MODI fying Carnatic music - TMK article !!

[arasi]

Nivedita,
So good to hear from you, and that too for throwing light on what really is the scenario of something which whipped up so much controversy here and elsewhere. You have done a great job of it. You are Shashikiran's student also in communicative skills, as we all know only too well

Well, Everything has to be understood in its context, of course, before people arm themselves with unnecessary accusations! Somehow, the way it was spelled out got me throwing in a funny line initially, I think. Apologies, NSG...of all the people, you! And you, Shashi...

This happens when the whole picture isn't presented, and a vague reference gets rasikAs going for some humor, I guess. What do you know? kaNNAL kANbadum poyyE, kAdAl kETpadum poyyE, thIra vichArittu aRivadE mei (what you see with your eyes sometimes may prove to be wrong, what you hear matters not. Knowing, understanding the matter well is the thing).

Shame on me for frivolously joining in the fun early in the thread without knowing the context or content

Again, good to hear from you!

[kvjayan]

"If one did not like the theme or wanted to register one's protest, all that was needed to be done was to call us and discuss the matter." But, that would not fetch free publicity (in print and net) on a Sunday morning. This incident may be used as an example of making mountain out of a mole hill for high school students taking exam in English comprehension.

[Nick H]

I wonder if, in his response, Sri Shashikiran has forgotten that what we were discussing was the article by TMK as much as the event itself. I don't think that any of the thread participants witnessed the actual event, and perhaps we forgot that we could not really have a proper impression of it. However, right or wrong, we often make day-to-day judgements one events with only the information available to us from the media or opinions from its commentators.

I can understand that Sashikiran feels a little hurt that, from such a large-scale event, a mere few minutes has been focussed on, but perhaps he should, in the first place, complain to TMK and The Hindu?

[munirao2001]

KNS and TMK have stated their 'opinions' made out of observations. TMK's story is to be correctly understood as not a report or review. As artists and event managers, both serving the cause of Carnatic Music, can have difference in opinions.
KNS could have communicated his opinion on the observation of TMK in 'the Hindu' itself by a letter to the editor to offer his perspective to the readers. A direct discussion between KNS and TMK, without intermediaries is best in the interest of event management in Carnatic Music.

munirao2001

[kvchellappa]

Munirao2001, was it not for TMK to have taken the initiative first before going public with it? I think Hindu is highly selective about publishing responses. For example, when I wrote something that was critical of it, they ignored it. They have their own agenda. Ultimately, the readers, whether in Hindu or here, are the few music lovers. It is more appropriate that it is brought out here. It is indeed good of KNS/Nivedita to have put out the comments that are balanced. As I wrote earlier, I heard it on the web first when nothing struck me as odd. After reading the criticism, I listened to it again and found the music enthralling, which pushed to the background the unwanted reference to Modi. But, the critic has an axe to grind, so it loomed large in his mind.

[munirao2001]

TMK did not observe the aberration in private and to discuss in private but observed in public and expressed and communicated in the 'opinion'column, addressing the 'reader'public at large. As already I have posted, in the best interest of cause of Carnatic Music, KNS and TMK can discuss now, in private, for clarity and understanding to avoid misinterpretation by the rasikas.

munirao2001

[kvchellappa]

As TMK has expressed his opinion in public, KNS had to set right the record in public. Let them decide who should talk to whom. In my view, TMK should not have aired his view in public without having talked it over with fellow musicians; it was not a burning issue, but just a slip in judgment that happens to all. It was TMK's avowed hatred of Modi that is the root cause of his outburst, not that any serious harm was done to CM.

[Nick H]

TMK has another, consecutive, lifetime as a writer. It is for writers to write, not necessarily to discuss what they are going to write.

[kvchellappa]

TMK has, in my mind, a dharma to fellow musicians; his casting aspersions on other respected, and innocent musicians, cannot be ceded as a responsible stance of a writer. In the instant case it was an avoidable urge to pick up the word Modi, there was no intention to trivilise music. He chose to write and so be it. But, to expect that KNS should sort it out in private is adding insult to injury.

[munirao2001]

kvchellappa Sir
1. "it was not a burning issue" is your judgment, but not of TMK. To TMK it was a serious issue and he has communicated.
2. "It was TMK's avowed hatred of Modi that is the root cause of his outburst" and "to expect that KNS should sort it out in private is adding insult to injury" Please read my post once again "KNS and TMK can discuss now, in private, for clarity and understanding to avoid misinterpretation by the rasikas".

Having read the contents and minds of TMK and KNS, should we not end this discussion and extend our continued support to both of the eminent artists and good event managers, serving the cause of Carnatic Music ?

munirao2001

[vsarmaiitm]

Behind this is a desperate need to create a literal connection between art and politics, where art appeases politics..

Munirao sir,
What amazes me is the above sentence. What is going on in the writer's mind when he wrote that ? A small word play could be alleged as a Desperate need ?
Who is desperate ? For what ?
edited: I agree let us stop the discussion.

[kvchellappa]

I agree that we need not discuss this further. I stop.

[devan]

let us be honest.had the same programe been done be sudharagunathan or arunasairam will the forum members would have acted in the same way.just because it is done by nsg he is treated with kid cloves.mcp.

[Nick H]

I think it was the identity of the writer that attracted attention. The identity of the performer was not even known for several posts.

[Ponbhairavi]

"Puerile expression of political loyalty"
I suppose Modi or any other national leader of the party were not there.,nor the show arranged by the party concerned. Only then it could be called as expression of political loyalty.On the contrary writing such a long article making a mountain out of a mole about a name mentioned 3 or 4 times in 10 mints in a 12 hours program and getting it published in the Hindu whose political inclination is well known May itself be construed as a puerile expression of political loyalty(to the Hindu) which gives a remuneration.
Previously TMK wanted to rid C M from its Bhakti connotation(on the model of EVR or Ambetkar). He is angry that Brahmins have spoiled its pure form.Now he finds that singing patriotic songs is placing art at the disposal of politics. Is not patriotism above politics?
The best expression of art music will be singing nothing but jantavarisai and alankaram and swaraprastara.

[devan]

THIS YEAR indirasivasailam award is going to be given to tm.krishna.for his fantastic contribution to cm.

[nivedita]

On behalf of Shri Shashikiran:

Dear rasikas,

Thank you very much for the support and understanding. In response to some of your views,

1. I did not go back to the media as I didn't want to give the issue more hype than it has received already, especially given that the hype is unnecessary. Being a responsible and committed group of rasikas, you needed to know as well that we are responsible musicians working (and who will continue to work) for the cause of music--hence the decision to post here.

2. This seems to be getting billed as a TMK vs KNS issue and a conflict between two individuals, which it is not. My post was in response to the views expressed in the media by the author, and not directed against the author.

- K.N. Shashikiran

--------------------
Arasi-ji,

Thank you for the kind words. As Shashi sir's disciple for close to thirteen years now, he is indeed my inspiration!

- Nivedita

[ramamantra]

Why is Sashikiran suddenly giving these 'official' looking explanations? This is abt TMK and his views. Carnatic musicians are like that. They can't tolerate talks about one musician - they and their little jalras have to jump in and get their chunks of attention. Goading disciples to take hits from the public...

[vgovindan]

...we are responsible musicians working (and who will continue to work) for the cause of music...

Nice to know that there is an 'Association of CM Musicians' and they issue official statements through a spokesperson. We, rasikas, are totally disorganized and do not know how to form an association. Therefore, there are many contradictory views. Kindly pardon us, Nivedita - official spokesperson.

[kittappa]

This happened years ago at RR Sabha, Chennai under the auspices of the Vazhuvoor Ramiah Pillai Academy.

Maharajapuram Santhanam was the singer one evening. Ramiah Pillai had invited M.Karunanidhi, his relative and then CM of Tamilnadu for the event. Santhanam in succession belted out, ''mariyAdagAdayyA (bhairavam) in which the word 'karuNAnidhi' occurs in the anupallavi. Then 'karuNAnidhi ilalO (tODi) od Shyama Sastri, then karuNAnidhiyE tAyE, of Papanasam Sivan and finally Ramalinga Adigal's 'orumayuDan ninadu' virutham in which the line 'nin karuNai nidhi vENDum' occurs. Well that's expediency for you, whether political or artistic I can't say. And the then CM sat right through the concert.

TMK of course is hypocritical. He can sing in temples, simultaneously insisting that CM has to be devoid of bhakti and other such inanities. He is now in the company of so called secularists and he wants their approval and to be seen in their company. N.Ram, Amartya sSen, Gopal Gandhi, these are his mummoorthies today. Forget Thyagaraja, SS and Dikshitar.

[munirao2001]

Kittappa Sir
With KNS sharing his views, I desired end to this discussion. But your posting made me sad and disappointed at the lack of clarity and understanding. I am posting, changing my decision.
1. Please understand the events were different. Intentions have to be different suiting to the occasion. Content of Vaggeyakaras with Vaggeyakara hridayam-both kavi and gana, should be handled with 'sahridaya' and with bhakthi and shraddha.
2. Great Maestros/Maestros/Vidwans/Vidushees if they have 'indulged' and 'trivailized', in the past and in the present, they are mistakes and are not justified. Their wrongs should not set examples. Sangita and its values are greater than the practitioner(s).
3. I do not know, but if TMK is secular in belief and practices, nothing wrong, as citizen of India and its constitution, he has the right to be secular. Being secular is with full freedom having faith and practice of any religion of individual choice. State not promoting any religion and practice and also protecting the citizens and groups exercising their given rights.
4. TMK is not against the 'Bhakthi', in fact desires 'Bhakthi' on the high and unique values of CM. TMK believes 'religiosity' should not suppress the great and unique qualities in art music of CM and its practice. TMK's present content in performances of CM compositions reflect truly his current ideals and beliefs, with 'bhakthi'. Listen with open mind and experience, for yourself.
I once again request you and all the other rasikas with views similar to you, to read his book 'Southern Music-Karnatik Music Story' to get direct knowledge of his observations and insights to have clarity and understanding.

munirao2001

[shashikiran]

Dear Rasikas,
Firstly, would like to clarify that Ms. Nivedita posted on my behalf only because I was travelling and nextly, I lost my password here. Anyways, I have not been scared to express my views where it is necessary. I once again thank Akella ji and others who think we need to work on trying to project the many great facets of this great art form forgetting the differences of opinions we may have with each other. And this means collective effort from all of us. I only wanted to clarify to the few that I had nothing against any individual musician as some rasikas thought I should sort it out in private. I also posted the first response after thinking a lot mainly because we have serious music rasikas, who shouldn't think artistes who performed or we as organisers had intentions of trrivialising or diluting Carnatic music, which we hold with highest regard and also have so much passion for. The writer's views are his and I thought we should clarify ours. Thanks all.

[Pratyaksham Bala]

...The writer's views are his and I thought we should clarify ours. Thanks all.

Well said !