“Hello Sai! Did you enjoy school today?” I asked my little niece. My usual chirpy little one was unusually quiet. I repeated the question again and hugged her warmly. Her bright eyes turned moist. I wondered what could have gone wrong. I coaxed her to share her feelings. Slowly…Sai shared her rather unsolvable problem. “Chitti, I don’t want to study in this school”. I was taken aback. “Why kanna?” I questioned her.
“They have changed my section Chitti”. “Oh! But why?” I asked her. She replied very softly…gazing at me, “coz…Mom teaches my section…”
Definitely, this was a big problem for a 7 year old. I could understand her predicament. Apparently, my sister joined the same school as a teacher that academic year. She was assigned to teach her daughter’s section. It was a very tricky situation for my sister. How will she handle her daughter in her class? Won’t she be biased? Won’t she have a soft corner towards her lil one? As these thoughts crossed my mind, my sister hugged her little daughter comforting her.
Tears trickled down wetting Sai’s clear face. She was upset because she would miss her friends…specially Sanjana and Nikhila…with whom she studied, played, ate lunch, and did every other girlish act that children of her age would normally do. She had known them for two years now…and moving to a new section for no fault of hers made her feel disappointed.
We tried to put ourselves in lil Sai’s position and imagined how we would have reacted. What would we have done? Made new friends…adjusted to new teachers…new time table…new bench…new chair???
We soothed and comforted her by saying that she would very soon get adjusted to her new class and make many more friends. She was obstinate and wanted to belong to her old section. We noticed that she was engrossed in some deep thought! Probably, her child-brain was looking for a solution. Suddenly she screamed looking at my sister, “I want to call you Mom and not Mam! Isn’t it possible for you to teach the other section?” She reasoned out a very good point. My sister consoled her saying that this was not possible as the entire time-table was already set. A change now would put the planned time-table topsy-turvy. “Oh…ok….” she tearfully accepted. Sai too was in a no less topsy-turvy situation.
After few silent moments, she questioned again, “Mom, why not shift Sanjana and Nikhila too to the new section? That way…we will be together again!” My sister smiled at the child-like solution, wondered for a few moments, and then replied, “No deary…the strength of the two sections is balanced now. Moreover, Principal Madam would not agree to shift them to another section.” She hoped that this reason would make her understand.
And…of course it did! After a week, I asked Sai, “Are you enjoying school?” With bright twinkling eyes, Sai exclaimed, “Yes! Chitti, you know what…I discussed this problem with Sanju and Nikki. They were upset first. Later, we arrived at a simple solution.” I was getting curious to know how the lil ones had managed to solve the problem. “What is that simple solution my dear?” I questioned her. This is what she said, “We have decided to remain close friends. Although, I have been moved to a new section, we will meet each other as much as possible in break-time and at lunch time. We will continue doing things that we used to do…but for shorter periods now. We have also decided to visit each other’s houses more often.”
I was thrilled to hear her simple answer. My sister was equally delighted with the solution arrived at by her tiny daughter and friends. The trio tactfully worked around the problem…and did not get into it. We were astonished by their maturity at such a young age. What we thought was unsolvable was solved by them in their own simple and childish way. Sometimes, it is better to remain a child-at-heart and think in a child-like manner!
Finally, Sai ecstatically squeaked looking at my sister, “I need to call you only Mom…and not Mam…anymore!” We all had a hearty laugh!!!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Magical Moments with Mesmerizing Music…
Summer is a scorcher in Chennai. With the temperature soaring sky-high…the highly-cultured and musically-inclined citizens turn to music for refreshing and cooling themselves.
Here is a short write-up of Nityashri Mahadevan’s concert that I was privileged to attend.
Music is not new to Nityashree, for it runs in her genes. She is extremely lucky to be born in a great musical family. She was brought up in a musical atmosphere being the grand - daughter of the great vidushi, Dr. D.K.Pattammal and the daughter of equally talented parents. She is carrying the music lineage with ease and perfection.
I remember her saying in one interview how much emphasis and importance her grandmother used to lay on practice or sadhana. This was evident in her musical recital. The whole atmosphere reverberated that it was not surprising to see many more people listening standing on the road!!! The whole atmosphere was elevated to a new level where one could not only hear but also feel music.
She began the concert by singing a tamil song set to the melodious raga Charukeshi. It was a perfect beginning. From there she took off, soaring high up taking us through this wonderful journey called music.
She sang many kritis dedicated to Lord Rama. The setting could not have been more perfect. We were all mentally transported to the Treta Yuga when the dear Lord incarnated as Rama. The Ayodhya Mandapam, the venue for the concert, became for about three hours the Ayodhya of Lord Rama and all of us the inhabitants of the town!!!
The Tyagaraja krithi, Unnai Illam Gati Yenaiaah, Oh Rama set to the raga Bhairavi was mellifluous and touched all our hearts. The song with its deep meaning had a lasting effect on all our minds. For a moment, we realized the real purpose of our birth and what would happen to us if not for the loving and merciful Lord!!!
Another krithi composed by the same ardent devotee, saint Tyagaraja, soothed the mind. The lyrics were so meaningful that it unlocked many of the labyrinths and made the thinking process more clear. For example, the phrase, Vande Lokabhi Ramam, Sakala Bhaya Haram was enough to calm the confused mind.
A look at the watch and I suddenly realized how fast the time went. It was already past 8 and the Thaneyavarthanam commenced. She concluded the concert with a ragamalika krithi. Very soon, the wonderful evening came to an end. But then, the notes and the music still continue to echo in the ears and linger in the heart!
Here is a short write-up of Nityashri Mahadevan’s concert that I was privileged to attend.
Music is not new to Nityashree, for it runs in her genes. She is extremely lucky to be born in a great musical family. She was brought up in a musical atmosphere being the grand - daughter of the great vidushi, Dr. D.K.Pattammal and the daughter of equally talented parents. She is carrying the music lineage with ease and perfection.
I remember her saying in one interview how much emphasis and importance her grandmother used to lay on practice or sadhana. This was evident in her musical recital. The whole atmosphere reverberated that it was not surprising to see many more people listening standing on the road!!! The whole atmosphere was elevated to a new level where one could not only hear but also feel music.
She began the concert by singing a tamil song set to the melodious raga Charukeshi. It was a perfect beginning. From there she took off, soaring high up taking us through this wonderful journey called music.
She sang many kritis dedicated to Lord Rama. The setting could not have been more perfect. We were all mentally transported to the Treta Yuga when the dear Lord incarnated as Rama. The Ayodhya Mandapam, the venue for the concert, became for about three hours the Ayodhya of Lord Rama and all of us the inhabitants of the town!!!
The Tyagaraja krithi, Unnai Illam Gati Yenaiaah, Oh Rama set to the raga Bhairavi was mellifluous and touched all our hearts. The song with its deep meaning had a lasting effect on all our minds. For a moment, we realized the real purpose of our birth and what would happen to us if not for the loving and merciful Lord!!!
Another krithi composed by the same ardent devotee, saint Tyagaraja, soothed the mind. The lyrics were so meaningful that it unlocked many of the labyrinths and made the thinking process more clear. For example, the phrase, Vande Lokabhi Ramam, Sakala Bhaya Haram was enough to calm the confused mind.
A look at the watch and I suddenly realized how fast the time went. It was already past 8 and the Thaneyavarthanam commenced. She concluded the concert with a ragamalika krithi. Very soon, the wonderful evening came to an end. But then, the notes and the music still continue to echo in the ears and linger in the heart!
Saurav still the "gaurav" of India...
It was a treat to watch the former captain play his best in the 5th ODI between India and England. This match was a do-or-die situation for the Indians in order to stay alive and compete in the series. Not long ago, the former captain was an outsider to the team, desperately trying to regain his flamboyant touch with the willow.
Dada worked relentlessly, playing many domestic and county tournaments. He gave his all to make a comeback into the Indian team. The odds were stacked against him with his role and place in the team being questioned. But, Saurav determined and focused that he is, gave an apt and convincing reply to all his critics by getting selected for the World Cup after a wonderful domestic and county stint. His selection for the World Cup forced his detractors to stop criticizing as he had earned his place with sheer performance and hard work.
Playing in his 300th ODI, it was a spirited and all round performance by Saurav. The stylish southpaw contributed with both the bat and ball. Saurav hit a 89 ball 59 - which is slow considering his past match performances, played second fiddle to Sachin's blistering knock of a 59 ball 71. The best ODI openers of India put together a solid partnership of 116 runs.
On a rain-hit pitch, Saurav's medium pace came to very good use. Often known as the partnership-breaker, he took two important wickets - that of Prior and Bell. These two key opening players were back in the pavilion with the score reading just 102 for 3. Indeed, the damage was done with the England openers being sent back. England never looked like they could manage to the target. Of course, the brave performance of captain Collingwood was a sole ray of hope. Saurav conceded just 26 runs in his 7 overs.
The Man of the Match award came as an icing on the cake on a very memorable day for Saurav. He just let his bat and ball do the talking. Despite his aging years, the Prince of Kolkata still looks like he is hungry for more and has much more to offer to Indian cricket. Needless to say, “Saurav, you are still the gaurav of India”.
Dada worked relentlessly, playing many domestic and county tournaments. He gave his all to make a comeback into the Indian team. The odds were stacked against him with his role and place in the team being questioned. But, Saurav determined and focused that he is, gave an apt and convincing reply to all his critics by getting selected for the World Cup after a wonderful domestic and county stint. His selection for the World Cup forced his detractors to stop criticizing as he had earned his place with sheer performance and hard work.
Playing in his 300th ODI, it was a spirited and all round performance by Saurav. The stylish southpaw contributed with both the bat and ball. Saurav hit a 89 ball 59 - which is slow considering his past match performances, played second fiddle to Sachin's blistering knock of a 59 ball 71. The best ODI openers of India put together a solid partnership of 116 runs.
On a rain-hit pitch, Saurav's medium pace came to very good use. Often known as the partnership-breaker, he took two important wickets - that of Prior and Bell. These two key opening players were back in the pavilion with the score reading just 102 for 3. Indeed, the damage was done with the England openers being sent back. England never looked like they could manage to the target. Of course, the brave performance of captain Collingwood was a sole ray of hope. Saurav conceded just 26 runs in his 7 overs.
The Man of the Match award came as an icing on the cake on a very memorable day for Saurav. He just let his bat and ball do the talking. Despite his aging years, the Prince of Kolkata still looks like he is hungry for more and has much more to offer to Indian cricket. Needless to say, “Saurav, you are still the gaurav of India”.
Soul-stirring music by mellifluous Sudha…
The music lovers had a memorable and an unforgettable evening last Friday. After all, they had come to listen to the "Queen of Music", their very own Sudha Raghunathan.
It was not surprising to see the whole hall packed. Sincere fans of Sudha regretted for not coming early and were even ready to stand and listen to the 2.5 hours concert.
The audience intently waited for Sudha to commence. She began the recital in the melodious rag Kamas. The kriti sung with full vigor and enthusiasm set the tone for the rest of the evening. The accompanying artists too joined in the making of this beautiful beginning. The whole troupe offered a garland of flowers to the Lord with this opening kriti in what was a wonderful amalgam of ragam, talam, and pallavi.
Sudha next paid her salutations to the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesh. The kriti Siddhi Vinayakem Anisham set to the popular rag Shanmughapriya slowly gave a glimpse of the immense talent this young lady possessed. She sang with so much ease and confidence that we were all literally transported to another world, the wonderful world of music where one feels peace and oneness with the Lord.
Before plunging headlong into the rest of the concert, here is a brief insight on the life of Sudha.
Born to traditional and devout parents, Sudha like every other young Brahmin girl learnt music from a very young age. As she grew older, she started participating in many competitions. Undoubtedly, in all of them, she came first. I remember her saying in one of the interviews that it was never her ambition or desire to become a carnatic musician. That she did is the wonderful plan of the Almighty and indeed a gift to humanity. While at college, she won the prestigious scholarship from the government of Tamil Nadu to learn music from the great artist, Smt.M.L.Vasanthakumari. Her musical journey started then and has since never looked back. As she took wings under Smt.MLV, she slowly mastered all the subtle nuances and variations of carnatic music. She began her career singing along side her guru. Later, after the demise of the great vidushi, she took off on her own. Slowly but steadily she began to climb the rungs of the carnatic music ladder and has achieved appreciation, accolades, and immense fame. Not to say, in the least, the numerous awards coming her way.
Continuing with the concert description. Known as the most popular carnatic artist, Sudha indeed lived up to the title. She sang many popular kritis, most of them loved by the audience. This included Tyagaraja kritis in raga Sri and Lathangi. The swara alapana in Lathangi often reaching the crescendo uplifted the spirits of all those present.
During the second half of the concert, many small children eagerly passed on chits to listen to their favorite songs. Sudha did not disappoint these little ones and those gathered to listen to her. One can call this session of the concert as the audience session. For, Sudha sang many melodious songs that the audience too joined her humming now and then.
She first sang the kriti, Alaipayuthey… set to the rag Kanada. The spirit and the atmosphere too waved to the beauty of the song to match its lyrics. The staggering mind got attracted and attuned with this song that all of us got lost in the music. Next was a Ragamalika kriti. The kriti Bhavayamee…composed by the ardent devotee of Lord Rama, Saint Tyagaraja, was a wonderful combination of the ragas Saveri, Mukhari, and Natakuranji. The instrumental musicians spared no effort in making this one a grand success.
There was so much harmony in the music that the audience indeed became one with it. Despite the time getting past 9, music lovers were hooked to their seats and were engrossed in the music. Towards the end, Sudha sang two more favorite kritis. This time it was Mokshamu… set to the old rag Hindolam. It was as though Sudha wanted to remind all those present the ultimate aim of life, that of getting moksha. Singing this with full devotion to the Lord, she made us all realize that there is no other path easier than music to attain one’s goal.
It was now the time for the accompanying artists to leave their mark. Realizing this, Sudha sang Nagumomo…set to the rag Abheri. The thaneeyavartham commenced and indeed it was a perfect finish for the evening.
As the concert ended, all left with a peaceful mind and a light heart. The concert was food for the mind and soul and it also appeased the hunger of all. Seldom did anyone realize the passage of time. That is the hallmark of an artist, to make the audience get immersed in the music so that it has a long lasting effect. That surely Sudha did as the songs still ring in the ears and the tune hummed by the mind.
It was not surprising to see the whole hall packed. Sincere fans of Sudha regretted for not coming early and were even ready to stand and listen to the 2.5 hours concert.
The audience intently waited for Sudha to commence. She began the recital in the melodious rag Kamas. The kriti sung with full vigor and enthusiasm set the tone for the rest of the evening. The accompanying artists too joined in the making of this beautiful beginning. The whole troupe offered a garland of flowers to the Lord with this opening kriti in what was a wonderful amalgam of ragam, talam, and pallavi.
Sudha next paid her salutations to the remover of obstacles, Lord Ganesh. The kriti Siddhi Vinayakem Anisham set to the popular rag Shanmughapriya slowly gave a glimpse of the immense talent this young lady possessed. She sang with so much ease and confidence that we were all literally transported to another world, the wonderful world of music where one feels peace and oneness with the Lord.
Before plunging headlong into the rest of the concert, here is a brief insight on the life of Sudha.
Born to traditional and devout parents, Sudha like every other young Brahmin girl learnt music from a very young age. As she grew older, she started participating in many competitions. Undoubtedly, in all of them, she came first. I remember her saying in one of the interviews that it was never her ambition or desire to become a carnatic musician. That she did is the wonderful plan of the Almighty and indeed a gift to humanity. While at college, she won the prestigious scholarship from the government of Tamil Nadu to learn music from the great artist, Smt.M.L.Vasanthakumari. Her musical journey started then and has since never looked back. As she took wings under Smt.MLV, she slowly mastered all the subtle nuances and variations of carnatic music. She began her career singing along side her guru. Later, after the demise of the great vidushi, she took off on her own. Slowly but steadily she began to climb the rungs of the carnatic music ladder and has achieved appreciation, accolades, and immense fame. Not to say, in the least, the numerous awards coming her way.
Continuing with the concert description. Known as the most popular carnatic artist, Sudha indeed lived up to the title. She sang many popular kritis, most of them loved by the audience. This included Tyagaraja kritis in raga Sri and Lathangi. The swara alapana in Lathangi often reaching the crescendo uplifted the spirits of all those present.
During the second half of the concert, many small children eagerly passed on chits to listen to their favorite songs. Sudha did not disappoint these little ones and those gathered to listen to her. One can call this session of the concert as the audience session. For, Sudha sang many melodious songs that the audience too joined her humming now and then.
She first sang the kriti, Alaipayuthey… set to the rag Kanada. The spirit and the atmosphere too waved to the beauty of the song to match its lyrics. The staggering mind got attracted and attuned with this song that all of us got lost in the music. Next was a Ragamalika kriti. The kriti Bhavayamee…composed by the ardent devotee of Lord Rama, Saint Tyagaraja, was a wonderful combination of the ragas Saveri, Mukhari, and Natakuranji. The instrumental musicians spared no effort in making this one a grand success.
There was so much harmony in the music that the audience indeed became one with it. Despite the time getting past 9, music lovers were hooked to their seats and were engrossed in the music. Towards the end, Sudha sang two more favorite kritis. This time it was Mokshamu… set to the old rag Hindolam. It was as though Sudha wanted to remind all those present the ultimate aim of life, that of getting moksha. Singing this with full devotion to the Lord, she made us all realize that there is no other path easier than music to attain one’s goal.
It was now the time for the accompanying artists to leave their mark. Realizing this, Sudha sang Nagumomo…set to the rag Abheri. The thaneeyavartham commenced and indeed it was a perfect finish for the evening.
As the concert ended, all left with a peaceful mind and a light heart. The concert was food for the mind and soul and it also appeased the hunger of all. Seldom did anyone realize the passage of time. That is the hallmark of an artist, to make the audience get immersed in the music so that it has a long lasting effect. That surely Sudha did as the songs still ring in the ears and the tune hummed by the mind.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
That first drop…
Spring set in silently in Bangalore. The garden city wore a look of lush greenery all around. The flowers bloomed spreading fragrance in the air. New leaves sprouted giving a new skin-top to the branches. There was vibrant color everywhere. But, the mud, trees, shrubs, flowers, birds missed something. In fact, Mother Nature looked incomplete.
Then, the sky was overcast with thick black clouds. Somewhere, far away, a slash of lightning flashed the sky. Thunder struck loud and clear heralding the arrival of the first summer shower. Yes! The much awaited first drop was here! That first shower. Indeed, Mother Nature wanted that first wash….to cleanse her….to make her pure and new.
I was traveling in the cab back home from office. There was a light smell of rain floating in the air. I opened the window to experience the wetness of those first drops. Slowly but steadily, the rain came down…..wetting the earth…cleansing it in the process….making it look fresh and clean. Mother Nature was having her first shower of the season.
Oh…how beautiful nature looked! I put my head out of the window like a small child. I felt one with nature feeling the wind against my hair, the droplets moistening my cheeks gently, and the smell of rain wafting around my nose.
The drizzle slowly strengthened. The wipers came to life removing the drop-lets and making our journey hassle-free. As usual, the power went off with the arrival of the rain. We were smothered in pitch darkness.
I treaded my way carefully back home in the dark. Not possessing an umbrella this day proved worthwhile. I got drenched in the rain. Pools of water filled the road. Walking became a pleasure as I waded across small streams and jumped over stagnant and slushy pools. I enjoyed the experience thoroughly…feeling the touch of Mother Nature as she drenched me from head to toe. I felt soaked…not with wetness….but in happiness and madness over the first rain of the summer.
Nature made me a child. She made me experience the beauty of the rain. I became one with her for those few moments.
Even now…when I look back….
The music of the wind overwhelms me…
The muddy aura fills me…
The tiny drop soaks me…
The child within… awakens me…
For a beautiful tomorrow…..to admire nature….and become one with it!
Oh! How wonderful is that first shower!
Then, the sky was overcast with thick black clouds. Somewhere, far away, a slash of lightning flashed the sky. Thunder struck loud and clear heralding the arrival of the first summer shower. Yes! The much awaited first drop was here! That first shower. Indeed, Mother Nature wanted that first wash….to cleanse her….to make her pure and new.
I was traveling in the cab back home from office. There was a light smell of rain floating in the air. I opened the window to experience the wetness of those first drops. Slowly but steadily, the rain came down…..wetting the earth…cleansing it in the process….making it look fresh and clean. Mother Nature was having her first shower of the season.
Oh…how beautiful nature looked! I put my head out of the window like a small child. I felt one with nature feeling the wind against my hair, the droplets moistening my cheeks gently, and the smell of rain wafting around my nose.
The drizzle slowly strengthened. The wipers came to life removing the drop-lets and making our journey hassle-free. As usual, the power went off with the arrival of the rain. We were smothered in pitch darkness.
I treaded my way carefully back home in the dark. Not possessing an umbrella this day proved worthwhile. I got drenched in the rain. Pools of water filled the road. Walking became a pleasure as I waded across small streams and jumped over stagnant and slushy pools. I enjoyed the experience thoroughly…feeling the touch of Mother Nature as she drenched me from head to toe. I felt soaked…not with wetness….but in happiness and madness over the first rain of the summer.
Nature made me a child. She made me experience the beauty of the rain. I became one with her for those few moments.
Even now…when I look back….
The music of the wind overwhelms me…
The muddy aura fills me…
The tiny drop soaks me…
The child within… awakens me…
For a beautiful tomorrow…..to admire nature….and become one with it!
Oh! How wonderful is that first shower!
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