Rajagopalan: Multifaceted personalities of the Rasikas forum

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 18 Feb 2012, 13:23

Ponbhairavi -Rajagopalan sir

Possibly there is much more to talk about you and your translations. I am just kickstarting this in a seperate thread, so that we can discuss more about your thoughts and your translations here in this thread, and not continue in the other thread.

The below url is the translation of ponbhairavi's french literature
http://frenchliterature.angelfire.com/

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 18 Feb 2012, 17:58

Rajesh,
Very good of you to introduce ponbhairavi to those who do not know him. His translation of French poetry into tamizh is noteworthy. You can find them in the KavidaigaL thread also.

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 18 Feb 2012, 20:23

Rajeshnat - I have several articles written by him which I will be posting in this thread as you are interested - mostly music related both in Tamil and English (I am his daughter). To start with here is an article he wrote for GLAC (Great Lakes Aradhana Committee) when he visited Detroit in 2007 reviewing the book Voices Within by TM Krishna and Bombay Jayashree. Sadly other than the love of music which I seem to have inherited from him, I did not inherit his linguistic skills. So my posts here will not be as eloquent as his. Bear with me

Book Review: "VOICES WITHIN CARNATIC MUSIC "
A rainbow in the Carnatic Music firmament by Prof. V. Rajagopala Iyer
                 VOICES WITHIN is a book about seven great Carnatic music maestros by two busy musicians, Smt Bombay Jayashri and ShriT.M. Krishna with the collaboration of another professional. Did I say a book? No it is not merely a book, it is a glorious memorial, a majestic monument, a magnificent museum throbbing with life at every turn when we go through, dedicated to Carnatic music. Rare photographs which bring the ever-green stalwarts alive on top quality paper, aesthetic designing, unbelievably remarkable printing proclaiming with justifiable pride "printed in India”, gorgeous visuals matched by an elegant and vivid language of the descriptive text, all these combine to make it a precious treasure. It is indeed a marvel that black and white photographs taken early in the last century could be made to look so splendid and life-like against pitch dark black background which prevails throughout this book. May be the jacket cover could have been in a brighter hue but then perhaps it may not be a reflection of the depth of the mourning over the loss to the music world.
                The book opens up with an old map of south India. It would have been appropriate if a new map , let us say a musical map( on the analogy of political map, physical geography map, economic map ,railway map etc...)has been drawn highlighting the places of origin which remain inseparably attached to the names of musicians till date.
                The section "those were the days" vividly recaptures the cultural background settings of yesteryears living ,namely the puja room, the old furniture, the oonjal, the bamboo rafters of the low roofed houses, the well, the authenticity of the clothes of the people, the concert platform, the marriage ceremony, the deity procession(albeit in a cinema scene) and to cap it all Silpi's remarkable sketch of temple premises which were the nerve centre of the cultural life ; everything makes us wonder what a meticulous selection! Everything justifies Matrka's avowed aim to "celebrate and showcase the richness of Indian Art and Culture" The judiciously worded text unfolds the important events of the maestros' life and struggle, achievements and deceptions, strength and weaknesses in an incisive manner without indulging in known biographical details which would have been boring. The end of the chapter graphically recalls the landmarks of the Musician's life in a dated life-line punctuated by the moments of their occurrence.
               "From the Heart” are accolades from the authors but it is not specified which one of the three. All the same it is of no consequence as they are so general that they can be anybody’s including any reader.
                The book claims that "Voices within" is "a salute to seven gifted inspiring Carnatic musicians..." What about the others? The authors have naturally anticipated this obvious question and here is what they say (page 149):"Along with these seven maestros were many other towering music personalities each great in their (his?) own way; their names glitter across the pages of the book" Do they really feel that this "glitter " is relatively enough for their stature? Let us hopefully assume that Matrka has made a beginning with these seven and would follow it up with the others.
                 Could they not have added some more names; why restrict to only seven? For this question also the book provides an answer: “seven is a magic number in Carnatic music “Though it does not elaborate, it means the Sapta swaras,the Sapta talas the majestic misra nadai etc.. We can go a step further and extend it to the visual perceptions because if music is oral and aural the BOOK on music is visual and the visual spectrum is made up of seven magnificent colors which combine together to form the rainbow, a splendid treat to the eye in a drizzle- soaked horizon. As the French poet Charles Baudelaire says, the pleasures of the senses are fused in an inseparable combination: “The perfumes, the colors, and the musical notes correspond to each other ..."   If only we could smell the aragaja thilakam at GNB's forehead says the book. A book such as this one ,as the rainbow in the sky , does not appear often.
                 After going through this book, we do have an insight into the life , achievements and the genius of the seven musicians But at the same time one cannot help getting the impression that the Guru-sishya relationship prevalent in those days and the impact of the Bhakthi component on the life and art of these maestros , both of which were the indispensable ingredients of our cultural heritage, have not been adequately brought out the lone exception being a photo of GNB in his puja room ). Art for Art's sake is a western concept. According to Indian culture, music or as a matter of fact any fine art, being a divine gift, is a form of worship of the Divine, at least in those days if not to-day .Sangeetha "SASTRAMU" bakthi vina ? Or is it a "secular" approach of a book which aspires for international readership?
                Finally the price of the book at Rs 1900 (despite the sponsorship of various agencies) is remindful of the new century. Well Carnatic music nowadays is not cheap though the greatest among the greats lived in penury as they did not know or did not want to encash their talent.
               To sum up, this book is a seven gems-studded necklace to adorn the ivory mannequin near the coffee table of the NRI December visitor--owner's pride- visitor's envy--and not the simple "7 kal Besari" for the nose of the turmeric fragrant face of the Goddess at the altar of Carnatic music. Probably this is also what Matrka means when its founders say that they want to "showcase the richness of the Indian Art and Culture.”

(Prof V. Rajagopala Iyer a linguist, dramatist and a carnatic music enthusiast has published 3 books and numerous articles in Tamil,French and English. He has been the principal force behing Bhairavi, a carnatic music sabha in Puduchery, India for the past 30 years and is the father of GLAC Vice President, Lalitha Ravichandran)

MV · Post by MV » 21 Feb 2012, 10:51

Wow... I have no words:))

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 21 Feb 2012, 21:05

I am struck with awe at his achievements. I am iin Pondichery for a week. I would like to meet him and Pratyaksham Bala Sir if it is not a botheration for them. I do not know their phone nos. i am giving my phone no. If they can call me, I will be much thankful. My Phone no. 9445070656.

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 21 Feb 2012, 22:35

CRama,

I tried sending you an email through the forum - It errors out every time I try sending it. Please let me know your email id and I will send you his contact information.

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 21 Feb 2012, 22:48

What can I say after being a forumite for barely 2 years--each day brings me a fresh insight into people who thro their silent contributions have made CM richer--My humble pranams to Scholars like Pro, Rajagopalan(aka Ponbhairavi).

ENTHARO MAHANUBHAVULU ANTARIKI VANDANAMU!!!

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 21 Feb 2012, 22:59

CRama,
Yes, I've had the same problem in the past, in trying to send you mail

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 22 Feb 2012, 07:11

Shri PonBhairavi, my humble namaskarams to you!

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 22 Feb 2012, 07:34

Nadhasudha, I had no idea that you were the daughter of Sri Rajagopalan. Another illustrious father-daughter pair on rasikas.org!

Thanks for posting the review of Voices within. I got the book on my last trip to India as a potential gift for someone. I have decided to not part with it since

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 22 Feb 2012, 11:39

Ponbhairavi
From a young age, this --> simultaneous coffee and book <-- just does not interest me , it all started with me pouring the coffee over the sofa while reading the THE HINDU paper

.

Can you present something that you have written/or could you write one that is not a rebuttal/review of anything, a fresh leaf. "Voices that are truly only within you". I am just randomly running my thoughts on few topics

Can one find few similarities/differences in compositions of sivan,MD with any of the few composers of French ??

What should one expect from a performance in a CM?

p.s I also liked your above review too.Tx nadasudha for sharing the review.

Ranganayaki · Post by **Ranganayaki** » 22 Feb 2012, 20:01

Ponbhairavi, how nice to see a thread dedicated to you! It is wonderful to learn more about you and your contributions. Very thoughtful of Rajeshnat to do this. My thanks to both of you and I look forward to reading more here.

CRama · Post by **CRama** » 22 Feb 2012, 20:59

Nadasudha, My email id [email protected]

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:10

CRama - I have sent you an email with his contact information.

Mahavishnu - Thanks - I am a very regular reader on this forum. I believe I have a lot to learn from all of your posts. I have been amazed at your erudition and knowledge on the mechanics of sound and music in general and also at the speed at which concerts happening in India land in your lap. Like you I am also a fan of Abhishek Raghuram's music.

Arasiji - I did listen to your interview by Nivedita and your humility shines through in each and every word you speak. Not only in your words, even in the way you conduct yourself. You come across as a person who is at peace with yourself and contented.

So many others on here in this forum who contribute CML, Ranganayaki, revanth,CRama,punarvasu,MKR Sir (just love reading his posts about MSS) so many people whom I know only by their rasikas id. Hope to make the Decemeber Rasikas meet some time.

Rajeshnat - I like reading your reviews and am surprised at the amount of details that you pack into them. My father is currently out of town and does not have access to a computer. He should be back within 1 week. Until then I will be posting some of his articles for your reading - The one I will be posting today is a humorous one and was written in 2005 for Bhairavi Puducherry Souvenir. I am sure you will have a laugh on reading it.

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:12

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:13

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:14

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:15

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:16

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:17

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:17

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:18

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:20

nadhasudha · Post by **nadhasudha** » 23 Feb 2012, 00:21

sridhar_ranga · Post by **sridhar_ranga** » 23 Feb 2012, 08:19

Absolutely hilarious. Thanks a lot for sharing this Nadhasudha. Pon Bhairavi sir, great sense of humour reminding me of Devan or Kalki's writing.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 23 Feb 2012, 09:36

Ponbhairavi,
je suis ravi!
Vous etes formidable!

Thanks,Nadasudha!

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 23 Feb 2012, 09:47

nadhasudha wrote:Until then I will be posting some of his articles for your reading - The one I will be posting today is a humorous one and was written in 2005 for Bhairavi Puducherry Souvenir. I am sure you will have a laugh on reading it.

Yes indeed it just really flowed .

Tx nadhasudha , I just thought in general when some one writes as a rebuttal , we are bit constrained on what the original writer has told , and something in me told that ponbhairavi can do much much much better when he writes a new leaf writeup. Thank you, this is exactly what I was expecting. Though there is a bit very slight tinge of sarcasm that may not go well with all musicians taste, but I guess every musician will have a hearty

(Is it not ErOde )

I donot know if Bhairavi sabha in Pondy really gives award , but musicians in future will be in a bit of dharmasangadam in getting any awards from bhairavi

.

smala · Post by **smala** » 23 Feb 2012, 12:48

Might be a tall order to request sridhar-rang to translate - looks like it will lose some of us with these posts in Tamil...

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 24 Feb 2012, 02:03

I am waiting for our asthAna kavis to come up with something about 'award illAda sabhaiyA' along the lines pani illAda mArgazhiyA in response to PonBhairavi's article!

sridhar_ranga · Post by **sridhar_ranga** » 24 Feb 2012, 16:54

Done Ravi. It is a silEDai (SlEsha / double entendre) that praises Ponbhairavi as well as you

Please check it out:

http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 16#p217416

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 24 Feb 2012, 20:15

sridhar_rang: very impressive! thoroughly enjoyed the double entendre.

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 29 Feb 2012, 12:49

I am back in the pavilion and read the postings in this and TMK thread. While I am extremely grateful
to the members for their kind sentiments towards me,I feel very uncomfortable with a thread in my name. In all sincerity and humility I request you to please change the heading of the thread as : "multifaceted personalities of the Rasikas forum."please.
I am amazed by the skill of Sridhar_rangfor the sledai kavithai and the prestidigitation of cml who has with very little touches made it encompass three persons( Three in one !!!) This sledai kavidai is a speciality of tamil May be it is there in sanskrit but I wonder whether it exists in western literature. The skill of the poet is to link up மொட்டை தலை and முழங்கால். I remember partly a famous one which applies in toto to banana fruit and snake and I request our forum poets to complete it and share it with our members.

நஞ்சிருக்கும் தோலுரிக்கும் நாதர் முடி மேலிருக்கும்
வெஞ்சினத்தில் பல் பட்டால் மிளாதே

V.Mahalingam · Post by **V.Mahalingam** » 29 Feb 2012, 17:26

I am extremely happy that Rasikas.com honoured Sri Rajagopal by opening a separate thread for Sri. PonBhairavi-Rajagopal.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 29 Feb 2012, 21:10

Ponbhairavi:
My humble effort..
நஞ்சிருக்கும் தோலுரிக்கும் நாதர் முடி மேலிருக்கும்
வெஞ்சினத்தில் பல் பட்டால் மிளாதே - அஞ்சியதை
ஓடி ஒளிப்பார்க்கு நலம் சேரும், பயம் தீரும்
தேடி அதை தீர்ப்பார் தமக்கு.

( Snake) Those who get scared (அஞ்சியதை) and hastily hide (ஓடி ஒளிப்பார்க்கு) will be comforted(நலம் சேரும்), (and) their fear will be over (பயம் தீரும்) if they find it(தேடி அதை) and kill it off(தீர்ப்பார்)!

(Banana)Those who hastily hide it (ஓடி ஒளிப்பார்க்கு) being scared (அஞ்சி) (from others who may steal it) will have (temporary) comfort(நலம் சேரும்); however the banana (பயம் colloquial for பழம்) will be exhausted(தீரும்) if others find it(தேடி அதை) and finish it off(தீர்ப்பார்)!

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 29 Feb 2012, 21:24

The title has beeen changed to accommodate the request by Sri Rajagopalan. Now Rasikas can add anecdotes about other interesting members of this Forum!
How about our Pratyaksham Bala (PB) who has been hiding for a while

Pratyaksham Bala · Post by **Pratyaksham Bala** » 29 Feb 2012, 22:10

நஞ்சிருக்கும் தோலுரிக்கும் நாதன் முடிமேலிருக்கும்
வெஞ்சினத்துப் பற்பட்டால் மீளாது - விஞ்சுமலர்த்
தேம்பாயுஞ் சோலைத் திருமலைராயன் வரையில்
பாம்பாகும் வாழைப்பழம்.
..............................................................................................................-- புலவர் காளமேகம்

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 29 Feb 2012, 22:14

ThX PB!

smala · Post by **smala** » 29 Feb 2012, 22:19

CML you could have left this thread title remain as a tribute to Sri Ponbhairavi, there's one on Arasi, if I'm not mistaken. I echo the sentiments of V Mahalingam in post 33 in honoring Sri Ponbhairavi - Rajagopalan with a separate thread.

I see his discomfort with his name being the very humble person he is re. Title -- could have removed just the name and kept the title something like as MFP (Multi-faceted personality) : Translator of French Literature to Tamil.

Could always have a series thread - MFP - (with next name/attribute) - one for each member-person - that way the recognition and clear title separates the persons while browsing and reading instead of this generic lumping and having to go through posts to find a different person. Just a suggestion because this thread with other persons *will* get cluttered.

sridhar_ranga · Post by **sridhar_ranga** » 29 Feb 2012, 22:53

Here is my take on that kavi kALamegham veNbA:

http://www.rasikas.org/forums/viewtopic. ... 76#p217676

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 01 Mar 2012, 12:50

Cml; post 35- thank you very much . I am greatly relieved

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 01 Mar 2012, 13:00

Mille merci mme Arasi

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 01 Mar 2012, 13:05

Sridhar_rang( post 39)
I have suggested ' ,if you do not mind, a 2 word change for less ambiguity (or animosity or virulence) in the same thread

sridhar_ranga · Post by **sridhar_ranga** » 01 Mar 2012, 13:25

Agreed sir, thanks for pointing out, changing it.

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 02 Mar 2012, 12:48

back again the first thing I should do is to express my gratitude to rajesh ( bhairavi does not confer any "birudu") MV,CRama ( am sorry to have missed you as I was out of town, my cell no 9443799572 may be useful the next time you pass by Puducherry), MKRamasubramanian, Punarvasu, Smala( the english translation would indeed loose many nuances especially with names,designations etc ( for example the word "theerthangudi" ) and the humour would disappear once I start explaining!!) Mahavishnu, Ranaganayaki , rshankar, cml, and the inexhaustible sridhar_rang who instead of a birudu adorned me with a sledai kavi.

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 02 Mar 2012, 13:12

Now that we are among poets perhaps a comparison between Victor Hugo and Subramania Bharathi may be of interest
frenchliterature. angelfire.com--19th century-victor Hugo and scroll down to page 71-72.
The plight of the life of fishermen(even to-day ) is best brought out by his poemநடுக்கடலில்-நள்ளிரவில்- further down at pages 79-81
http://media.angelfire.lycos.com/2734881/1864967.pdf
P71-72 and page 79-81

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 04 Mar 2012, 22:26

I read the venba thread in leisure and I found Arasi's poem about me ( post 246).I cannot understand how I failed to see it on my return so far. My thanks and apologies to Arasi. Her few lines depict my nature perfectly
:" Guard your health and your words "
"adikkadi veen vambil mAttikoLvar ".
this clearly shows how keenly she has read all my posts and their fall- outs. If she comes to how about the Veen vambu and the hostilities I have faced when I started Bhairavi... Years have not made me wiser.
.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 04 Mar 2012, 23:56

cacm · Post by **cacm** » 05 Mar 2012, 00:02

cmlover wrote:

Dear cmlover,
Can you write me at [email protected] your mailing address so I can send you the MMI 2 DVD set that is going to be distributed FREE to selected persons, organisations etc in Cleveland & later on in Chennai? VKV

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 05 Mar 2012, 00:15

Ponbhairavi,
You give me too much credit! Those words were meant for, ahem...!

Ponbhairavi · Post by **Ponbhairavi** » 05 Mar 2012, 08:30

Arasi,
The special feature of a perfect sledai kavithai is that it is applicable to both பாம்பு and வாழைப்பழம்
rajagopalan