By G.M. Anusha

Indian Classical Instrumental Music” apart from for its profound musical appeal has no language of its own and no lyrical or poetic peripheral. Such is its comprehensive effect and soothing melodic magnetism that even those who have had no initiation in Indian Classical Instrumental Music are drawn to it and charmed by it. The reason is quite simple.

The quality of note production and use of graces have a deep sense of aesthetic fulfilment giving great peace to human mind. In this distressed world of today we have to make a relentless search of all possible methods which may help to promote greater understanding and exchange of arts and ideas and Indian Classical Instrumental Music certainly has a very significant contribution to make for this noble work. Thus ‘Pranavanada Kala Samashti’ originated with an intention to uphold and nurture Indian Classical Instrumental Music.

With the immense blessings, virtuous guidance and zealous support of K. Sandesh Bhargav, Managing Trustee of Kala Sandesha Prathishtana and the President of Pranava Nada Kala Samashti,  M.T. Anaga, being the Managing Trustee, has taken the responsibility of leading the organisation. Though being a software engineer at IBM- Hyderabad, she has a greater interest towards the appreciation of Indian Classical Instrumental Music and thus, stepped towards forming Pranavanada Kala Samashti. Her greater dedication, perseverance and simplicity marks success in her efforts. Her highly motivated deeds and accurate decisions seem to be the strength of the organisation. Radhika S. Bhargav is another prominent supporter associated with the organisation as the Vice-President. Aruna, R. Chaitra and S. Lavanya are the other Trustees of Pranava Nada Kala Samashti working as a team for the accomplishment of the organisation’s aim.

This team, in collaboration with Kala Sandesha Prathishtana, had organised a two-day Indian Classical Instrumental Music Festival ‘Nadayana-2017’ on Apr. 8 and 9 at Ganabharathi, Veene Seshanna Bhavan, Mysuru.

Day-1: The festival was inaugurated by the renowned Musician and Guru of Mysuru, Sunitha Chandrakumar. Famous Bansuri artiste of Mysuru Sameer Rao was the chief guest. T.R. Harish, Managing Trustee of VPAC, presided over the occasion and commended the team work of the organisations. Sunitha Chandrakumar expressed that the efforts of Pranavanada Kala Samashti and Kala Sandesha Prathishtana in promoting Indian Classical Instrumental Music is to be applauded. Sameer Rao  said that he was impressed by Pranavanada Kala Samashti for the reason of organising an event purely for a gallant cause without any expectation in return.

After the inauguration of the festival, on the first day, renowned Bansuri artiste of Mysuru Sameer Rao thrilled the audience with his mesmerizing performance.

The typical Hindustani Bansuri concert started with Yaman Aalap Jod Jaala set to Matt taal which is 9 beats cycle. Later was a raag jog composition which was set to teen taal madhy laya and dhruth. The performance was set to an end with a masterpiece Bengali Keerthan folk tune in Dadra. Sameer Rao played tremendously and moved the audience to the ocean of melody and serenity. He was pleasantly supported by Adarsh Shenoy in Tabla.

Day-2: On the second day of the festival, Dr. K.T. Udayakiran, famous violinist of Mysuru, performed amazingly and gratified the audience.

The concert started with a traditional varna Sarasuda which was set to Saveri raga and Adi tala as composed by Kottavasal Venkatarama Iyer. It seemed to be a good take over for the performance. Later series of Krutis like N.S. Ramachandran’s Sri Mahaganapathe in Abhogi and Khandachaapu, Mutthuswami Deekshitar’s Akhilandeshwari in dwijawanthi raga Adi tala, Tyagaraja’s Sharashara Samareka Shoora in Kunthalavarali raga and Adi tala, Tyagaraja’s Durmargachara in Ranjani raga and roopakatala exhibited the flair of Dr. K.T. Udayakiran in playing the strings of violin. The prominent piece was Raaga Taana Pallavi set to Mohana Raaga and Aadi taala which was composed for Nadayana-2017. It was a nice experiment made which prospered in amusing the audience. The next piece of the programme was Ashtapadi Nijaga Dasa set to Sindhubhairavi Raaga and Aaditaala. The festival got a lively end with the popular Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma devaranama in Madhyamavathi and Aditala and traditional Mangalam. Vid.  Saishiv Lakshmi Keshav on mridanga and Vid. Ramabhatta on khanjira gave a fine support in their roles.

On the whole, all the artistes on both the days enthralled the audience with their magical performances and Nadayana-2017 was a grand success contributing to both Karanataka and Hindustani Instrumental Music’s progress and promotion.

Pranavanada Kala Samashti has achieved a greater success in its very first milestone and has created a promising trail for the elevation of Indian Classical Instrumental Music.