Autobiography of an unknown Rasika.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Autobiography of an unknown Rasika.

Dear Forum members, Chapter 01. Dated 07.04.2009.

As I have mentioned in my Topic "Reminiscences of Sri S.NAGESWARAN"

[cmlover]

Shoot

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Autography of an unknown Rasika. Chapter 2----Dated--08.04.2009

My parents were the devotees of Sri Krupananda Varriar. They used to attend his Kathakalapshapams usually held in various temples and Sabhas in Chennai during 1960-1970 periods. I was studying in college then.

Every time when they go for the Varriar’s discourses, they used to request me to attend to the discourses and I used to say that I don’t have time and I have to study.
Once Sri Varriar has completed the discourses at Vannia Thenampet temple. He was to start discourse about Mahabharatham in Vani Mahal from the next day. Again my parents asked me to attend the Variar’s discourse at least the next day when he is going to start the discourse on Mahabharatham. Finally I have told my parents that I will attend the discourse only for one day.

We were living in T.Nagar then. All the three of us went to the discourse.

Sri Varriar after completing the Dyana slokams and looked up the audience assembled there. He told that he was able to recognize most of the people who were there were his devotees. He again told that some new people in the audience are there and that these people might have come to listen to the Mahabharatham Katha only.
Sri Varriar told that I find some more people who would have come to pass time. Yet another group of people who don’t have any belief in the puranic stories but attending the discourse to collect the information’s and use it for decrying about the blind faiths of the people in their meetings.

Completing the above words, he informed the audience that even if you don’t believe these things you may kindly listen to me at least once for the following reasons.

There are more than 25,000 names involved in this story. Also there are umpteen No. of Sub stories (Upakathas) inter linked with the main story at different places of the main story. I will be happy if you are able to see that I am able to tell all the 25,000 names correctly at correct places while I am telling the story. Again you can check up that the sub stories are correctly interlinked with the main story by me without any mix up. After summing up thus, he started the main story of Mahabharatha.

The reasons for giving this prelude story is that while I am thinking of putting down my autobiography In black and white in a proper sequence,( there is a rush in my mind trying to push all the incidences in my life in one go).

Here I have to control my mind and canalize my thoughts in proper order so that the Rasikas will not have any confusion in following the story in proper sequence.

Usually after completing the discourse for the day, the devotees go up to the dais and get Vibhuthi prasadam from Sri Varriar.Like wise my parents went up the dais along with me to get the Vibhudi prasadam.

When I put up my hands to receive the prasadam, Sri Varriar looked up to see me. At that moment I don’t know what was happening to me while I was receiving the prasadam. I just spoke to Sri Varriar to give me permission to record his discourse from the next day onwards. Sri Varriar looking up to me and with his inimitable smile gave me permission to do the recording. I had the presence of mind to inform Sri Varriar that permission is also required from the Sabha secretary for recording, Varriar called up the secretary and told him to allow me to record the programme from the next day.

From the next day onwards I used to go to Vani Mahal in cycle rickshaw carrying the spool tape recorder, mike and external cable etc and reach 30 minutes in advance at the Vani Mahal to set up and be ready to record with out any delay. I used to sit up in the Orchestra pit(closest place to the dais) so that I can see Sri Varriar from very close quarters. Similarly Sri Varriar will also see me and check up to know that I am ready for the recording by signs. Then only Sri Varriar will start the discourse. In between the discourse he will mention to the audience that discourse is being recorded.

For a college student like me who was reluctant even to attend the discourses of Sri Varriar till then, how come that I could speak to Sri Varriar suddenly and request him permission for recording the discourses. I have no answer to this till date.


To be continued.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[sramaswamy]

I am loving this autobiography. It takes me back to the days when we used to eagerly wait for the next issue in Kumudam and Ananda Vikatan weeklies after the famous last words "thodarum". It is amazing that you took efforts to record.

[arasi]

Nageswaran,
Hope one recollection triggers another. Keep them coming and take us through your musical experiences...

[VK RAMAN]

It is thrilling to read, keep them coming.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

sramaswamiji and VK RAMANji,

Very many thanks to both of you.

Now I know that I am not wasting my time or your time in writing about my Autobiography. One thing is clear in my mind. As I continue my writing, many of the Rasikas will see the reflections of their own life being rewinded and bringing in nostalgic, very happy moments of their life as to how they have become true Rasikas of music.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

arasi madam,

Thank you for your valuable reply.

Now I have got an opportunity to remind you of our meeting in the foyer of The Music Academy year before. After looking at me for a few minutes, you remembered me referring to the Forum concerts (video) held at my house (courtesy Coolji).

I have been pestering you to listen to my Grand daughter Srinidhi (A God blessed child) by sending the songs by E-Mail (year before last). You have mentioned that you were not able to download the songs then.

Here is an opportunity for you to see the video of my Grand daughter singing and some Audio tracks also. Kindly go through the first post in my topic "Reminiscences of S.Nageswaran.

The other topic you have to see is "V.S.Narasimhan-Violinist."

[bilahari]

S Nageswaranji, thank you for your reminiscences and please do continue to write. I have thoroughly enjoyed all that you have posted in various threads so far but my only request is for you to consolidate your writing in one thread so we can follow it more easily. Do keep it coming!

[PUNARVASU]

S.Nagewaranji,
very interesting to read; waaiting for more.

[coolkarni]

..

[S.NAGESWARAN]

bilahariji,

Thank you for your observations about my Autobiography. Sharing of thoughts is one of the ways to build a lasting friendship.

Thank you for your suggestion to put all my threads in one place is very good.

Some times I myself felt the difficulty of tracing my posts.

I will try to implement your suggestion soon

S.NAGESWARAN

[vganesh]

Sir
It is very nice. Just waiting for next part..

[S.NAGESWARAN]

. punarvasuji,

Thank you for your encouraging words.

I will continue to put my thoughts regularly for the enjoyment of all the Rasikas of the Forum.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Cooji,

It is not going to be a small thanks giving post.

Await my postings in the Reminiscences thread.

S.NAGESWARAN

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Autobiography of an unknown Rasika POST No. 3 Dated 12.04.2009

Who is a true Rasika (music lover)?

"The gentleman who puts his ear into the key hole of the bathroom door and listening to the music coming from the bathroom where a lady is singing while taking a shower"

[VK RAMAN]

Musicians must be rasikas too and not the other way around.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Coolji's post No.11.

Coolji says" Petromax lamps accompanying Karaikuruchi will glow again"

Is coolji a mind reader?

This reminds me of a joke. Two workers in Punjab wanted to go to the UK, and earn a good salary for 3 years and want to return to Punjab with lot of money since they have heard that two workers from the adjacent village came back with lot of money after working in the UK.

With the available meager funds they landed in the UK.They wanted to enjoy life for 3 or 4 days before taking up some job. They landed in a small lodge and were settling down. The door bell rang and a lady waitress came to the room and wanted to know what they will like to have. With out knowing any words in English, they were looking up to each other as to what they should say to the waitress.

Seeing and understanding that the two doesn't know anything in English, the waitress was trying to communicate to them by sign language. Since it was also not working, she took a paper and drawn a bottle's figure and the figure of eggs. Now both of them understood as to what the waitress was telling and nodded their head. Then the waitress brought a bottle of hot drinks and boiled eggs. Both of them some how conveyed their thanks to the waitress.

After consuming the hot drinks and eat the eggs, they pressed the calling bell and the waitress came. On seeing that they have completely emptied the hot drinks, the waitress took the paper again and drew the figure of the chicken. Both the workers nodded their head and they were served with chicken and the waitress left the room. After completing their dinner, in a drunken condition, they spoke to each other and decided from then on they should speak to the waitress only when both of them are together.
They pressed the calling bell. Before the waitress came to the room, one of the workers had gone to the toilet (urgent nature's call).

When he returned from the toilet the waitress was gone and he saw the paper on the cot showing the figure of a cot drawn in the paper.

Then there was a big quarrel between them frequently showing the figure with the cot drawn. Finally there seemed that they have come to conciliation about the matter. But both of them were walking restlessly across the room and thinking how to speak to the other worker as to what he is having in his mind.

Suddenly both of them stopped walking and simultaneously shouted" HOW DID SHE KNOW THAT WE ARE CARPENTERS"

How did Coolji know that I am going to write the same "Petromax---------------"

Sorry Rasikas.I had to tell the story when Coolji hit upon what I am going to write in the near future and I wanted to shout like the Punjabi workers."

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Autobiography of an unknown Rasika. Post No.04 Dated 13.04.2009.

Till now only prefaces about the Autobiography of an unknown Rasika was dealt with. The actual story is starting from now onwards.

Up to the age of 4 years, I was with my parents at Ceylon since my father was employed in Ceylon.

In the year 1944, the world war 11 was at its peak and Nazis have started attacking Ceylon and India. India, being our mother country, my parents shifted to India and our first settlement was in Madras (Then and Chennai now).

We were in Pasupathy Agraharam (Coolji, you were right) also known as Vedachala Gardens in Mandeveli.This was an exclusive place where in more than 25 Brahmin families were settled with lot of open space for the children to play

As a child, I have made friendship with other children In the Pasupathy Agraharam and we had plenty of time to play. Regarding studies, the children will be admitted to the school only after the completion of five years. At the school we were taught only Tamil and Maths up to the fifth class and we have to carry only slate and balappam to write. After 3 periods, lunch interval will be there. Then we were made to sleep for one hour in the school. Then one hour was allotted for play and then only school timings will be over and we were allowed to leave for our home. After coming home also we had lot of time to play near our house up to 7.00 PM.

After finishing our dinner, elders will tell lot of stories to us and we have to learn some slokas also from our elders.
Then we go to bed for sleep.

Only kind of home work for us is to write a few Tamil words we were taught or writing a few maths calculations. Even these small home works we don’t complete it home. While going to school the next day while walking to the school, we complete the home work in the slate enroute.There used to be no traffic on the road and hence we complete the home work on the road without any fear.

You can imagine how much of fun time we had in our child hood.

In the present day, the children were put in to the school at the age of two and half years of age (Pre school).Once they are in UKG, the children have to carry lot of books and note books and carry the lunch pack also. The present day children will be given lot of home works and they have to complete all the home works in many subjects and submit it to the teacher for corrections the next day. By the time they complete home works, they become very tired and hence they don’t have any inclination for playing.

To be continued.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Sri Kulkarniji’s Post No.11,

‘Some days it is used to be glorious Western Music (mostly Violin related)’

Link to the clip of Western music

. Download-Link #1: http://rapidshare.de/files/46696745/02- ... 1.mpg.html.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Sri Kulkarniji’s Post No.11,

‘Some days it is used to be glorious Western Music (mostly Violin related)’

Link to the clip of Western music 2

Download- http://www.esnips.com/web/A-Suwanai-pla ... Violin-Con

Link to the clip of Western music 3

http://www.esnips.com/web/violin-prodigy

S.NAGESWARAN.

[VK RAMAN]

since those days birth registration was not a must, parents were able to give whatever date of birth came to mind so the baby is sent to school showing the age as 6 when the baby is only 4.1/2 years old.

We played soccer with ball made of cloth cuttings. Those days RSS was big in organizing childrens exercise, etc.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Autobiography of an unknown Rasika. Chapter 5 Dated 16.04.2009.

Age 4 to 14 Years-Residing at Mandaveli, Madras.

My parents along with me (around 5 years of age then) made a trip from Madras to Kumbakonam by train. My parents wanted to visit another family (then living as neibour in Ceylon) at Mannargudy by bus. In those days, buses were run by steam just like locomotives. The boiler will be at the rear of the bus and the coal is to be burned to heat the water to generate steam one hour before the start of the bus. The conductor will be fanning the boiler by rotating a fan (just like the fan used by kalai pusum men). Frequently till sufficient steam is generated.

Summer vacations.

The Summer vacations used to be filled with joy with plays of different kinds from "Gilli Thandu"

[kadambam]

Nageswaran Sir,

Many Many thanks for taking us in your nostalgic journey.It is refreshing to read this and hope this triggers more such contribtions from others.

[VK RAMAN]

Our memories of Chennai was we used to go to a paddy field called "koyyakkA theru" - one mile away from Baroda Street, West Mambalam for taking bath under a pump used for watering the paddy fields.

[thanjavooran]

shri Nageswaran Avl,
Excellent narration. Quite interesting to read. Reg Post 23 Is it not coal gas that generates Mechanical energy? Your experience/ travel in Tram car will be an added thrill with pointsman in typical uniform waiting with crow bar on hand to change the track .
Thanjavooran

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Sri Thanjavooran,

Thank you for your post. The running of the bus in (1945 and may be even up to 1950) was really burning of the coal to generate steam from the water to run the bus like locomotive and not coal gas.

I am quite sure about that. I can even say that the technology of using coal gas should be much much later than 1950.

The Tram car rides and its connections with me will be written shortly.

Even while thinking about my Autography, I was quite sure that my experiences in life will be very similar to the experiences of the Rasikas of my age.

These memoirs in the minds of the Rasikas will bring out theirs' and chewing their thoughts and bringing out a smile in their faces. Definitely it will give them a good invigorating shot in them.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Kadambamji,

Thank you for your post.

By the number of posts that are coming in this thread responding to my Autobiography, it is clear that many of the Rasikas are recollecting their memoirs. They are acknowledging this by sending their posts happily.

S.NAGESWARAN

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Sri VK RAMAN,

VK RAMAN writes,
"Our memories of Chennai was we used to go to a paddy field called "koyyakkA theru" - one mile away from Baroda Street, West Mambalam for taking bath under a pump used for watering the paddy fields."

You are predicting what I am going to write in my autobiography later when we shifted our residence from Mandaveli to T.Nagar during 1954(In the Autobiography, I am only 6 years now and at Mandeveli. You are fast forwarding me to my 14th year).

( 1954 storyâ€â€Â

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Chapter 06 Autobiography of an unknown Rasika Dated 20.04.2009

During my summer holidays, I used to accompany my mother whenever she visits her friends.
One such friend of my mother was residing in the Santhome high road near LUZ corner.

Myself and the boy of my mother’s friend’s family used to play together till my mother is ready to return to our home.

A tram line in Santhome high road starting from near the church near Santhome beach will be traveling via Luz junction, Wellington Theater, Hindu office, Transport house, Central railway station, Flower Bazaar Police station and will terminate at Parry’s corner.

At Mandaveli where I was residing there is no tram line passing through. Hence tram is a novel thing for me. After watching the movements of the tram for 30 minutes quietly, I will get quixotic ideas in my mind and will start meddling the tram track. As the Rasika Sri Thanjavooranji mentioned a uniformed staff will be available only at junction points where the trams are to change over to another track. Since the place I have visited is not a junction point, no track changing man will be available.

Now I will pick up a granite stone and put it in on the track to know as to what will happen when the tram crosses the point where I have kept to granite stone on the track. I should have hidden myself so that the tram driver will not know that I have put the granite stone. But I will be standing near the house to clearly see what is happening not knowing that the tram driver will also will be seeing me when I stand in open view.

Since the tram will always be traveling slowly, the tram driver will see the granite stone on the track and will be seeing the undersigned also.

The tram driver will stop the tram, come down from the tram, remove the granite stone from the track. Then the driver will come to me and drag me out and give me slap and also telling that I will be handed over to the police man.

By the time my mother will come out and plead with the tram driver to release me because this is happening for the first time. Then the tram driver will release me with suitable advice not to do such mischief’s in future.

Usually one or other relative boy who has completed school final exam will come from the village to our home for a few days. I will be the guide to the village boy and tempt him to have a tram journey. We will have a long enjoyable tram journey from Luz corner to Parry’s corner. After finishing our window shopping we will have good Tiffin in a hotel and return back home enjoying the return tram journey.

To be continued.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[arasi]

And the tram driver did not recognize the naughty boy who brought another one which meant more trouble?!!

[thanjavooran]

Nageswaran Avl,
Again quite interesting. Definitely You will comeout with your experience about Sivan's Maha sivarathri and Margazhi bajans. Dr. Ramamoorthy a south mada street [ Mylapore] resident was a part of that margazhi bajans. Eagerly waiting.
With regards,
Thanjavooran

[VK RAMAN]

Nageswaran Avl: You are right it was known as koyyakka thOppu. I am settled in U.S for last 28 years. I wish I could meet you; may be God willing, we will one of the days.

How about visiting santhome beach and buying manga battai and chundal?

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Respected arasi madam,

And the tram driver did not recognize the naughty boy who brought another one which meant more trouble?!!

There is no fears about the another one giving more trouble. He has completed school final and having passed out from the childhood
pranks(Chil vishamangal).

Well, about the tram driver not recognising the undersigned, we might have boarded another tram.

Thanking you for your responce.

[mohan]

Dear Sri Nageswaran: While I am finding these discussions about mango trees, trams and Indian independence fascinating, it would be wonderful if you could give a music context to the messages. Then they would better fit into this forum which is about discussing Indian music and arts.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Respected Thanjavooranji,

Nageswaran Avl,
Again quite interesting. Definitely You will comeout with your experience about Sivan's Maha sivarathri and Margazhi bajans. Dr. Ramamoorthy a south mada street [Mylapore] resident was a part of that margazhi bajans. Eagerly waiting.
With regards,
Thanjavooran

From the reply posts coming from you, V.K.Ramanji and the other Rasikas, I think I cannot skip any of my experience as a trivial ones, since I am having good prompters like you.

I think I have to rewind to my beach visit and include "Manga baddhai and Sundal". As children, the taste of 'Pullippu from one side and the Karam" from the other side of the Manga bhaddai brinks out a sort of thrills in our mind even at this age.

About famous bhajans in the month of Marghazi, I am afraid that this aspect cannot come as a part any chapter and I have to devote a full page to narrate the bhajan episode.

Thank you for your reply.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Respected V.K.RAMANJI,

Nageswaran Avl: You are right it was known as koyyakka thOppu. I am settled in U.S for last 28 years. I wish I could meet you; may be God willing, we will one of the days.

How about visiting santhome beach and buying manga battai and chundal?

As long as the latest comminication facilities like Internet, Video cams and the free chat facilities are available for us to day, I feel as if you are sitting by my side and having sweet nothing talks about our childhood. World is round and God willing we will definitely meet each other.

I think I have to rewind to my beach visit and include "Manga baddhai and Sundal". As children, the taste of 'Pullippu from one side and the Karam" from the other side of the Manga bhaddai brinks out a sort of thrills in our mind even at this age.

Thank you Ramanji for your reply post.

S.NAGESWARAN

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Respected Mohanji,

Dear Sri Nageswaran: While I am finding these discussions about mango trees, trams and Indian independence fascinating, it would be wonderful if you could give a music context to the messages. Then they would better fit into this forum which is about discussing Indian music and arts.

Dear Sri Mohan,

Your's is a good suggestion. I will think about it and try to upload some music clips in future.

The valuable Suggestions from many Rasikas are like making variety of decorations for a happy function.

I feel such decorations will clear any monotonous feeling when you are reading through an Autobiography.

Thank you for your reply post.

S.NAGESWARAN.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Chapter No.07. Autobiography of an unknown Rasika. Dated.26.04.2009.

Our settlement in Mylapore (Mandaveli) is the beginning of my journey of listening to Carnatic music.

Till the age of 10 years I used to be the escort for my grandmother (who was a good rasika of music) whenever she wants to go to a concert.. Like my grandma, other old ladies in the Agraharam will all go to Upanyasams /Harikathas /music concerts in any part of Mylapore. Naturally my friends in the Agraharam would be accompanying their elders. However here is the secret. We the children in the Agraharam love to play in other places also in addition to our Agraharam area. So under the pretext of accompanying the elders, we get different places like Temples, and playing areas near the concert locations.

After sitting quite for a few minutes with our elders, all friends will sneak out to the play grounds for our games.

In those days, since the vehicles were very few, we were able to listen to the music from a distance the concert in the grounds.

Hence we were able to subconciencely register music in our mind.

Geographical location of Mylapore is one more advantage in laying the seeds of music in our mind.

The normal calendar of musical concerts (Free) is like this.

1. Vasanthothsavam festival in Kapaleeswarar temple where in all the top artists will sing for about 10 days during the month of April / May.

2. Music festival At Venkatesa Agraharam opposite the P.S.High school playground June /July.

3. Music festival at the Saibaba temple at Mylapore. August / September.


4. Music festival during the Navarathri at Sri Thediyur Subramaniam’s house at Abhiramapuram September / October.

5. Music Academy concerts at P.S.High school. December month.

6. Corporation band playing Carnatic music on Sunday evenings at various parks in Mylapore and other areas around the city.

The music festivals at Mylapore year round, is unique to the Mylapore area and the seeds of music is implanted in the minds of an average man who cultivates the habit to listen to the Carnatic music and make him a good Rasika in the years to come.

I have received a communication from the administrator as below from the administrator as below.
Dear Sri Nageswaran, It would be appreciated if you could kindly limit your autobiography thread for incidents related to music.

Well my Autobiography is very much related to music. Viz how I have become a very good Rasika of music as being narrated in my Autobiography. I cannot start an Autobiography with out giving a preface and I might have mentioned some trivial incidences as a growing boy (These trivial incidents have also interested a few Rasikas,).
From this chapter onwards I am bringing out the incidents one by one related to music. Suffice to say that I Breath with music.

I leave it to the discretion to the administrator either to permit me to continue or not to continue further of my Autobiography.

THIS CHAPTER WILL BE MY LAST "SWAN SONG"

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Chapter No.07. Autobiography of an unknown Rasika. Dated.26.04.2009.

Our settlement in Mylapore (Mandaveli) is the beginning of my journey of listening to Carnatic music.

Till the age of 10 years I used to be the escort for my grandmother (who was a good rasika of music) whenever she wants to go to a concert.. Like my grandma, other old ladies in the Agraharam will all go to Upanyasams /Harikathas /music concerts in any part of Mylapore. Naturally my friends in the Agraharam would be accompanying their elders. However here is the secret. We the children in the Agraharam love to play in other places also in addition to our Agraharam area. So under the pretext of accompanying the elders, we get different places like Temples, and playing areas near the concert locations.

After sitting quite for a few minutes with our elders, all friends will sneak out to the play grounds for our games.

In those days, since the vehicles were very few, we were able to listen to the music from a distance the concert in the grounds.

Hence we were able to subconciencely register music in our mind.

Geographical location of Mylapore is one more advantage in laying the seeds of music in our mind.

The normal calendar of musical concerts (Free) is like this.

1. Vasanthothsavam festival in Kapaleeswarar temple where in all the top artists will sing for about 10 days during the month of April / May.

2. Music festival At Venkatesa Agraharam opposite the P.S.High school playground June /July.

3. Music festival at the Saibaba temple at Mylapore. August / September.


4. Music festival during the Navarathri at Sri Thediyur Subramaniam’s house at Abhiramapuram September / October.

5. Music Academy concerts at P.S.High school. December month.

6. Corporation band playing Carnatic music on Sunday evenings at various parks in Mylapore and other areas around the city.

The music festivals at Mylapore year round, is unique to the Mylapore area and the seeds of music is implanted in the minds of an average man who cultivates the habit to listen to the Carnatic music and make him a good Rasika in the years to come.

I have received a communication from the administrator as below.

Dear Sri Nageswaran, It would be appreciated if you could kindly limit your autobiography thread for incidents related to music.

Well my Autobiography is very much related to music. Viz how I have become a very good Rasika of music as being narrated in my Autobiography. I cannot start an Autobiography with out giving a preface and I might have mentioned some trivial incidences as a growing boy (These trivial incidents have also interested a few Rasikas,).

From this chapter onwards I am bringing out the incidents one by one related to music. Suffice to say that I Breath with music.

I leave it to the discretion of the administrator either to permit me to continue or not to continue further of my Autobiography.

THIS CHAPTER WILL BE MY LAST "SWAN SONG"

[VK RAMAN]

This preface to the autobiography is very important for those aspiring young parents who like to sow CM seed in their progeny. Thank you for sharing MSG violin rendition in Mohanam - very soothing.

[cmlover]

Dear Mr. Nageswaran:
You appear to have misunderstood the thrust of the communication from the Administrator. The intention was never to restrict or inhibit your free sharing of your life experiences. However this Forum has the avowed focus on CM and CM-related issues. Some interpret this literally and react by reporting any deviations to our attention. In other words we have ultra-conservatives as well as ultra-liberals in our membership. Since it is impossible to cater to the tastes of every individual we try to tread a middle path. Accordingly you were informed to stick to CM related events as far as possible and minimise the digressions. You should also monitor the discussions from Rasikas which may tend to ramble into external non-CM-related areas. Many seniors like myself find the 'time-travel' fascinating, though, yet some of the events belong to a 'blog' rather than on a CM Forum. It is fascinating for all of us to hear about your interactions with past CM personalities as well as your journey as a seasoned CM Rasika. Do continue!
This Forum is all about sharing knowledge, information, and experiences primarily related to CM. Above all we respect 'Freedom of Speech' which is dignified, informative, non-offensive and which elevate human values! Thank you!

[cmlover]

Thanks for sharing that superb mohanam of MSG!

[arasi]

Nageswaran,
The note from the administrator sounds polite--and not discouraging at all. It is not just the old set. Even others sometimes drift away from the topics we discuss.. We need to check ourselves, that's all. Otherwise, don't worry--the message comes across loud and clear from fellow rasikAS

[srkris]

Sri Nageswaran,

The request I made you was in keeping with our objective to maintain this as a purely music-related forum. I have received requests from some rasikas to ensure that it does not become a general discussion forum for all social discussions.

You are free to continue your autobiography thread and share other music-related anecdotes with the wider world.

Thanks.

[vasanthakokilam]

It is one of those 'Darma Sangadams', where we have to nudge someone who is doing a good thing.

Nageswaran: You are free to continue and we want you to continue.

[S.NAGESWARAN]

Chapter No.9 Dated.28.04.09

Kapaleewarar temple Vasanthothsavam music festival.

A wide platform to a height of 6 feet will be erected by the side of the Anjaneyar Sannidhi in the Kapaleeswarar temple. Concerts will start around 7.00 PM and will continue up to 11.00 PM. After leaving our elders at proper vintage points, all children will move over to the playing area near Murugan Sannidhi and we will be continuing our play till difference of opinion will crop up. After a fight we will move into the concert arena During Sri Madurai Mani Iyer’s concert.

We the children will gate crash into the VVIP Area (Very near the dais, a small area cordoned off by thick rope). When the VVIP’s try to drive us out, MMI would pacify the elders and tell them that the children of this age are going to be the future Rasikas and hence don’t send them out.

To my knowledge the children of our age group used to definitely listen to MMI’s concert from close quarters.
Charisma of MMI?? Or his music?? I don’t know.

By 10.30 PM, the entire concert area will be jam packed. Not only that. People will be sitting over the top of the Vinayaka Sinnidhi and other Sinnidhis also.

Suddenly there will be load shout "Eppo Varuvaro"

[mohan]

The Kapaleeswarar temple now has a small stage area on the side. Was that there in the olden days?

[vganesh]

Dear Nageswaran Sir,
Very interesting information indeed. In fact I was looking for your posts and was wondering why it did not appear for last few days. Anyway good to see you back.
About Mylapore: Since I have moved in recently at Mandaveli, I feel very nice and getting connected. As you write about the place, I feel that I am blessed to be near the temple.
Looking forward for your CM journeys...

[cmlover]

Was P Sivan there yet? He would be smiling to hear that exalted rendering of 'kANa kaN kODi vENDuM' what other vidvaans used to attend those concerts in those days?