MSG GURUJI BIOGRAPHY BY DR.M. NARMADHA

[drmnarmadha96]

Dear all,Fans of my dear father. music lovers and connoisseurs,
namashkar and greetings.
i am posting this note on behalf of my dear beloved late father trendsetter , genius violinist Shri MSG GURUJI.
IT IS CLOSE TO TWO YEARS NOW and i recall his presence every moment.
But there are some incidents which shocked me after his demise on January 3rd 2013 by some people claiming to be his followers and creating heart burns to our family. i come to understand that Dr. Purnapragna from Kansas is presenting himself as a student of MSG GURUJI and trying to pose himself as a biographer on Shri MSG GURUJI. I also heard that on 2014 november 22nd (to be) such an unapproved presentation is being slotted to happen at 123 meadow view lane ,LANSDALE PA 19446 With an entry fee too,( through my friend.)
friends.. we have not given consent to anybody for any such presentation on MSG GURUJI BIOGRAPHY and it is a legal offence.
This is to inform you that Dr.Purna Prajna Bengeri is not a disciple of my father Shri MSG Guruji and has not learnt formally under him and in no way connected with the MSG GURUJI biography.
He made some audio clips for his reference and is using this personal material to call himself a biographer without any proper legal consent from us.
In fact even at Chennai earlier my father and my mother personally told him that he must not use any recordings without written permission from us.
You may check if he has obtained any written legal consent by us and I am sure that he does not possess one.
We have never ever given permission to such people who have no real respect for my father and mother or for that matter my father's music.
My dear father was simplicity personified and such people try to take undue advantage of such innocent artists and their family.
i am pouring out my heart to all of you and i cant say how such moves have pained our family.
For me a lifetime is not enough to get over the shock of loosing my beloved dear father MSG GURUJI.
The audio clips recorded by Dr.Purna were for his personal use and not to be used in public and that this can become a legally punishable offence.
When i did my doctoral research in Delhi University the utmost thing was that i never ever breached the trust and faith of those great HM artists interviewed by me who readily shared their expertise in the only condition that it must never be made public without their knowledge and legal consent and till today i have been maintaining my promise to all of them.My beloved father always supported and insisted on this utmost allegiance and respect for the feelings of such great scholars.
please, dear all,
I will appreciate if you do not encourage such unauthenticated, unapproved presentation on my beloved father and Guru through Dr.Purna Pragna .
I am sure that you will all extend your fullest support in respecting the feelings of our family and that is why I wrote this personal note to you.
Dr.Purna is in no way connected with writing the biography or anything linked with MSG Guruji and he has not obtained any prior consent or permission from MSG Guruji or my mom or me or in no way connected with our family and not a disciple of MSG GURUJI.
i also personally request to kindly avoid supporting such unauthorised moves by Dr. Purnapragna and please keep me posted if any such happenings are being initiated by him or anybody inside and outside INDIA OR GLOBALLY.
To set the record straight I am writing a Biography of my father and revered Guru MSG and hope to release it during the Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival in March 2015.
I thank all of you for your support and i am sure that you will do your best for me in supporting me and my humble tribute to my legendary father MSG GURUJI.
Best regards
[email protected]

[cacm]

I COMPLETELY AGREE WITH dr.n.m's post. I was present in Cleveland when this gentleman made a big fuss shouting at THE STAFF OF COMFORT INN when MSG WAS THERE A FEW YEARS BACK. iT TOOK US QUITE AN EFFORT TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE SITUATION BACK TO NORMAL. I feel we should honour the wishes of the MSG FAMILY & encourage them in their efforts to honour the memory of MSG. This will be done next april in Cleveland Thyagaraja Festival PROPERLY. Details later at appropriate time......VKV X(

[arasi]

Add another X(

Dr. Narmadha,
I can imagine how upsetting it all is for the family.

We do look forward to your book in spring.

[VK RAMAN]

It is unfortunate that someone claiming to be disciple of MSG trying to cheat

[Nick H]

I read the autobiography of an eminent British novelist a couple of years ago. She said that one of the reasons that she had written it was that an existing "biography" was full of lies. Not mistakes, or misunderstandings, but blatant inventions.

I suppose this sort of thing happens to the famous. What a strange world!

Narmadha, I am sorry that you have to face this situation. We look forward to your biography. It's just a shame that it has been prompted this way.

[rshankar]

Dr. Narmadha, this is really unfortunate. I hope that a member of this forum from PA, particularly, in and around Lansdale circulates your heartfelt plea to everyone (specifically the organizers) before the so called event on Nov 22nd.
And, as will everyone else, I look forward to your biography of your father and revered Guruji!

[thanjavooran]

Dr Narmadha,
Eagerly wating for the release. We will stand by you.
With wishes,
Thanjavooran
13 11 2014

[ramamantra]

Yeah, I knew this chap long time back. He's the son of a maths teacher at Mysore, and now a maths prof in US. He's a pathetic musician who did some very bad things to a musician I know. Too deep, this guy. Never knew he would stoop so low...

So sorry for you, Dr Narmada. Surely, I'm also with you.

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

Dear Dr.Narmadhaji: WE ARE ALL BEHIND YOU IN YOUR FIGHT TO PRESERVE YOUR REVERED FATHER AND GREAT VILONIST'S REPUTATION FROM CHARLATANS!! Your family has rendered over FOUR GENERATIONS(and continues to do so) YEOMAN service to Carnatic Music without a stain of mercenary motives. To have such boorish persons "cheapen" the heritage thro false claims-- especially (in this day and age with records archived for posterity I shudder to think such charlatans' attempts could pass off as genuine without any challenges and posterity would be the loser!!

In any case please ADD ONE more "foot-soldier"(old and infirm that I may be!!!) to your 'CALL FOR ARMS" against such flagrant violation of basic cultural decency!!

[srigudi]

Dear Dr.Narmadha,

I look forward to your book release and as a devotee of your father, I would like to pledge my support to you. I met this person at Cleveland this year and he was making tall claims. I always welcome the acquaintance of other rasikas, especially fans of my favorite musicians (MSG sir topping the list). But there was something about him that made me uncomfortable that when he called a couple of times, I simply didn't pickup. I thought I was being rude and judgemental but reading your post, I feel I did the right thing.

regards
Shiva

[hnbhagavan]

This type of clandestine activity to steal a genius's work must be stopped.I look forward to the genuine biography written by Dr. Narmada.

[ganesh_mourthy]

I googled around and could not find a video clip of this person's violin play or whatsoever. Out of the blue he comes..?!!!

[munirao2001]

Dr.M.Narmadha,
Its very much shocking but not surprising. If your information is authentic, Dr.Poorna Pragna unworthy of his naamadheya.
Forunites we should take up this flagrant violations very seriously and support the cause of our fellow member and a maestro musician, herself. Admin and forunites living in US of A and specifically staying where he is located and the event likely to happen to publicly protest and visually raise the banner of condemnation, if he has legally obtained clearance for his unholy act.
Dr.M.Narmadha, do not worry, this will meet its natural act of disappearance, in no time. One of the all time Great Maestro MSG's reputation is beyond any unworthy person to present his unauthorized biography.

munirao2001

[S.NAGESWARAN]

I LOOK FORWARD THE RELEASE OF THE BIOGRAPHY OF SRI MSG, BEING AN ARDENT FAN OF HIM FOR MORE THAN 5 DECADES.

S.NAGESWARAN.
13.11.2014.

[cacm]

I wish to state that I have known Sri.MSG & HIS FAMILY for more than SIX DECADES. As a a matter of fact my eldest sister learnt from the scion of the PARUR TRADITION SRI. PARUR SUNDARAM IYER HIMSELF & OUR ENTIRE FAMILY has been close to the PARUR family for close to seven decades.
We are all looking forward to DR.M.N'S continued success. VKV :-BD :ymapplause:

[appu]

Narmada and fellow forumites,

Any time someone violates trust and takes advantage of our dearly departed, we should band together and scream. Pen is mightier than the sword.

Is the person in question this chap.
http://www.math.ku.edu/~purna/

If so let us all send him emails asking him to cease and desist. Let him know that we are together in protecting the MSG legacy and such charlatans will be called upon.

[VK RAMAN]

Now we are becoming activists.

[ramamantra]

Is the person in question this chap.
http://www.math.ku.edu/~purna/

If so let us all send him emails asking him to cease and desist. Let him know that we are together in protecting the MSG legacy and such charlatans will be called upon.

Exactly the same guy. You're right, urgent need to stop him from conducting the event.

[mahavishnu]

Dr. Narmadha: This is outrageous! I am terribly sorry that this is giving your family so much trouble.
Do we know who the organizer in Lansdale, PA is? If it is a standard (registered) CM organization, there is a lot we can do to put the brakes on this event.

[uday_shankar]

Dr Narmadha:

I look forward to your biography of the legend Shri MSG, given your profound and indescribable bond with him. It will certainly occupy a special place in the hall of fame of musicians' biographies.

That said, the organizer of the event in Lansdale PA is the well known north American musician Smt. Kiranavali Vidyasankar who also happens to be a good friend of mine. Therefore I did a little investigation of my own and I believe that we must not make any assumptions or jump to conclusions hastily. At the outset, let me state that I don't know Shri Purnapragna from Adam so I have no reason to act as a shill for him!

Here are the facts:

What is the talk about
As I understand it, it is a talk on the music and life of MSG, with particular emphasis on style, nothing about any "biography" which is a separate issue.

On the unauthorized use of private clips
There is absolutely no indication that those clips will be used in the proposed talk. I have heard from from mathematicians of impeccable repute who are mutual friends of me and Purnapragna that even in private gatherings he has maintained the ethics of discretion and not played any of those privately made recordings.

Who is "authorized" to write a biography of a public figure
There are perhaps a dozen biographies of Albert Einstein that have appeared over time and I believe two or three of Smt. M.S.Subbalakshmi. Unfortunately, there is no law against anybody writing a biography. Of course, if there is sufficient grounds, the writer can certainly be sued for defamation. "Misrepresentation of facts" is probably harder to prove in a court of law. As regards a multi faceted legend like MSG, there is certainly enough space for more than one biographical point of view. I would say let the chips fall where they may.

Whose disciple is Purnapragna
I have been told that he is a disciple of Shri H K Narasimhamurthy. This could have been clearer in the emails received about the event.

What are Purnapragna's musical credentials
Apparently he is a sufficiently accomplished musician for the Cleveland Tyagaraja Festival to feature him next year. Also, Kiranvali comes from a family of highly accomplished musicians and can be trusted not to feature frauds in her events!

What is Purnapragna's connection to the legend MSG
By all accounts, he is a huge fan and a fanatic of the MSG style and has imbibed elements of it through his guru, Shri H K Narasimhamurthy. Perhaps like an Ekalavya, he may have imbibed something from MSG as well. Everyone mentions that when it comes to music, he talks of nothing except MSG, like a genuine hero-worshipper. I can personally relate to that .

What is the nature of the "Lofty Heights" events in Lansdale
I got this via email:
"...Lofty Heights is an endeavor to foster interest and awareness in this area, esp among music students (and events are made compulsory for that reason for my students). There is no profit involved. Artists have thus far only got their travel covered, for which a nominal ticket is essential. Most times we go out of pocket..."

Given all these facts, I see no reason to "stop" the event ! Perhaps some clarifications can be sought to ensure that all genuine concerns are addressed.

[ganesh_mourthy]

Yes, it is indeed true that there are no stringent rules to abide by on who can write a Biography and it is hard to sue anyone unless the the facts are twisted in a pronounced manner which again is not easy to prove especially on incidents of past.

What surprises me is that the alleged or anyone associated with the event has not come forward to calm down the matters by explaining the facts. If the event was to be any different from what is alleged and if Mr. Purna was simply irked by the campaign against him owing to which he is staying away, I would still appreciate that he just comes forward and clear the air of any rifts . These confusions do happen and it is better to do away with it with some explanation on ones part. I am not taking sides as much , but why is that they are not clearing the air is what surprises me!!

[Kiranavali]

Thanks, Uday, for offering some clarifications on my behalf!

I did not get into this discussion earlier as I am quite swamped with various commitments. But more importantly, I had received a confidential email from Dr. Narmadha last week on this subject to which I had immediately responded, allaying her fears and offering clarifications. I obviously wanted to maintain the confidentiality of her mail as she had explicitly mentioned so in her email.

I have nothing new to add here other than that we've arranged this event in good faith. The artist in question also came highly recommended from sources whose value systems and judgement are impeccable. In all honesty, the artist did not misrepresent himself to me in any manner. The only thing that came through in my very limited interactions with him so far has been his high regard for Sri. MSG.

In general, Lofty Heights events are aimed at students. Many genuine rasikas in this area come and partake of the joy from concerts by artists from various places, and whenever possible, we offer lec-dem type of events. Obviously, as an artist myself, I am wary of the use of any unauthorized material. Such a thing has never happened here and I will definitely not encourage or indulge in anything that might work against the interests of my fellow-artists.

For any further clarifications, I can be reached by email: [email protected].

[hnbhagavan]

Madam Kirvani's clarifications may bring relief that MSG's name is not misutilised,but the event is to highlight MSG's accomplishment.But any event planned this way should have taken Dr.Narmada into confidence and briefed her about the program.Better thing would have been to invite Madam Narnada herself for this event arranging a lecture demonstration/concert.In case there were limitations to invite her,at least the organizers could have consulted her before arranging such a program.
I feel it is still not late to offer more clarity.

[drmnarmadha96]

Thankyou.Dear DRVKV Mamaji,Muniraoji,Arasiji.VKRamanji,Nickji,RShankarji,Thanjavooranji,Ramamantraji,Ramasubramanianji,Srigudiji,HNBhagavanji,Ganesh Moorthyji,Nageswaranji,Appuji,Mahavishnuji and discerning rasikas and all
I am greatly honored for the goodwill :ymapplause: and the wholehearted wonderful support extended by very knowledgeable and distinguished people like you.
I will do my best to convey and communicate MSG Guruji"s outstanding :-BD genius qualities through this biography and hope to reach
each of the musical fraternity, rasikas and students and all .
I want to specially gift the audience with my Violin Solo Tribute concerts to my very dear father MSG Guruji starting from Cleveland and various cities in USA..in spring 2015 starting with he annual Sancara concert at Cornerstone INDIA, ADYAR, time ;6 PM and personally I inivite all of you to as many as you are free to attend.
Best regards,
[email protected]

[drmnarmadha96]

Continuation,, :namaste: ,this special concert of SANCARA is to be held on january 2nd 2015 at Cornerstone, Adyar AT 6PM. I will come back with more details very soon. best regards
[email protected]

[ramamantra]

1. I wonder if any ardent fan can give a presentation on his 'hero'... Is there nothing like qualification? Ppl giving lectures/presentations at the music academy or even your corner sabha have done research on the subject and hold a phd. Can you research in maths and talk on MSG? If Kiranavali's organization doesn't mind, I know a few ardent fans who can come up with such presentations to enlighten students.

2. With so much of opposition, esp from the MSG family, why shld this guy do a talk on music and life of MSG? With his impeccable judgments and value systems, why not give a talk on his own Guru? Doesn't his own Guru deserve a talk from this accomplished disciple who is accomplished enough to get a slot at Cleveland? Why ride on MSG wave and fame?

[hnbhagavan]

Dr.Naramada,

Wishing you all the best in your en devour to propagate the music of legend Sri M S Gopalakrishnan.

[munirao2001]

Now, as rasikas, our duty is not to engage in any further discussion but, to leave the matter to our forunites and maestros DR.MSN and Kiranavali for clarity and understanding.

munirao2001

[arasi]

Thanks to Uday, and to Kiranavali and Narmada for their responses.

Villain and vile acts--may they stay in story books and headliners. No need to storm the Bastille! We needn't over-react. Two very creditable musicians have spoken (Uday has also explained the facts). I don't know the man either, but he is a mathematician, and perhaps a very good one, and a good teacher too. It's just that his devotion for MSG is not contained and is not properly channeled--that's the impression we get from Narmada's post. Kiranavali is the kind of artiste who is discerning. As observers, we can only pay attention to what comes out of all this, rather than get swept away with emotion. 'Wait and see', is what I am going do...

[VK RAMAN]

Yes, now good sense prevails; thanks to Uday and Kiranavali.

[ramamantra]

> I don't know the man either, but he is a mathematician, and perhaps a very good one, and a good teacher too.

No wonder Alfred Nobel despised such characters. I thought he was an irrational rich man as rich men generally are, but now I realise why he did so. This is beyond the well-known reason. Weirdly wired, I'd say.

[Ranganayaki]

So glad to see the developments - that we are not jumping emotionally into activism against a ghost. Just wanted to add that an unauthorized biography is not an illegal or illicit biography. An unauthorized biography is just a greater effort, as it does not have the blessings of the subject and/or the family members. In fact because of the distance it could offer a more objective or better-rounded view of the subject than a biography written by someone who is emotionally close to or indebted to the subject.

I thought everyone was jumping in too hastily and emotionally after reading just one side of the story just because it was the daughter of a famous personality we all know and regard. I wonder if this is appropriate use of rasikas.org .

Does Ms. Narmada feel that she has to authorize each and every meeting held in MSG's honor? I think that is a rather strange position to take.

[arasi]

Ranganayaki,
Let's not read too much into it Dr. Narmada misses the presence of MSG both as her father and as her guru, and who knows what all she has heard through the grapevine about this person? Even here at Rasikas.org where we talk about things in the open forum, statements are misunderstood at times.

Anyhow, this isn't the time to reopen the topic, I feel. Let's wait and see what transpires...

[Ranganayaki]

Thanks, Arasi...

[Nick H]

It is absolutely true that anyone can write a biography about another person. Even if it is absolute nonsense, I don't think it can be stopped. The dead, of course, cannot sue, and, if I remember correctly (my memory/knowledge of the law relating to defamation is about 0.001% of my knowledge of copyright law --- negligible) it is not possible, in law, to libel the dead.

Yes, we should wait and see. What else can we do anyway? We should also respect Dr Narmada's concerns. She is not only as close as close can be to the situation, but she is also a fellow rasikas member.

[Pratyaksham Bala]

Yes, there is no restriction on anyone writing the biography of anyone - living or deceased.

In the case of biography of a person who is alive, the author is liable for any defamation or libel suit by the personality for invasion of privacy, emotional distress, etc.

For writing the biography of a deceased person, no permission is needed from the family members, relatives, or others. The author cannot be sued on this count; but he can be sued by the family members or others for defamation or libel, if they are personally defamed in the biography by falsehood, or there is invasion of privacy, etc.

[ramamantra]

I thought everyone was jumping in too hastily and emotionally after reading just one side of the story just because it was the daughter of a famous personality we all know and regard. I wonder if this is appropriate use of rasikas.org .

Does Ms. Narmada feel that she has to authorize each and every meeting held in MSG's honor? I think that is a rather strange position to take.

Do you have the responsibility of a legacy on your shoulders, at all? It is a strange take on an honourable musician and in very bad taste.