Wednesday, July 15, 2015

The Author

Kurai ondrum illai Marai Murti Kannā
Kurai ondrum illai, Kannā,
Kurai ondrum illai, Govindā!
Kannukkut teriyāmal nirkindrāi, Kannā
Kannukkut teriyāmal nindrālum enakku
Kurai ondrum Illai”

‘Śrēyo bhūyāt sakala janānām’

Sri Rāmajeyam

Japen nāma threyēn nithyam

Mahā rogha nivāranam

Achyuthā Ananthā Govindā
Nāma uchchārana bheshajāth
Nachyanthi sakalaa roghaha
Sathyam Sathyam vathāmyaham


Name ‘Garland’ N. Rajagopalan, IAS Rtd.

Place of birth Aduthurai in Thanjavur Dt. [close to   Govindapuram of Sri Bodhendra
Saraswati Swamigal, Brindavan]

Native place Mandhai in Mayiladuthurai [now Kuttalan] taluk

Service Retired from Indian Administrative Service

TRAINING IN MUSIC under Sangita Kalanidhi Papanasam Sivan Salem Subbarama Bhagavatar & Trichy Sundarrajan.

HISTRIONICS 
a. Got the only medal in School drama donning the role of heroine at the age of eleven.
b. Acted taking a supportive role at the age of 13 at Waltax Theatre, Chennai with top professionals like P. S. Velu Nair, P.S. Velammal & Nott Annaji Rao.
c. Had taken the lead role of heroine in drama Samsāra Bandham [Kannada Samsāra Nauka} and as
d. Hero in dramas like Saroja at venues like Museum Theatre & V.P Hall, Chennai &
Vani Vilas Sabha, Kumbakonam

Books authored & published:
 
1. A Garland-   @@@  1990 Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
2. Another Garland  1992 Carnatic Classicals
3. Yet Another Garland  1994 Do.
4. Fragrant Garland         [bbb]  2000 Do.
5. Melodic Garland  1996 Do
6. Holistic Garland  2002 Do.
7. Twin Garlands  2005 Do
8. The Eloquent Garland @@@  2008 Do.
9. A Garland of Glimpses and Gleanings  2010 Do.

10. A Garland for Sri Maha Swami – Saint & Sangita:
Publication @ Distribution of this work taken over by the prestigious SMSPSM Trust, C/o Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts and Sangeetha Sabha, Mumbai.

@@@’A Garland’ got exhausted long back..  It is incorporated fully now in
                                      “The Eloquent Garland” - No 8.
 [bbb] The stock got exhausted. A second edition has been presented with additions .- No. 4

This nonprofit, dedicatory, practically unaided, ‘series’ is the first [and presumably the last!] and the foremost pioneering presentation on the lives of over 1500 musicians, musicologists, composers, dancers, etc., which is being availed of readily since 1990 by institutions, researchers, students, journalists, artistes, media, etc.  Additional menu like articles on vital topics, facts and figures on juicy items add to their scholastic weight//value embellishing the immense utility of the books. Described by eminent authorities as ‘a thesaurus’, ‘a treasure trove of vital information’, etc.  On this series, I have spent over one & a half decades of undivided attention as my homage - as my humble tribute to our magnificent arts and the matchless culture of Bharat that are anādhi.

Brochures authored, published & freely distributed:
1.   A Garland for Sri Paramāchārya [Mahā Swāmi]
2.  A Garland for Music Academy, Chennai
3.  Rameswaram – A Symbol of National Integration
4. That Daddy is Good [on Perils of Donor Insemination]

220 articles published in Bhavan’s Journal, Kalyana Kalpataru & others.
#####

Papers / Articles published:

Title of the article Year / Volume / Issue in which published.

A. In “Kalyana Kalpataru’, Gorakhpur: [UP}

1.   Nāma Sankirtana 1995 / 11 / 8
2.   Nāma Sankirtana ………….. 1995 / 11 /10
3..   Nāma Sankirtana 1995 / 11 / 12
4.   Bharatiya Women and Arts 1995 / 41 / 12
5.  Aanaaya Nayanar – Flautist Apostle 1996 / 41 / 6
6.  A Vulgar Menace to Indian Society 1996 / 42 / 3
7. .Sri Narayana Tirtha Swamigal & Sri Krishna Leela Tarangini 1997 / 43 / 3
8.  Nagarathinammal [The Modern Mira} 1998 / 43 / 11                                  
9.  Gandhiji’s Passionate Faith in Rama Nama 1999  /  44  / 4
10.  Sri Sundaramurti Nayanar 1999 / 44 / 8
11. Installation of Rameswara by Sri Rama   1999 / 44 / 11
12. Efficacy of Rama Nama 1999 / 45 / 3
13. Pilgrimage 2000 / 45 / 5
14. Thirunilakanta Yazhpana Nayanar, Divine Instrumentalist 2000 / 45 / 10
15. Musical Exposition of Sri Manickavachakar, Apostle of Lord Siva 2001 / 46 / 9
16. The Queen of Chastity 2002 /  47 / 4
17. Contribution of Freedom Movement in India 2002 / 48 / 1
18. The Spiritual Galaxy of Karnataka 2003 / 48 / 5
19. Religion weds music & other arts 2003 / 48 / 9
20. Hindu Pantheon and Arts 2003 / 49 / 1
21. Sthala Purāna 2003 / 49 / 3
22. The Great Patriot’s Farewell 2004 / 49 / 5
23. Sri Narayana Tirtha Swamigal 2004 / 49 / 8
24. Sri Sadasiva Brhman . 2004 / 50 / 3
25. Was Apostle Nandanar reborn as Bharati 2005 / 50 / 11
26. Abhirami Bhattar 2005 / 51 / 2
27. Valour vs. Tactics 2006 / 51 / 12
28. Sri Rama, a Prince of Humour 2006 / 52 / 1
29. The Divine Supreme in Human Garb 2006 / 52 / 2
30. Nāma-Jepa integrates Hearts 2007 / 52 / 5
31. Fulfillment of Holy Wishes [Synchronization] 2007 / 52 / 6
32. Vision of India 2007 / 52 / 10
33. Accept Law of Nature and be Happy 2007 / 53 / 2
34. Knowledge vs. Wisdom – Quest for Jñāna 2008 / 53 / 7
35. Love 2008 / 53 / 12
36. Lakshmana, the Duty-Conscious Prince 2008 / 54 / 2
37. Morality – The basic Passion of Bharat 2009 / 55 / 1
38. A Tribute to Bharatiya Women 2010 / 55 / 11
39. Life after Death 2010 / 56 / 01
40. Mother, Thou art non pareil 2011 / 56 / 05
41. Yama, the Dharma Raja 2011 / 56 / 06
42, Mother!  Thou art non pareil!. 2012 / 57 / 12
43. Life after death 2012 / 56 / 01
44. Absolute Surrender – Own Reward 2013 / 58 / 07


B. In “Bhavan’s Journal”, Mumbai:

1.   Bhava-Rasa in Sahitya & Sangita 2003 / 49 / 14
2.    Patriotic Songs 2003 / 50 / 2
3.    The Effulgent Heritage 2004 / 50 / 22
4.    Eternal Relevance of Bharati 2004 / 51 / 3
5.    UNESCO recognizes Vedic chanting 2004 / 51 / 8
6.    Long live Bharat Ratnas 2005 / 51 / 13
7     Yatha Raja Thatha Praja 2005 / 51 / 19
8.    Many Faces of Secularism 2005 / 52 / 3
9.    The Uthukadu Dream 2005 / 52 / 5
10. Sacrifices 2006 / 52 / 14
11. Gandhiji’s Other Mother 2006 / 52 / 20
12. Innocence has two faces 2006 / 53 / 5
13. Ethereal Admiration 2006 / 53 / 10
14. Sacrifice and Surrender 2007 / 53 / 11
15. The Flute 2007 / 53 / 12
16. Immortal Hampi  that was Vijayanagar 2007 / 53 / 15
17. He lent Bharat its Effulgent Image 2007 / 53 / 18
18. Unity amidst Riotous Variety 2007 / 53 / 19
19. He lent Bharat its effulgent Image 2007 / 53 / 18
20. Unity amidst Riotous Variety 2007 / 53 / 19
21. Kausalya 2007 / 54 / 5
22. The   Intellectual Youth of the World 2007 / 54 / 9
23. Mother I salute Thee! 2008 / 54 / 17
24. Silent Tears & Dynamism in Indian Womanhood 2008 / 54 / 19
25. Rasa Lila –Dance of Divine Love – Inexcusable Twist 2008 / 54 / 20
26.  May the creamy layer extend its help! 2008 / 54 / 23
27.  Cosmic Dancer, Nataraja 2008 / 54 / 24
28.   ‘Love’ 2008 / 55 / 3
29.  ‘Hold  the Scales even!’ 2008 / 55 / 7
30.   Pious Wish of a Divine Soul frustrated! 2009 / 56 / 10
31.  A Saint-Composer par excellence 2010 / 56 / 15
32. Kanchi Paramacharya – Prime Crusader-Saint of 20th Century 2010 / 56 / 16
33.  Epic shows the way – Nepal Court judgment Drowpathy’s address 2011 / 57 / 11
34.  Narayana Tirtha: Divine Blend of Music and Bhakthi 2011 / 57 / 12
35. Radha’s love was without base urges 2011 / 57 / 14
36.  The Might of Chastity 2011 / 57 / 17
37. Virtuous Queens extol Virtuosity 2011 / 57 / 18
38.  Sarvam Brasht Mayam 2011 / 57 / 21
39. Temple Jewels Secreted for Safety 2011 /58 /  06
40.  Tamil and Tambul – Affinity  with  Papua  New Guinea 2012 / 58 / 14
41.  Mother!  Thou art nonpareil 2012 / 58 / 18
42.  The Queen of Chastity and Justice 2012 / 58 / 23
43.  A Sacrifice to remember [letter] 2012 / 58 / 23
44.  Elephants in my Life [Rameswaram, etc.] 2012 / 59 / 04
45.  Resourceful Administration – Ramayana provides  the modus operandi 2012 / 59 / 09
46.  Much  to be proud of 2012 / 59 / 09
47. Siksha for a blessed life 2012 / 58 / 01

C. In ‘Shanmukha’,  Mumbai:

1.   A Garlaand 1990 / 16 / 1
2.   Father of Tamil Music Renaissance I 1990 / 16 / 2
3.   Father of Tamil Music Renaissance II       1990 / 16 / 3
4.   An Epitaph to gurukulavāsa 1991 / 17 /  25.
5.   Needamangalam Krishnamurthy Bhagavatar 1991 / 17 /  3
6.  The Inimitable Bharatis 1992 / 18 /  4
7.   Let us skip Tiruvaiyaru! – A Farce 1993 / 19 / 3
8.   The Voice of Divinity 1994 / 20 / 2
9.   Tyagaraja Aradhana & Kunnakudy 1994 / 20 / 3
10. Saptaswara or Ashtaswara                   1995 / 21 / 2
11. From the leaves of Another Garland 1995 / 21 / 2
12. Meteoric Rise & Frustrated Wishes 1995 / 21 / 3
13. Pallavi – Its Rationale Do.
14. A Musical Crusader    1995 / 21 / 4
15. Alathur Venkatesa Ayyar  1996 / 22 / 1
16. Pre eminence of the Cultural Heritage of Chola  Desa 1996 / 22 / 3
17. Vallalar Ramalinga Swamigal  1997 / 23 / 2
18. Musical Saint finds his Menaka! 1997 / 23 / 3
19. National Consciousness- Were the Trinity and others conscious of it? 1998 / 24 / 3
20. Anaya Nayanar – Flautist Apostle 1998 / 24 / 3
21. Women in Sri Tyagaraja’s Compositions 1998 / 24 / 4
22. Yehudi Menuhin, the Phenomenon 1999 / 25 / 2
23. Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati 2000 / 26 / 1
24.Abraham Pandithar 2000 / 21 / 4
25. Musical God   2001 / 27 / 1
26. Saptapadi – Appln to the Confluence of Sangita & Laya 2001 / 27 / 1
27. Manoharma, Eternal Fountain of Inspiration 2001 / 27 / 2
28.  Music Therapy – Applied Music 2001 /  27 /  3
29. Sangita Yātra –Reflections 2001 / 17 /   4
30. Manikkavachakar, Saivite Apostle 2002 / 28 / 1
31. Inter se Battle between Sahitya & Laya   2002 / 28 / 2
32. Music Therapy – Historic 2-day Symposium 2002 / 28 / 3 & 4
33. Kings  Torchbearers of Culture 2004/ 29  / 1
34.  Bharatanatyam 2004 / 30  /  1
35.  Chowdiah, the Magnificent 2004 / 30  /  3
36  Young Geniuses 2004 / 30 / 4
37. Long Live the Queen 2005 / 31 / 2
38. Is Manodharma tyrannical 2004 / 31 / 2
39. Ariyakudi 2005 / 31 / 3
40. When Laya is disrupted, Pralaya takes over 2005 / 31  /  4
41. Eloquent Devotion 2006 / 32 / 1
42. Bhava and Gamakas 2006 / 32 / 2
43. Solicitude 2006 / 32 / 3
44. T.S.Parthasarathy – Musicologist par excellence 2006 / 32 / 4
45. Homage to S. Seshadri of Sri S. F A  &  S  Sabha, Mumbai 2007/ 33 / 1 & 2
46. Venkatamakhin, Father of Melakarta Scheme 2007 / 33 / 3
47. Indian Music - The Royal Path  to Liberation 2008 / 34 / 2
48. ‘Kings, Torchbearers of Culture’ in ‘Shanmukha Golden Jubilee Souvenir’
49. Semmangudi, A Composite Musical Gift 2008 / 34 / 3
50. Dikshitar, the Patriot Supreme! 2010 / 36 / 3
 
D. In Gunagrahi [Bangalore]:

1.   Music Therapy                                  2002 / 5 / 3
2.   Sangita Nidhi and Siksha – Pt I 2003 / 5 / 8
3.   Do.             Pt. II 2003 / 5 / 9
4.   Do.             Pt. III 2003 / 5 / 10
5.  Do.             Pt. IV   2003 / 5 / 11
6.  Music Trinity and Patriotism 2004 / 7 / 3
7   Conception and content of Bhajan 2005 / 7 / 7
8.  Long live  the Nightingale 2005 / 7 / 8
9.  Is Manodharma Tyrannical? 2005 / 7 12
10.  Nama Sankirtana & Bhajan 2005 / 8 / 1
11. Musical instruments 2005 / 8 / 2
12. Guardian Deities of Song & Dance 2005 / 8 / 4
13. God is Nādha 2005 / 8 / 5
14. Dance Sculptures 2005 / 8 / 6
15. How Sages viewed Classical Music 2005 / 8 / 7
16. Sruti , the Sound of Silence! 2005 / 8 / 8
17. Glory of Indian [Carnatic] Music 2006 / 8 / 10
18. Turn to Music Therapy - - Sweet Remedy for Afflicted 2006 / 8 / 11
19. Guardian Deities of Song and Dance 2006 / 9 / 20


E. In Sangeetham [CMANA, USA}

1. Nandanār Charitra of Gopala  Krishna Bharati 1993 / 11 / 1
2. Let’s skip Tiruvaiyaru 1994 / 12 / 1
3. S.Rajam, a Marvel 1995 / 13 / 2
4. How & Why Carnatic Music 1997 / 14 / 1
[And others.]


F. In Nadha Brhmam [Chennai]

1. The Voice of Divinity 2002 / 1 / 1
2. The Voice of Divinity 2002 / 1 / 2
3. River Belts & Arts 2002 / 1 / 6
4. Garland of Achievements = Interview 2004 / 3 / 6
5 to 10. Sri Tyagaraja, Fragrant Gold of Carnatic Music 2005 / 3 / 7-12
11 Sri Tyagaraja Ashtotara Sata Nāmāvali 2005 / 4  / 1
12. Interesting Notes & Incidents 2005 / 4 / 2


G. In Layam [Chennai]:

1. Mystery behind  the Epic Success of Syama Sastri 1995 / II / 8
2. Music Therapy – Applied Music 2001 / 7 / 41
3. Invisible Path to Immortality 2001 / 8 / 43
4. Patronage. 2006 / 12 / 64


H. In ‘Make History’, Chennai

1. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavatar 1991 / 3 / 4
2. A Great Musician – Maha Vaidyanatha Ayyar   1991 / 4 / 1
3. Jealousy – The Arch Destroyer 1993 / 5 / 4

I. In Nandini, [Chennai]

1. Sarabha Sastri, Blind Flute Prodigy 1998 / 2 / 12
2. Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu, Vviolin Prodigy 1998 / 3 / 1
3. Kanchi Mutt  humiliated 2005 / 10 / 3
4.  Govinda Dikshitar, Scholar,Administrator, Saintly  soul 2012 / XVIII / 8
[And others.]

J.   In Padham Health News:[Chennai]

1    .Music Therapy for Good Health August.1, 2005
2.    Music for Mental Harmony Septr   15, 2005
3.     Tooth to recover Lost Vision! January 1, 2007

K.    Pranavam: [AP]

01. Classical Carnatic Music on Telugu Soil  in Pranavam 2010 / 1 / 4 & 5
02.  Music, Fond Food of Life forTeligus in Pranavam 2011 / 2 / 1

L. Dilip: {Mumbai]

1.   The Musical Saint we were blessed to worship in DILIP -    XXXV111 -2 [04 06 2012]
2.   The Jewel that is Bharatiya Woman XXXVIII – 3 [07 -09  2012]
3.    Govinda Dikshitar [Prolific Mahratha Chief Minister] XXXVIII / 4 [Oct-Dec 2012]
4.    Faate! You are Cruelty incarnate! XXXIX – 2 - 51 -  I Q 2013
5.  H.H. Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswati Swamigal                         XXXX  –  1: 8-9 - 2014

M.     In Other magazines, etc.:

1.  ‘DKP 75-80’ – Jeevema Sharadah Shatam [A special brochure on the Sangita Kalanidhi]
2.   The Dazzling Panorama of Chola Desa Vaggeyakaras – Sundararaja Trust Souvenir
3.   Nandan Charitram of Gioala Krishna Bharati – Isai Vizha Malar, Anandatandavapuram 1990
3.    Narada Gana Sabha Souvenir, 1998 - 1999 – Articles.
4.   “Sivatatthuvam” Vyagrapuri – Puliyur Maha IRudra Yajna Souvenir 1997
5.  Music Therapy for Wealth of Helath in ‘Awareness’ of Indian Bank Office rs’ Club II-5.
6.   Manodharma, Soul of Indian Music 1999 / 4 / 4
7.  Articles in Madras Musings, Dinamani, [Chennai],  Thala Vadya, Bangalore  etc.
8.  The Campaign against Corruption in Mullai 5/2001
10. Phoenix – Soul of Indian Music
11. Gopala Krishna Bharati Isai Vizha Souvenir – Nandan Caritram
12. Music Therapy- Wealth of Health  – ‘Awareness’ magazine of Indian Bank Officers’ Club.
13. ‘Sri Nataraja’ in Puliyur Festival magazines
14. Mangala Isaiyum Vazhuvuraarum - in Apoorva Ragam   2010 / 8 / 5
15. Aruna Sayiram’s unique presentation ‘Mzdu meikkum Kanne,  – Samudra – 116/2012
16.  Maths Genius Ramanujan in Thambras         Octr. 2012

***$$$***


Presented Key Note addresses on
  1. ‘Sangita Siksha  -  at the Annual Symposium, 2001 and on
  2. ‘Sangita Cikitsa’ – ‘Music Therapy’  for the Annual Symposium,                                                            2002 at Sri Shanmukhananda Fine Arts & Sangita Sabha,Mumbai
Recognition / Honours:    
  1. Karnataka Gana Kala Parishat, Bangalore
  2. Madras Telugu Academy Puraskar Carnatica Musicals
  3. Senior Fellowship from Government of India
  4. Hony  Patron, CMA North America
  5. Sri Mahaswami Peetarohana Shatabdi Mahotsava Trust,Mumbai.Honours.
  6. Jñāna Saraswathi Puraskar  by Suswara, Chennai
  7. Artist of the Year’ by Bangalore Gayana Samaja.
Interviewed by  
  1. The Hindu 
  2. The Week
  3. News Today 
  4. Dinamani Kadir 
  5. Layam Doordarshan
  6. Jaya T.V
  7. Podhigai T.V.
Note: Eyes donated to the Eye Bank, Sankara Nethralaya on demise.
           Presented mini concerts at Sri Dikshitar Vizha, Ettayapuram & at Rishikesh.
           Had done kaingkaryam - dedicatory service - at Sri Kanchi Sankara Matam
           On the eve of Deepavali annually I send small sums to lepers – 830 nos. in 2011                                                  & 735 nos in 2012.

*******
Specimen flashes in a Humble, Inconsequential Life:

[1] ‘People pay to worship God.  But I was ‘paid’ by Him to worship Him!’ [Sorry for the embellished statement.] As His First Servant in Sri Ramanathaswami Devasthanam, Rameswaram during 1965-67 I had the privilege to serve Him most satisfactorily in productive, memorable fields. To mention just a minor one, the Lord held a huge quantity of paddy along the temple corridors by taking to swayam krishi [pannai] cultivation on over 20 acres of its lands for the first time in the annals of Administration, when the entire State faced continuous drought and utter lack of grains. ** And its large groves were all taken over and directly developed to the accolade of all with good intentions. Multi-sided improvements were effected in other spheres too like Sanskrit studies after school hours with monthly stipends to students deposited in Post Office to be withdrawn for further studies or marriage.  .  It was the happiest part of my life having got the unexpected posting as ‘His First Servant!’      
                   [ ** The continuous drought during 1962-67 led to a change in government.]


[2] As Secretary [Prohibition & Excise], Board of Revenue, illicit dealings in alcohol were ruthlessly put down, in a measure that remains without a parallel, at grave risk.  Licenses of high-ups – aggregating to about 70% of the total quantity and that of a distillery were cancelled after due inspection and procedure.  Only the upper strata were put down leaving the petty dealers to dry up since once the reservoir dries up, waters in channels in the belt below shall, has to, automatically vanish.  The validity of the acts was reflected in the absence of even a single appeal.
This was to serve primarily, to quote our Father of the Nation, ‘Daridra Narayanas’ – the poor victims whose pathetic addiction at the cost of their own lives and health swells up the coffers of rich distillers.  Integrity was my chosen aggressive path through out.  The conditions that prevail now are an open page.

[3] I lead a humble life, as it were “far from the madding crowd’s noble / ignoble life”, stuck to absolute integrity and dedicated efficiency in service and care of the downtrodden to the best of my ability in my restricted field.  As District Collector, I gave a fillip to all development-oriented activities to improve the lives of the downtrodden.  To this day, I follow the dictum of our ancients to avail of the lifetime for dedicated service in the spirit of ‘Mei varuttham pārār, paśi nokkār, kann thunjār, karumamē kannāyinār – ignoring pangs of fatigue, hunger and sleep in canalizing time and attention entirely to productive work alone’.  Thankfully, I had the blessings of good officers occasionally pickled with those of the contrary fold.

[4] The ‘Garland’ series of books on culture, arts, music and lives of artists were brought out as a dedication to our ancient civilization and immortal, inspiring culture sans commercial intent since many a musical life of veterans run into undeserved oblivion. Over 1500 artists now live on the accredited, immortal pages of the Garlands.   These pioneering standard books contain information collected at first hand from artistes, libraries and enquiries at different centers in a selfless mission.  They have been lauded as ’Treasure houses’ of vital information, ‘Thesaurus’, etc. to the delight of researchers, students, teachers, music-lovers, artistes and the public.

[5] I have foremost admiration for National Poet Mahakavi Subrahmanya Bharati for his eloquent views expressed in his alluring songs of unexcelled splendor and grace.  In Kāni nilam vēndum’, having obtained his boons from Devi Parasakthi, he surrenders them all to Her to sustain the universe – Vaiyagatthai pālittida vēndum – retaining nothing to himself!  He has been my guiding star in my petty worldly life recollecting Patriot-Parliamentarian Satyamurti’s tributes to him on the floor of the Assembly. H.H. Sri Paramāchārya of Kanchi has been my guiding saint and sage.  The manuscripts of my first book were taken by him to his noble lap and blessed by Sri Paramāchārya with flowers.  The first book was released by Sri Sankaracharya and received by the eminent Sri Haridhos Giri Swamigal. Sri T.T.Vasu, President, Music Academy, Sri G. Gopalaswamy, former Chief Election Commissioner of India and other dignitaries released other volumes.
  *******
[A Lesson from Natya Sastra]

‘Dharmyam, yeśasyam, āyushyam,
Hitham, buddhi vivardhanam,
Lokopadēśa jananam,
Nātyamētat bhavishyati!
Natat jñānam, natat śilpam
Nasāvidyā nasā kalā
Nāsou yogoh natat karma
Nātyēsmin yenna drishyatē
Nātyākyam panchamam vēdam
Se itihāsam karomyaham’

‘This verse from Nātya Sāstra states that ‘the purpose and boons of dance are that it endows one with virtues [dharma], fame, life, good things of life, intellectual excellence and capability to tender good advice to others.  There are few other avenues to bless one with like supreme knowledge, sculpturesque representation, way of education, etc.

- Prof. Sudharani Raghupathy in Lagu Bharatam.

“In my childhood, Lord Krishna enchanted me the most for, in spite of His godliness, He was a child who played the most mischievous pranks.  I played with Him when alone and talked to Him.  It was Krishna whose name was constantly on my lips and it has been Krishna who has guided me through the years.  I believe in prayer and it has always been Krishna to whom I appealed.’

- Eminent Classical Dancer Mrinalini Vikram Sarabhai

******
“A song a day may keep the doctor away!”
‘Rogattai rāgattāl vendriduvēn’
“Rāga sudhā rasa  pānamu ēesi”

“Sarvē jana sukhino bhavantu”
“Ellorum inbuttriruppadē allāl vērondrum ariyēn Parāparame!”
“Sathyam, Śivam, Śāntam, Kalyānam & Mañgalam”

Nāma uchchārana bheshāth
Nachyanthi sakala roghaha
Sathyam Sathyam vathāmyaham

*******  


Kākkai kuruvi engal jāthi
Kadalum, malaiyum engal koottam!!” = Bharathi

What an Everestian splendor of thought!!!  Namaskārs to the splendorous Soul of Maha Kavi Bharathi.  That is the worthy conviction of virtuous sons of this holy soil!  Can patriotic feelings ever soar higher?

Let us refresh our sane minds recalling the significant, charming fact that this remarkable, noble, gracious urge was planted in virtuous Bharatiya hearts initially by Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself at the battlefield of Kurukshetra thus:
Vidyāvinayasampanne brāhmane gavi hastini
Śuni caiva śvapāke ca panditāh samadarśinah
[The wise look at all with equanimity weather it be
a brāhmana endowed with scholarship and humility,
a cow, an elephant, a dog or a casteless.]
=  Bhagawad Gita - Chap V-18.

******* 

No comments:

Post a Comment