MUSIC

Traditionally, the Hindu children of this Island were taught Carnatic classical music. It was originated in the ‘Samveda’ which was derived from ‘Rigveda’. It is significant to study and practice the basic notes - ‘Sa’, ‘Ri’, ‘Ga’, ‘Ma’, ’Pa’, ‘Dha’, ‘Ni’ and ‘Sa’ corresponds to the English notes - ‘Do’,  ‘Re’, ‘Mi’, ‘Fa’, ‘Sol’, ‘La’, ‘Ti’ and  ‘Do’. Thereafter the students paying attention were taught the ‘Varnam’ (Praise; a musical mode) and ‘Kirtanam’ (Announcing; praising various deities.) Purandhara Dasa is the father of Carnatic music. Later, Thyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshithar and Shyama Sastri were the known exponents as the trinity of Carnatic music.

“Kumbalam Baburaj” (Stephen Pidiyanchery) is one of the veteran musicians in Carnatic music. He is an expert in harmonium and violin. He had no rivals in this area. His stage performances were amazing.  He has a lot of students, and like every teacher, he enjoys imparting knowledge to them.

I wonder why such noted dancer and musician were not recognized by the government or the local administration. The artist Madhava Menon is no more. Kumbalam Baburaj belongs to the old school.  He believes that the ultimate aim in life is not to gain recognition but to offer selfless service.

I am afraid of the vicissitudes; recognition of the meritorious is sidetracked.  Power, positions and awards, instead, are handed over to the so called disadvantaged in the society who are totally incompetent in the fields of responsibility thrust on them.  

Excerpts from

MEMOIRS

An autobiography

by

Joseph J. Thayamkeril

Lawyer, Kochi, Kerala, India.

josephjthayamkeril.blogspot.com