encounter and a comment by someone that “this child has large eyes, teach her dance” made my mother enroll me to Smt. Sharada Kesava Rao. Later I was trained by Sh. K.N. Pakkirisamy Pillai (brother of Sh. Dandayuda Pani Pillai). CSP: Your list of achievements will be incomplete without At the age of 11, I joined Kalakshetra, Chennai under the great talking about how courageously you overcame cancer. Would Rukmani Devi Arundale. I used to call her (Rukmani Devi) Athai. Such you like to share that experience? was the force of her personality that the radiating aura affected each ANANDA: I would like myself to be known not as a cancer vic- one of us. I grew up at Kalakshetra learning Bharatanatyam from tim but a Cancer Conqueror. Like all others, it upset me when quite Padma Balagopal and others. During those important years I learnt suddenly I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I overcame the initial about dance productions, folk dance, Kathakali and many other shock and told myself that I will not allow illness to take over me art forms and learnt Philosophy under Shri Shankara Menon. The and my mind. I told my family three things: I will ride this out and six years at Kalakshetra, learning Bharatanatyam, Carnatic music, won’t allow cancer to ride me, I will not think why me, I will not ask Veena, dance theory, Diploma and P.G in Bharatanatyam added a lot God or anyone if I am being punished for thing and I will not allow to my personality. it to impact rest of my life. CSP: How was your experience of the Gurukul? I decided to divest the secrecy of the disease and myself told the ANANDA: I was selected to participate in the productions and world about it, paving the way for people to approach me not with became a part of Rukmani Devi’s dance drama concert sections. tears but with cheer. I told myself this will be dealt with like any other I could imbibe the aesthetics, the group dynamics, stage design, illness and I won’t be pessimistic. I prepared for the surgery like I lighting, group choreography and the entire Kalakshetra culture would do for a new choreographed piece. This positive approach helped me to come out of the major surgery. Within three weeks I the need to perfect the bodily stances and thereby forget the body conducted SNA National Dance Festival. I was determined to give andinfluenced rise above me. Iit, also to learntthink, theto create, grace ofto a go firmly beyond executed and to movement, ascend to realms of a higher consciousness. chemotherapy and radiation also. full fledged dance performances soon after the surgery and during CSP: When did Kuchipudi enter your repertoire? CSP: Were you dancing during the therapy? ANANDA: On return to Hyderabad, I learnt Kuchipudi from ANANDA: Yes, I was dancing. My biggest source of support has Vidwan Sri Pasumarthy Ramalinga Shastry. been my husband Jayant Dwarakanath. Lots of emotional support CSP: How do you manage the two roles - office and dance? from my family and friends helped me. Both my doctors and my family never stopped me. Never once they showed despondency. ANANDA CSP: What was your outlook during those difficult days? different tracks: My helps office me was in andboth is work a very spaces. different I bring world the from organiza my art- ANANDA: My outlook has been exuberant optimism with deep tionworld; and however, systems I findof bureaucracy the differences to my healthy. dance My and treading carry my two sense such root in spiritual faith. All this helped me in not going into self-pity of harmony, aesthetics and egalitarianism of the art world into my or guilt complex or frustration or any ill-feelings but I adopted a patient and positive outlook towards a healthy future. I continue to perform, teach and choreograph. office space. But nothing, whatsoever comes in the way of my dance. Continued on page 15 1111 Sandesh September 2011 GLIMPSES OF CUTTACK CONVENTION

12 Sandesh September 2011 GLIMPSES OF CUTTACK CONVENTION

1313 Sandesh September 2011 REMEMBRANCE

Rich tributes paid to Ust. Fahimuddin Khan Dagar and Ust. Asad Ali Khan PIC MACAY and Sangeet Natak Akademi (SNA) organized a memorial meeting for Ustad Fahimuddin Khan Dagar on SAugust 10, 2011 at Meghdoot Theatre, Rabindra Bhawan, New Delhi. He had passed away on July 27. The meeting was attended by music lovers, Fahim ji’s family, students and artistes, including Pt. Debu Chaudhuri, Smt Shanno Khurana. SNA’s Vice Chairper- son, Smt Shanta Sarbjeet Singh was also present. Fahimji, as he was fondly known was a colossal storehouse of compositions on Durga, Shiva, Ganesha and other deities and a treasure trove of music literature. Fahimji was where spirituality and art met and the sacred, secular character of Hindustani music and religiosity converged. The picture frame of Mecca Sharif hung on the wall over his head, there was something very surreal about the way he would sing his favourite Baghambar Ambar Trishul Dharani (a composition dedi- about) to the swaras in ragas, to the 12 minute grammar aspects cated to Durga describing her own grace and the gait of her gorgeous in Dhrupad singing - he would often jumble up his own thoughts, at times forgetting what he was talking about last - due to age. And tune his tanpura at his riyaz room. He would say, ‘Ab duniya ko kaun barely within a minute, would string bits and pieces of his conver- samjhaye,lion) while sab fixing dharam the tanpura ke chakkar zawahri, mein pluckingpade hain pieces’. of thread to sation together on his own. “If someone asks about the difference between Marwah, Sri and Puriya, I would explain it by comparing Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, the Dhrupad exponent remembered the role of Rishabh. In Marwah, ‘Re’ is like the full glowing sun - his uncle as the granddad of not only the Dagar family but that of very strong. In Sri, it is mellowed down but still majestic. In Puriya, Dhrupad and Khayal as well. He also gave a short recital and said, it is shy, turning away in coyness from the rest of the swaras.” “His passing away is a loss to the entire music fraternity and not just to the Dagars. He was a treasure of knowledge and was loved by all. At times, when he would come home, he would have so many people USTAD ASAD ALI KHAN MEMORIAL MEET greeting him that he would get tired. He would say, ‘Haan adaab ho A memorial meeting was held in the memory of Rudra Veena gaya, chalo, chalo’.” exponent Ustad Asad Ali Khan, one of the last advocates of Khan- When relaxing at home, Fahimji would usually have his grand- darbani dhrupad on July 2, 2011 at the HLL Auditorium, Modern children giving him company, playing indoor games and cats cozying School, New Delhi. He had passed away on June 17. Many eminent into his feet. people payed rich tributes to the great maestro. SPIC MACAY’S much loved grand dad would usually be given the task of helping young minds develop a liking for Dhrupad. At his ses- of Ustad Asad Ali Khan. This was followed by another recital by Ust. sions at SPIC MACAY conventions, where he was a regular, Fahimji BahauddinThe concert Dagar began on withthe Rudra an alaap Veena. by Zaki He wasHyder accompanied Khan, nephew by would sit drawing the uninitiated ones into Naad Yog - breaking up Pt. Dalchand Sharma on the Pakhawaj. On this occasion, Pt. Debu its meaning, telling students how they could practically achieve it. Chaudhuri said, “Ustad Asad Ali Khan was one of the few active From shadaj down, as students would try getting notes in the mandra masters of the Rudra Veena . He represented the Beenkar Gharana saptak right, Fahimji would crack jokes - often leaving people teary- eyed, knowing this funny side to apparently a very serious maestro. developed through an unstinting devotion to the music. And I thought of Jaipur. Ustadji displayed a refined and sublime spirit that he had A propagator of music shastras and theories, he quashed present day concert norms openly and expressed his cynicism about the way sincerity to maintain the traditional principles & values of our music.” that the modern generation would benefit by trying to imbibe his Dhrupad is being taught, sung and perceived at educational institu- Smt. Lata Vaidyanathan, Principal of Modern School recognised tions, especially the universities. the contribution of SPIC MACAY in making young people value the He could mull over various aspects of music for hours. His music of greats like Ustad Asad Ali Khan saheb. canvas so vast, his knowledge so deep, musical stature, so lofty - he Also present at the memorial meeting were Pt. Rajan Mishra, would often lose track of his own thoughts. From the subject of tun- Pt. Prateek Chaudhuri, Sh. Ritesh and Rajneesh Mishra, Ust. Ka- ing the tanpura correctly (something he was extremely particular mal Sabri, Sh. Ashok Bajpayi and Sh. Sunit Tandon among others.

14 Sandesh September 2011 REMEMBRANCE

A True Naad Yogi Ust. Mehmood Dhaulpuri BY DR. KIRAN SETH An era has ended with the passing away of Ustad Rahim Fa- himuddin Khan Dagar. Artistes of his times like Pt. Mallikarjun Some Memories Mansur , Smt. Gangubai Hangal, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pt. Ram Cha- Rajan and Sajan Mishra : tur Mallick, Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar, Ustad Asad Ali Khan and others used music to transcend the form. They had reached a stage was in 1975. He was a much loved and a very good artiste. To when they had very few desires left. I remember visiting Pt. Ram takeWe an introduced instrument him like to the Delhi. harmonium The first timeand risehe played to the for level us Chatur Mallick’s residence in Darbhanga, Ustad Bismillah Khan’s of a Padma Shri was very creditable. His style of playing was barsati room in Varanasi and Smt. Gangubai Hangal’s little house in somewhat unique. While playing he would encourage the artiste, Dharwad. The common factor was the simplicity and bare minimum saying ‘Wah!’ and attempted to reproduce whatever one sang. We shared a very close bond. This was no age for him to go. Despite having very little, one did not get the faintest impression of creature comforts with which they seemed perfectly satisfied. that they had missed out on anything in life. Madhup Mudgal : He accompanied my concerts many times. He was a very in R.K. Puram. He seemed quite content living there with his Begum friendly person, always smiling. As an artiste, he gave intelligent, sahiba.Fahim He saheb was one (as heof wasthe lastendearingly great musicians called) lived who in understood a small flat sensible accompaniment — it was sahaj sangat. Whatever the Dhrupad intellectually and through it entered the spiritual domain. gayaki or gharana of the artiste, he could provide appropriate He would often say that the characteristics of a great musician was accompaniment. There were artistes for whom he was the that he would have to process eight channels in parallel and then constant favourite for harmonium sangat. Only after booking rise above them. He had to be Sur atmak, Rag atmak, Laya atmak, him would they agree to concert dates. And in Delhi of course, Taal atmak, Shabd atmak, Varn atmak, Bhava atmak and Ras atmak he was the only one…It is a very tragic loss. ended a piece with the words ‘Naad Brahma’. His great father Ustad Meeta Pandit : Rahimuddinand also understand Dagar often that used finally to sayNaad “Jiska was Imaan Brahma. Sacchaa In fact, Uska he oftenSwar I have seen him since I was a kid and saw him grow to such Sacchaa” (One whose faith is true, his note will be true.) Parishad’s) Yuva Mahotsav. One of the most beautiful things Entertainment has become a very big industry, taking up a large abouta stature! him The was, first whether time he he’s played playing with for me a big was ustad at (Sahitya or a novice, Kala portion of people’s lives. Even programmes that have been developed he never showed his ustadi. I know because he played for one with the inherent objective of elevating us, are either mutating to of my students and I suggested his name with great hesitation, become more acceptable or dying a slow death. Our classical music but he was so accommodating. His accompaniment was not just and Dhrupad in particular, is one such casualty. Very few musicians musical sangat, he always uplifted the artiste’s mood and never have been able to retain that very special quality of deep introspec- of playing ahead of him. Being with him was always fun. He was one of them. deflated them. We travelled a lot together. He had so many years tion reflected through their music and Ustad Fahimuddin Dagar would joke around, tell you interesting things…We’ll miss him. Continued from page 11 Courtesy : The Hindu Interview with Dr Ananda Shankar Jayant CSP: Since you are closely associated with educating and casion of Kerala State Convention in Calicut. Thereafter I did some helping cancer patients what is your message to the people? Lec-Dems in Andhra Pradesh. I am very proud to be associated with ANANDA: I have a strong message to both men and women. I SPIC MACAY. I am also fortunate to meet and know Dr Kiran Seth would like to request all women over 35/ 40 years of age to take and others in SPIC MACAY. Your movement is doing an amazing their health seriously and go for periodic check-ups. A mammogram service to the country. after 35 years is an absolute must for ladies. An early diagnosis is CSP: I offer my humble Pranams to you. May you continue to the greatest gift you can give yourself or your loved one. inspire millions through your services and may your kind patronage CSP: How has been your association with SPIC MACAY? for our movement be everlasting. Thank you. ANANDA: -

My first performance for SPIC MACAY was on the oc 1515 Sandesh September 2011 VISION 2020

Good planning needed to grow 10 times VIKAS NAGRARE, Head, SPIC MACAY Central Resource Centre, talks about the VISION 2020 and how to achieve the goals.

cademic year 2010-11 saw a substantial increase of 3,169 which form a large chunk of schooling in India. activities in different places both inside and outside India. AWe managed to reach about 20 lakh students of the country sending letters to Chief Ministers and Education Secretaries of out of a total of 217, 913, 767 students enrolled in educational variousTowards states. this We goal, know we for have a fact already that in madeorder theto reach first ourmove huge by institutions across the country, which forms around 1.08% of the target, we will have to go state by state and seek the establish- total student population. ment’s complete support. What we need to do is follow up with Reaching 20 lakh students through a voluntary set up is no mean achievement. The Visioning Exercise that happened in good results. The Education Secretaries can help us immensely in March 2011 gave us the Vision 2020 document where we pledged gettingtheir respective a great breakthroughoffices and keep and pursuing facilitate them our doggedly reach in to govern expect- to reach every child in the country. This also means that we need ment schools. We also had the occasion to meet Ms. Anshu Vaish, to increase the programs by a hundred times by 2020. We can do Secretary in the Department of School Education and Literacy in this by attempting to increase programes almost 10 times in the the Union HRD Ministry where she appreciated our concern and coing years. Increasing the programs 10 times must also increase agreed to help us in all ways possible. She said she would brief the outreach by 10 times. the Education Secretaries of all states accordingly. This is one Hence we would have to reach almost 2 crore students to in- breakthrough, no doubt. Now we need to coordinate at the state crease our reach by 10 folds. Many feel that it is an over-ambitious government level and seek their cooperation by making them attempt for a voluntary movement. Few also feel that in the pro- understand our ideas and objectives. cess, we may dilute the content of our activity and might forget There are other ways and avenues too through which we can or forgo our core strengths and beliefs. But I feel we should not expect to achieve our goals, set out in the Vision 2020. While reach- ever question the value of volunteers. Noah’s Ark was built by ing out to government schools, we must not overlook the private volunteers; the Titanic was built by professionals. sector in any way. There are still many public schools and private Over the past 34 years, SPIC MACAY has grown purely on colleges that are outside our ambit, waiting to be tapped. There voluntary support. We kept moving forward, focused on our goals even when there was no support. Gradually we have succeeded the young and we must channelise that interest in the right way is definitely a new found interest in our classical arts amongst in reaching many places, institutions and importantly lakhs of to make our youth more aware. We have to spread our activities students. We started with one programme, moved on to ten and far and wide and include more artistes and also more volunteers. then hundred. Never thought we can do a thousand but we did Proper publicity of the events will go a long way in spreading our three times over and with just volunteers. message and making us more visible to the lay man too. To attain Vision 2020, we would require meticulous planning As per the vision we have a short time and long term goal. and a very systematic approach. To reach out to more students, Hence we need to hurry up with the follow ups. I appeal to all the we will have to cover more places and more institutions. One state coordinators and others to help each other and indeed the way to make this possible is to work closely with group schools Centre to make this dream a reality. like Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, DPS, DAV, CBSE For any further assistance please feel free to contact me on Schools, etc. We have to primarily focus on government schools [email protected]

“There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination and wonder” - Ronald Reagan, 40th U.S. President

16 Sandesh September 2011 VISION 2020 CORE VALUES* - IWINSEED I - Inquiry a commitment to look within and inspire W - Making the other person Win a commitment to nurture and support the other rather than criticize I - Inclusiveness a commitment to understand the other’s perspective N - Nishkama seva a commitment to focus on the other, with zero personal expectations promoting transactionlessness S - Simplicity a commitment to be subtle and austere E - Excellence a commitment to pursue the best in quality

E - Setting an Example a commitment to practice before preaching D - Attention to Detail a commitment to focus on timeliness, good aesthetics and the seemingly insignificant

CORE PURPOSE* Have every child experience the inspiration and mysticism embodied in Indian and World Heritage

*As envisioned in the Visioning Exercise held in March 2011

1717 GURUKUL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME REPORT

Sandesh September 2011 MY EXPERIENCE

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME – MY OWN GURUKUL HARSH NARAYAN, National Scholarship Scheme Coordinator HEN I took up the tedious task of coordinating this year’s moments spent with Sh. Hazare. It was a kind of turning point in her Gurukul Scholarship Scheme (GSS) in January, I had little life that helped her structure her thought process and decide the Widea how wonderful an experience it will turn out to be. I future course for life. Today she is working as a HR head at IOCL Bihar. had the opportunity to learn many things myself as a person. This When I recently enquired from Smt Aruna Roy about our stu- time was very different from the past years’ schemes. There were dents who had gone to stay with her, she said she was happy with lots of applications and we got some very bright candidates too. The the quality of the candidates SPIC MACAY was sending to her. Many best part was that many Gurus took the scheme very seriously and of those students have even joined Aruna ji’s cause almost full time played an active role in the process, resulting in an inspiring GSS. or have been inspired to carry the learnings to their respective We also failed at a few places but the experience taught us how to devise a methodology to create a strong and intense Gurukul Scheme. Saraswati of Bihar School of Yoga, Rikhia Peeth. Swami ji said that The GSS has always shown powers to impact one’s thoughts and fields of work. I got similar feedback frommany Swami of Satyasangananda the candidates change lives. There were candidates who called up after completing The Scholarship Scheme has keep their links intact their stay to say how they had the best time of their life and that always shown powers to even after leaving the they would cherish it forever. Some told me it changed the whole Gurukul and come back perspective of life for them. For many it was like being shown the impact one’s thoughts and to visit them often. true light of life without which they were heading nowhere. Some change lives. There were can- Based on my experi- found a reason to live after receiving a new vision for their future. didates who called up after ences and feedback from One of the selected students, Priyadarshini Singh Mahara, who completing their stay to say candidates and Gurus, I went to HH the Dalai Lama said that GSS helped her get a new vision have also devised some for life. If she hadn’t gone to Dharamsala she would have missed out how they had the best time of plans for improving on a very important opportunity. One could clearly see a sparkle in their life and that they would GSS. We need to identify her eyes when she spoke about her experiences. Another girl, Nam- cherish it forever. Some told rita, who went to live with Madhubani painter Mahasundari Devi, are very inspiring but came back saying it was the most wonderful thing that happened me it changed the whole foraround various five reasonsGurus, who un- to her. She said that she had deviated from her life’s path and was perspective of life for them able to participate in this reaching a saturation point when she was selected for the GSS. She scheme. The idea is to has come back with a fresh zeal for life and a new found focus. She select suitable candidates for each of these Gurus and take them all, says that she wants to go back to Mahasundari Devi again and again Gurus and candidates, to an ashram in the Himalayas for a month. to learn more about the art form. We will follow a strict Ashram way of life during our stay where the A young boy, Myril John, was chosen to spend a month at the - Gurukul of Pt. Birju Maharaj. He ended up impressing the maestro so ous intervals. The serene and divine environment of the Himalayas candidates will spend fixed time with their respective Gurus at vari much that Maharaj ji wanted to adopt him as his permanent shishya. is sure to add further to the experience. Myril and his mother never tire to thank SPIC MACAY for this life SPIC MACAY has been conducting the GSS programme for the altering opportunity, as it’s not very common in their community last 26 years. It started in 1985 and since then hundreds of scholars for someone to learn Kathak. Myril has also shown remarkable coordination and adjustment abilities during the stay. a Scholarship Scheme Alumni Association (SSAA). Many of the can- have benefited from this programme. The idea is to create a kind of I would also like to thank one of our partners – ITC’s Sangeet didates are not in touch with us but still cherish their experiences. Research Academy (SRA), Kolkata for their remarkable cooperation. I got to meet a few past scholars and they still get goose bumps remembering that one month of stay at Gurukul. We can create an have managed to get some of our selected candidates admitted to its egroup for all GSS alumnus to interact and share their ideas. We Since we developed an official relationship with SRA last year, we will keep them posted on our future events, programmes etc. We living Gurus of our musical heritage. SRA has also accepted one of would like to help them evolve further, if they want to go to a Guru ourhallowed last year’s portals. scholars, Here the Shubham scholars Bharti get exposed from Saharanpur, to some of asthe its finest per- / Ashram to spend some time and facilitate them in connecting with manent scholar. This year too, SRA gave its permanent scholarship a particular Guru. It is just to say that SPIC MACAY won’t forget a to two of our candidates, RoopKatha Banerjee and Nirbhay Saxena. Another step is to start planning early for selecting candidates. Recently I chanced to meet one of our GSS candidates from the person after they finish that one month stay. 1992 batch, Vibha Kumari, who had been selected to stay with Sh. The new dates of applying from now will be November 1, 2011 Anna Hazare at that time. She told me that one month stay was a for the scholarships of 2012. So all chapters will be asked to hugely life changing experience for her and she still can’t forget the conduct interviews in November itself and send the recommendations Continued on page 22 18 GURUKUL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME REPORT

Sandesh September 2011 MY EXPERIENCE

ADJUSTING TO THE HARDSHIPS OF LIFE By NIKITA SHRIDHAR, Dehradun hen I was selected for the Gurukul Scholarship Scheme, The MKSS was started as a group of just four people and its I had little idea about what Aruna Roy did. Yes, one had subsequent rise to become a nationwide movement was interesting Wheard about her involvement with RTI and NREGA and to learn about. It was also amazing to know that they felt not being a the recent Lokpal bill but there was much to learn. NGO would decrease their susceptibility to governmental coercion. The one month I spent under Mazdoor Kisaan Shakti Sangathan I learnt how the founders met and made friends with the villagers (MKSS) lead by Smt Aruna Roy, Sh. Nikhil Dev and Sh. Shankar Singh, and only then, after questioning the people on their needs, could start the organization. gave me an opportunity to learn about so many more things that I own veggies to gramin or Rural Banking and how NREGA works on heard from many people. I had the fortune to learn about its origin. had not imagined. From lighting a Chula (fire stove) to getting your Lack of accountabilityThe decision to on fight part for of thethe governmentRTI was also authorities something where I had many workers, who com- the financialpeople it side, works it was for. oneThe excitingfact that period the villagers of learning. genuinely I understood under- I not only learnt about the pleted their task but did standthat for the an aims organization of the MKSS to andrun thatefficiently the organization it requires worksthe support on goals of activities of the MKSS, but not receive appropriate like NREGA, RTI and other rights integral to the villagers’ life was wages for it, lead to the the key factor in its success. also about life in rural India organization going all and how organizations work out after the government But before I go into the details of my experience, I would like and got it to implement at the grassroot level with the the Right to Information hardships of travelling and living in rural India and also adjusting to weakest section of our soci- (RTI) Act in Rajasthan. to say that the first and most important thing that one learnt was the severe Indian summer. Since there were no fans or coolers, we ety. The success of MKSS lies had to sleep in rooms that were hot or go up to the terrace, which Before NREGA, the receiving of employment was no better. This certainly hardened us and prepared us to cover in the support of the people was always unsure. The long distances in searing heat while visiting NREGA worksites or that it works for and the fact NREGA lead to 100 days other activities. that they share mutual re- spect and understanding... It was often the women town with acceptable modern facilities like internet and a printer but whoa year worked of confirmed at NREGA, salary. al- it wasOne not had to also be. expectedSeveral other that thethings office surfaced of the MKSS as we will moved be in ahead some lowing the men to be free with the work. We were to do most of the work by ourselves and to work at other jobs thereby allowing multiple sources of income. for most travel one had to hitch a ride on the back of a truck. It was Towards the end of our stay we had the occasion to visit SWRC always adventurous and enjoyable. (Social Work Research Department) in Tilonia, the main centre of The purpose of this gurukul stay was not only to learn about MKSS activities. The community radio service here, crafts workshops the activities of the MKSS, but also life in rural India and how orga- and many more things, again, all managed by only women was most nizations work at the grassroot level with the weakest section of our impressive and highly inspiring. In the puppet workshops we learnt the history of MKSS. It of NREGA. After a few interviews with the accounts personnel of was uplifting to know how Aruna ji and team gave their personal society. I started my internship by finding out the financial working MKSS I visited the local banks and tried to collect as much informa- contribution for social work. We saw in the SWRC many women tion as possible about NREGA. It was an interesting research. I not from African countries working on solar lights. After learning the only found out about how the banks handled NREGA accounts but electronic circuitry fabrication they will go back to their respective also learnt about rural banking and various facilities such as Kisan countries and spread the knowhow there. It gave an international Credit Card. I also learnt that very few NREGA workers had savings aspect to the work done in the bank and that most of them withdrew the money as soon as by SWRC. the salary was received. The experience that I A few days later it was time to leave the town of Devdungri got connected me to the for a few days to visit the SWRC (Social Work Research Department) real people of India and in another town called Jawaja. The solar panels operated by women, also to a major part of the the all women accounts department and many more things that are world. My sincere thanks single handedly managed by women gave a sense of contradictory to SPIC MACAY for giving me this wonderful op- portunity. refinement to the traditional male dominant society of Rajasthan. We mostly did accounts over there and also organized financial papers. 1919 GURUKUL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME REPORT

Sandesh September 2011 MY EXPERIENCE

SRA TURNED MY LIFE AROUND By RATANPRIYA, Chappra, Bihar

ost music lovers or students can only dream of meeting the As a rule a student has to continuously listen to a particular raga maestros of their liking and here I was the most fortunate for 5 weeks so that she is well versed with all aspects of that raga Mone, who not only met, but learnt and also took the blessings and all its variations. Accordingly I listened to raga Alhaiyya Bilawal of so many Gurus at one single place. The SPIC MACAY Scholarship for 2 weeks as that raga had already started before our arrival. It Scheme gave me a lifetime opportunity to visit and stay at the famous is a fact that I gained a lot from just listening to students. It is very Sangeet Research Aacademy (SRA) in Kolkata for a month. I was so rightly said that “only a good listener can become a good artist.” fortunate to be guided by legends like Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar, Pt. Ajoy A workshop by Pt. Ajoy Chakraborty helped us hone our skills Chakraborty, Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan, Smt. Girija Devi, Pt. Arun even more. I listened to him very religiously and his speech was Bhaduri, Ustad Mashkoor Ali Khan, Smt Shubhra Guha and others. most inspiring. I was touched by one of his talks, “Raag Bhagwan In many ways the stay at SRA proved to be a turning point in my ka roop hai, aur hame unki izzat Karni chahiye tabhi wo hamari izzat life. It is my scintillating pleasure to share the experiences at SRA The musical magic at SRA karte hain”. and express my gratitude to all Gurus and indeed to SPIC MACAY. had a hypnotic effect on On day one itself we were informed of the rules and regulations we were eagerly waiting of this academy by Mr. Sabyasachi Roy Choudhary, who has shown me. One day I attended a to againAfter ourmeet first Pt. meeting, Ulhas unbiased dedication in running this academy and maintaining its beautiful vocal recital by Kashalkar, who is well discipline. May I also mention here that I was fortunate to have some Ms Satvisha who has been known for his versatil- great roommates, whose behavior was beyond expectations and learning music under Pt. ity. He has a beautiful and eliminated all my fears of being alone in an unknown environment. technically mixed gayaki At some point I even stopped missing my parents only because I had Ulhas Kashalkar since the of Agra and Jaipur gharana. found some great company in my new friends at SRA. age of eight. At that moment A marvelous blend of taan and aalap can be heard in The director of SRA Mr. Ravi Mathur shared numerous inspira- I wished I was a permanent his gayaki. A noticeable tional stories of great musical souls whose noble ideals will always part of SRA where I could feature in his style is the remain the guiding force of humanity. He informed us that the expansion of the ragas that building where SRA is housed today used to be the palace of Tipu learn and dive deep into is uniquely variated. Sultan. Later we came to know that we would be learning classical classical music at all times... music under the guidance of none other than the centurion Ustad Then there was this Abdul Rashid Khan, who has devoted his entire life of 104 years experience with the Kathak maestro Pt. Birju Maharaj who arrived religiously to music. a bit late during our stay. The most beautiful part of this encounter was to hear Maharaj ji speak. He said one day, “When God gave us Imbibed by a musical and a solemn heart, Ustadji sees music as a birth he also gave us rhythm that resides within us i.e. beating of the heart. So we must all follow our heart and be in rhythm in our life”. Form him I learnt to “Soar high but keep your feet on the ground”. beautiful flower and wants to use it for preparing a musical garland. SRA is truly a temple and all the Gurus here are the priests who Our class timings were from 11:30 am to 1:45 pm. Ustadji put worship music in the form of God. Over a month’s time we had so in his full efforts to teach us the basic ragas and their expansion many wonderful occasions of listening to various Gurus and senior i.e. gayaki. The initial classes helped us to clearly understand the fundamentals of many ragas. I had the opportunity to learn several these wonderful moments. ragas like Yaman, Bhairav, Bhairavi, Desh, Khamaj, Bageshwari, Pu- students that one was filled with joy and gratitude to God for all riya Dhanashri, Bilasi Bhairavi, Bairagi Bhairav, Bhupali, Bhimpalasi For me to leave SRA and particularly Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan among others and even some folk songs and Geet in mishr ragas. was like leavng my home. He was almost like a grandfather because I was always full of awe whenever I met Ustadji. I won’t hesitate in Mondays, Tuesdays & Fridays were most musical as they were the saying that he is a real disciple of God. On the last day, we celebrated days for listening to ragas in the auditorium. With a huge collection Baba’s Birthday as he completed 104 years. We bought a cake for of records of all our musical legends, SRA also has a wide range of him and also gifted him a set of Kurta Pyjama. books on different subjects in its world class library. - The musical magic at SRA had a hypnotic effect on me. One day lationship with him. I would keep these memories very safely and I attended a beautiful vocal recital by Ms Satvisha who has been wouldThis feel final myself meet to with be the Baba luckiest gave birth girl if to I acome new toand SRA beautiful again as re a learning music under Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar since the age of eight. At permanent scholar. I thank SPIC MACAY for allowing me this golden that moment I wished that I was a permanent part of SRA where I opportunity and for making my dreams come true. could learn and dive deep into classical music at all times.

20 GURUKUL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME REPORT

Sandesh September 2011 MY EXPERIENCE

A LEARNING FOR LIFE By APURVAA V.S., Bangalore

had set out to the airport with a mixed mind as I had never been A learning voyage in Tilonia without family for too long. It was going to be one long month After the Delhi detour we were asked by Ajji to join her in Tilonia, I under the SPIC MACAY Scholarship Scheme for which I had been Rajasthan. Tilonia is the main base of the SWRC (Social Work and selected and because of which I would spend time with a guru. Research Centre) founded by Bunker Roy. The atmosphere at Tilonia was serene and soothing. The campus was inspirational in just its an subsequently to the Mazdoor Kisaan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) presence. Be it the puppetry or the handicrafts shop or the serene centreThe in apprehension Devdungri. grewThe heatas I boarded was extremely the flight anduncomfortable reached Jaipur to home of Ajji; it was a pleasure to be there. someone like me from Bangalore. After much adventure I managed A visit to the old campus revealed the sweat and grit that goes to reach the centre and as soon as I entered the intern’s building, into infusing the same one was greeted with a warm welcome from others interns and The time spent with Aruna ji drive into others. The members. It felt like home immediately. We were shown around and and indeed others at MKSS solar barefoot engineers told the minimal routines to follow. This warmth would stay with showed us the unortho- us for the rest of our trip. was fulfilling and made us dox intelligence that ig- Day two of the Gurukul and we were already in the thick of action. realize the great prospect nited their lives and those We were sent to Jaipur for the popular ‘Jan Sunvayi’ day. It was an that the Gurukul Scholarship surrounding them. We overwhelming experience to see real people’s power work its magic visited the solar lantern in the biggest democracy of the world. We saw the trust and strength of SPIC MACAY had offered to making unit where illiter- that a root level organization like MKSS had amidst rural Rajasthan. us. It led to us thinking more ate women from around Hearing Aruna Roy, Nikhil Dey and Shankar Singh speak on issues about the society at large six countries had been learning how to bring minimum wages etc. was surely an eye opener. and inspired us into thinking light into their lives. It of corruption, transparency in government, unfulfilled promises of The next major happening was the visits to the local NREGA that even small ripples can was one of the brightest sites that put us in direct contact with the workers. The talk sessions have significant effects on the highlights of the tour. with workers and the mate apprised us to the common problems world... We even had a crash that surfaced at almost every single site: Minimum wages not being course at puppetry. The delivered, wages in full never reaching on time, discouragement to unique idea to reach rural India via street plays, performances in hard workers and encouragement to the lazy ones and no age limit villages is a highly competent way to combat social and economic being followed which meant old people, even above 80 were com- issues. I also had a wonderful opportunity to sing for the community ing to work! As representatives of MKSS we talked to people about radio in Tilonia. I chose an old composition by Lata ji and a Kan- nada bhava geet. It felt humbling when people praised my singing and also discussed about their problems and how to overcome them including Ajji, Nikhil and Shankarji and many more. Tilonia wrapped withmaking the unions knowledge so that of rightthey couldlaws etc. fight against the corrupt system around us a great sense of inspiration and social commitment. One great learning experience was a day spent at an RTI seminar We spent quality time there with Ajji. There was a passionate organized by MKSS in Bhilwara. The vibe was infectious as we were debate that we had with Ajji about reservation, the highlight of our in the midst of the actual training that MKSS imparts. The workshop interaction with her. During the stay I had a chance to discuss with included the history of MKSS and the story behind RTI. It was alive Ajji my ideas of getting the economy back to rural India. She listened with anecdotes and videos. The session ended with a tutorial on how patiently as I described my thoughts in all my innocent exuberance, to write an RTI application. It was a fruitful workshop which made us adept at RTI and the power that it gave to the citizens of India. and advised me never let go of the dreams and aspirations and to the dreams that I wanted to see fulfilled. She appreciated the concern Delhi calling! reach out to and be sensitive to the unfortunate section of society. We all got something special from Ajji herself that I’ll treasure it Somewhere in the middle of our stay, we got a golden opportunity all my life. to meet Aruna ji or Ajji, as she is lovingly called, in Delhi. The move was sudden but we liked it. We were invited to attend the NCPRI (National Campaign for People’s Right to Information) version of and made us all realize the great prospect that the Gurukul Schol- The time spent with Ajji and indeed others at MKSS was fulfilling Janlokpal Bill. It was a historical event in my life as I got to meet arship of SPIC MACAY had offered to us. It led to us thinking more intellectuals and witness what goes behind every press conference about the society at large and inspired us into thinking how evenb that we see on TV. small ripples can have significant effects on the world.

2121 GURUKUL SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME REPORT

Sandesh September 2011 MY EXPERIENCE

My journey to the land of spiritual treasure… By Priyadarshini Singh Mahara, Delhi n the night of May 31st, with a lot of excitement, anxiety and practiced by Tibetans. We were taught about the 37 practices of a hope we left Delhi for Dharamshala, or Dhasa, as I call it now. Bodhisattava by Geshela Lhakdor and other aspects like unity in OOnce there, as is the practice, girls were accommodated at duality, uniting the Eastern and Western thinking and sciences with the Dolmaling Nunnery in Sidhpur and boys at the Namgyal and Tse Lene Handberg from the Tarab Institute. Along with these classes Chokling monasteries at McLeodganj. It was a great moment for me one also had the occasion of going to Norbulingka to learn Thangka as I had long cherished this desire to visit Dharamsala and meet the Paintings. I wouldn’t say that I have mastered the art of Thangka or Tibetans, especially the Dalai Lama himself. reached any level but how-much-ever I learnt in about 20 classes, The next day we began with our introductory tour of the Tibetans I was happy about the fact that I could learn an ancient art form. and their lives. It was to familiarize us with the different organiza- I also joined the Mountain Cleaners and Students for a Free Tibet tional set-ups and culture and lifestyle of the community. We started (SFT). We trekked for around 16kms on all weekends, cleaning up with the Norbulingka Institute which is the biggest institute that the mountains and helped SFT with some of its works. works for the preservation of Tibetan Art and Craft. They have the Our day in the nunnery used to start with meditation at 5.30 traditional Thangka Painting, Thangka Appliqué which is done on in the morning and breakfast happened at 6 am. In this one month of cloth, wood carving, sculptor making etc. From there we went to my stay in Dhasa, I came closer to the lives of people in exile, be it in the Tibetan Handicapped Children’s Center. It was an overwhelming their spiritual ways or their traditional ways. Meeting with Lobsang experience for both the kids at the Centre and us to see each other. Sangey the Kalon Tripa or Prime Minister was an experience of a life In the following days, we were taken around to various institutions time. After HH denounced all his political powers, all responsibilities have come on the shoulders of the Kalon Tripa and Kashag (Central 15th Parliament-in-Exile. Although the session was in Tibetan lan- Tibetan Administration). guage,but the it best is always part was a great sitting experience through to the witness first session a live parliamentary of the Tibet’s After much delay during our stay, came the long awaited audience session of any country. with H.H., the 14th Dalai Lama. The moment he entered the hall a Our meeting with the Ven. Geshela Lhakdor, director of the shiver ran through me and I was overwhelmed by his presence. I feel Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, an institute for Tibetan stud- really privileged that I got an opportunity to have a private audience ies, primarily Tibetan language and Buddhism, was an eye opener. with him. There was an indescribable radiance on his face, even We learned from him how painstakingly the Tibetans are trying to after years of atrocities and hardships his smile and calm remains preserve their culture and language. We also went to the Children’s the same, as one is used to seeing in the photographs or on TV. He Village, Tushita Meditation Center, Tibetan Institute of Performing answered various spiritual and political questions raised by us with Arts (TIPA), Tibetan Youth Congress, Tibetan Women’s Association and Tibetan Reception Center, which is a place to accommodate the taught all of us a new way of life. He is the great Ocean of Wisdom refugees from Tibet. ingreat the claritytrue sense. and serenity. His selfless efforts for world peace have What I noticed at all these places was the hard efforts put for This Scholarship Scheme programme has given me a real spiri- the preservation of cultural and traditional identities of Tibet and the tual insight, guiding me to know my true self. Living with the nuns uplift of the Tibetan people in exile. Most of the centers had museums was an incredible experience that I am unlikely to forget anytime of their own which gave a glimpse of the still preserved tradition. soon. I can also say that this was the best time of my life and I am Our regular classes on Buddhist Philosophy were most going to cherish each moment I spent in Dhasa, interacting with interesting as they gave a true insight in to the way Buddhism was all kinds of people and spending every moment in absolute peace.

Continued from page 18

SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME – MY OWN GURUKUL by Harsh Narayan to the Center. This time the recommended candidates from all over the country will be invited for the National School Intensive (NSI) in Pune in December end. The idea is to interact with them both formally and informally so that we can make better selections. This way the selected candidates will also be properly oriented towards the vision behind GSS and exposed to a disciplined way of living, which they shall be expected to follow during the Gurukul stay. All these inspirations came to me while I was coordinating this programme and I feel one who gives inspiration also shows a path to realize it. I thank all my SPIC MACAY friends for their cooperation & support during the past year and apologize for my shortcomings and mistakes. We have to walk ahead together with the purity of the vision behind the idea of SPIC MACAY, forgiving and accepting each other towards that collective goal. [email protected]

22 Sandesh September 2011 SPIC MACAY ABROAD

SINGAPORE USA The Singapore chapter organized two events in July 2011 at the Three University Chapters in USA recently organized a series prestigious Global Indian International School. The opportunity of concerts by Pt. Shubhendra Rao and Saskia Rao-de Hass, duets was provided to us by the ICCR. Although it was at a short notice, Dr of Sitar and Indian Cello. Very positive feedback has come from the Samarendra Singh and his team took advantage of the offer to invite listeners as they enjoyed this unusual jugalbandi. They were ac- Smt. Ranjana Gauhar (Odissi), to do a workshop and a concert for the companied on Tabla by Sh Biplab Bhattacharya. The concerts were school students of GIIS. Ranjana ji was on a ICCR tour of South Asian held at University of Viginia, Cornell University and University of countries and her seven member group consisted of three dancers Florida , Gainesville. and four musicians. SPIC MACAY is grateful to ICCR for giving the Neethi and her teammates at UVA worked hard at organizing opportunity and sponsoring the event in Singapore. this event in the true SPIC MACAY spirit. We thank them for giving their time to strengthen the movement in their University.

WESTERN CLASSICAL MUSIC IN DELHI Legendary Cellist Gustavo Tavares and Anders Øien, classical Guitarist from Norway inaugurated the series by playing music from SPIC MACAY initiated “Western Music in the Park” series this 18th century besides suites of Bach and compositions of Vivaldi.The year.Two concerts of Western classical music were organized in Quintet 5 Beaufort of the Junge Deutsche Philharmonie performed partnership with NDMC, Goethe Institute,New Delhi and Rikskon- on September 25 at the Nehru Park. sertene on September 24 and 25 2011. DETAILS IN THE NEXT ISSUE Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhavana Award acceptance speech by Dr Kiran Seth ‘I, me, myself attitude has affected us all’ on’ble Prime Minister, Sh. Manmohan Singh ji, Chairman & meditation, craft workshops, theatre, talks by eminent writers of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbhavana Award Advisory & philosophers, holistic food, etc. that the Society for the Promo- HCommittee, Dr Karan Singh ji, Hon’ble General Secretary, All tion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC India Congress Committee, Sh. Rahul Gandhi, senior AICC member, MACAY) is working. Last year, our volunteers organized 3200 Sh. Motilal Vora and distinguished members present here today, programmes in more than 260 towns in India and abroad. Hope- On behalf of the entire movement, I would like to thank the fully with encouragement & support from each one of you, we will succeed in spreading this movement to every district. Chairman and Members of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadhbha- vana Award Advisory Committee for having conferred this year’s Many years ago, we had received two letters from Hon’ble Shri award on us. Rajiv Gandhi ji appreciating our work and urging us to focus on Our heritage comprises of a beautiful mosaic of various in India, we request support from State Governments to help us thought processes which have developed in different parts of spreadrural areas. our workTo fulfil through this dream their networkof reaching of schoolseach and and every colleges. child the world. This country has welcomed people of different races And we request the Union Ministry of HRD to add the missing and religions for many centuries and has developed a wonderful dimension of culture to the formal education curriculum. Making composite culture. We can have an Ustad Nasir Aminuddin Dagar every child in this country learn the classical arts at an early age Sahib singing a Shivstuti & a Vidushi Kishori Amonkar singing a will give them the ability to focus well, to rise above the ordinary composition centered on Allah with complete devotion. This cel- and to appreciate our heritage. If we all get more connected with ebration of various approaches to life by people of different faiths our Heritage, it will bring about a shift in our priorities, diluting is quite unique to this country. our greed and temptation to usurp others’ rights. It will bring in a However, the global scenario of I, me and myself is affecting feeling of Sadhbhavana, a willingness to share and live in oneness our country also. Distrust has taken over communities, resulting with the community in peace. in many wars and tense situations all over the globe. In this grim In conclusion, we would like to request the Indian government situation, many aspects of our heritage like our classical music to set up a National Heritage Mission which could work holisti- can play a very important role in promoting communal harmony cally towards preserving & propagating this great treasure - our & peace all over the world. Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan went to composite heritage, which has been handed down to us through the extent of saying that the partition of India would not have the centuries by our ancestors. taken place had there been a little bit of music in everyone’s lives. With this, I wish Mrs. Sonia Gandhi a speedy recovery and It is with this hope of touching people with different aspects thank you all once again for conferring this prestigious award on of our heritage like the classical & folk arts, cinema classics, yoga SPIC MACAY.

23 Sandesh September 2011 EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear SPICMACAYites, It’s essential to sustain what’s left behind. Our movement The last few months have rocked the world of music and is determined to reach out to every student in this country and arts. The year, just like the previous one, is proving to be a year we shall strive to do everything possible to achieve our newly of devastation. It started with the passing away of Pt. Bhimsen set goals. Joshi at the beginning of the year and has now snatched away Recently we were awarded the Rajiv Gandhi Sadbhawna some more of our greatest maestros. Sh. M.F. Hussain, Ustad Asad Award for communal harmony. It is always a great booster for Ali Khan, Ustad Fahimuddin Dagar, Ustad Mehmood Dhaulpuri, any person/movement to be recognised for its hard work. But Sh. Mani Kaul and Smt Rukma Devi are some names that will - not speak to us face to face anymore. ing communal harmony in the country. what is significant is that the award has been given for maintain These are times of strife. More than anything else, the award cherished for all times to come but also deep voids and dark- is a super acknowledgment of the fact that art and culture can They leave behind not only magnificent legacies that will be and does play a role in maintaining peace and harmony. It makes fewer worthy people who can carry forward those legacies and SPIC MACAY’s resolve ever stronger to continue to work for knowledgeness. It’s become that these a matter great of graveartistes concern nurtured and andworry. spread We find all preservation of Indian culture. through their lives. On another note, the 26th National Convention at Cuttack in May was a grand success and was one of the most widely hearted and orphaned by these losses. Yet we can’t stop to mourn publicised conventions of all times. Technology was used to the for long.SPIC MACAYWe have and to indeedcontinue the celebrating entire nation our finds culture itself that broken has hilt as the convention was broadcast live on the web thereby always taught us that life means continuing to march on without reaching out to thousands of people who couldn’t be there in looking back. The old will give way to the new and sooner than person. Other annual events have also taken off and thus our later light will dispel darkness. journey continues..

Team Sandesh Editor : Anshuman Jain Assistant Editor : Tanya Jain Special Thanks : C.S. Panchamkesan, Vikas Nagrare, Supriti Design, Layout & Printing: Imagica Graphics Send your views, contributions and queries to: Editor, The Sandesh c/o SPIC MACAY 41/42, Lucknow Road, Delhi-110054 or E-mail: [email protected] website: www.spicmacay.com e-group: [email protected]

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