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NO MUSICIAN SHOULD REGRET BEING A MUSICIAN
The highlights of the inaugural function of the 47th Gokulashtami Sangeeta Utsavam of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai-17, were the presentation of the awards Sangeeta Choodamani to Vidwan P S Narayanaswamy and Acharya Choodamani to Pallavi S Venkatarama Iyer, as also the release of a brochure 'PSN' by his disciples. Sabha secretary R Yagnaraman received the first copy.
India's election commissioner T S Krishnamurthy presided over the proceedings and the function. Speaking on the occasion, Sri. Krishnamurthy said that music was a divine art that had roots in Vedic times. The word Sooktam itself originates from musical sound and connotes the harmony of mind and soul.
"I have a large collection of tapes of different types of music belonging to different times and climes and it is my well-researched analytical conclusion that Carnatic music is most superior to all others because of its sacred and divine roots. I have often sought much needed solace from music during my troubled times and have invariably recovered my mental poise and balance, quickly, through our music," Sri. Krishnamurthy asserted.
He lauded the significant services of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha in this context. Stressing the imperative need for music etiquette Sri. Krishnamurthy struck a note of caution at the plethora of performances all over the city, specially during seasonal festivals, which caused much damage to the cause of music. At the same time, encouragement to worthy artistes on a meaningful basis was the crying need of the hour as otherwise music would die. A healthy and objective balance should help restore the harmony of music to exalted levels. It is high quality music that should be promoted first and not the unchecked quantity of performances, observed Sri. Krishnamurthy.
He added, "Every musician and rasika should be like the weather. It does not pay attention to criterions. It carries on its duties. Music, like Mercy (Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice', Portia's Pointers), should benefit both the musician and the rasika, and help soothe disturbed mental harmony. If this basic objective could be realized then music will flourish greatly along desirable levels."
Sri. Krishnamurthy also advocated setting up special TV channels devoted solely to the promotion of Carnatic music. Every other music has its own channel but not Carnatic music, although a channel has been started recently for Fine arts. It was heartening to note the encouraging role played by Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, he observed.
He also regretted that while the artistes were paid very well in the North, and abroad, it was not so in the South. Musicians should get their rightful dues, respect, recognition and remuneration in proper perspectives. Sabhas have a special responsibility and duty in the respect. It was heartening that Sri Krishna Gana Sabha is setting up a role model example directionally, Sri Krishnamurthy stressed. He pointed out that the special awards presented to senior ,accomplished artistes like PSN and Pallavi Venkatarama Iyer were right steps that deserve emulation by all others. He concluded his speech by observing that no musician should regret being a musician. A movement to reach worthwhile music to every nook and corner is necessary and the concerned Government and other agencies should ensure this.
Sri. Krishnamurthy then presented the awards to the vidwans while the Secretary R Yagnaraman read out the citations. Shawls and garlands were presented to the artistes.
Eminent vidwan T K Govinda Rao, critic K S Mahadevan, flute maestro Dr. N Ramani and Mridanga vidwan Guruvayur Durai offered their heartfelt felicitations to the two distinguished awardees, who responded suitably later.
Earlier, Mangala Isai on Nagaswaram by Vidwan Mambalam M K S Palaniswamy and his party provided an auspicious start to the Gokulashtami festival. Sabha President Nalli Kuppuswamy Chetty welcomed the gathering with a short and brisk speech. Following the awards ceremony, Palladam V S Venkataramana Rao rendered a highly pleasing Harmonium concert.
The long two-month Sangeeta Utsavam at Nalli Gana Vihar, comprising performances by junior and senior vidwans, promises to be a sumptuous feast for the discriminating rasikas.
R Srinivasan
Posted on August 20, 2002
