Mysuru: Maintaining that music has the capacity to address any social issues, Karnataka Sangeetha Nritya Academy Chairman Vid. Anoor Ananthakrishna Sharma said that the importance of music can be more underlined by the fact that several doctors are recommending music therapy for relieving stress.

He was speaking at the valedictory of the five-day ‘Sangeethotsava-2021’ — Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Mahaswamiji Memorial Music Festival — organised by JSS Sangeetha Sabha Trust in association with the Kannada and Culture Department, at Navajyoti auditorium of JSS Women’s College in Saraswathipuram here on Monday.

Noting that people used to learn or hear music in their spare time and it has been the practice for ages, Vid. Ananthakrishna Sharma said that the importance of music has been more understood after the outbreak of the deadly COVID pandemic.

Bemoaning that cash-rich temples did not come to the help of Nadaswara artistes during COVID crisis, he said that, however, it is gratifying to note that more and more people are coming to music programmes post the pandemic.

Pointing out that musicians and artistes must learn to live amidst Corona in the future, he said that this was nothing different as almost all other sectors are coming to terms with the deadly pandemic.

Stressing on the need for safety and precautionary measures at events, he suggested organisation of musical programmes in accordance with COVID guidelines.

PDG Rtn. M. Lakshminarayan of Jayachamarajendra Art Gallery, in his address, said that music has the capacity to broaden the minds of people and the society.

Stating that Dr. Sri Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji was instrumental in the setting of many educational institutions, he said that the late Seer also promoted music by setting up JSS Sangeetha Sabha.

JSS Sangeetha Sabha Vice-President Mysore Nagaraj, Secretary Dr. Mysore Manjunath, Trustee Prof. K. Ramamurthy Rao and others were present.

Vid. V. Vamshidhar presented a flute concert on the occasion. He was accompanied by Vid. Mattur Srinidhi – violin, Vid. Ananthakrishna Sharma – mridanga and Vid. G.S. Ramanujam – ghata.