Writing on politics by CM artistes (Contd/-)

[vgovindan]

Here is the ugly side of when music and political opinion mix:
http://www.mid-day.com/articles/shubha- ... s/15361178

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 316053.cms

Mohan,
Kindly read the article published in TOI. The organizer simply wanted that the forum should not be used for any anti-Modi activity. I had visited once Sunnyvale Temple. It is frequented by Indians of all hues. Therefore, what is wrong with that caution? But the sensibilities of Ms Mudgal has become more important - that is the headline - than that of those who adore her for her music. I consider this hot-headedness on the part of the artist.

Is it not right to say these artists - including TMK - exploit their popularity as artists to propagate their ideas which are not at all related to their art? TMK less his art will probably be a big zero. This is very regrettable. They have every right to propagate their ideas - but the drum beaters - of both types - for and anti - are the ones who send wrong messages by relating their - artists - ideas to the art. Otherwise, this topic itself would not be here. By the same token, I should not be responding to the post, but there must be an end to use of this form for such purposes - let us not call ourselves as 'rasikas' but something else.

[varsha]

this is exactly the point where kabir gets relevant. politics is a matter of conviction for the larger good
tmk comes out honestly consistent atleast.

wodehouse's humor fell short of classical all time greatness by his cowardly act of giving a pro nazi broadcast at gun point.

let us muster the courage to anoint kabir as rastra kavi and so many simple solutions appear on the horizon

[munirao2001]

vgovindan Sir
Your statement "TMK less his art will probably be a big zero", is shocking. He is a thinker and communicates his emotions, understanding and realization through writing, besides his art music. His writing, observations, insights and statements have received the appreciation of intellectuals and practitioners of art. Yet another example of pride, prejudice and conditioned mind with the comfort of dismissive mind.
Artist is at first, a human being. High sensitivity, observation, inference, reflection and meditation on the art and also environment and supportive society for life, very living maketh an artist, attainments and achievements. Why as a citizen artist is not expected to feel, react, think and communicate his happiness, unhappiness and also serious repercussions likely to affect the lives of the disadvantaged sections in the society? To excel both as an artist and a human being, health and wealth of emotions are highly critical factors. These artists are spiritual, with the spirit of humanism.
On TMK as an artist of great merits-performer, teacher, thinker, scholar, writer and activist, I urge every one of the rasika of art to read his book 'Southern Music-Karnatik Music story'. If rasikas do not want to invest time to read the book, please send me request e-mail to send my own '51 Great Observations and Great Insights' in his book. If you read, with mind in inquiry and openness, you will understand the TMK, the artist. For your kind information, I have sent my 30+ questions for his clarification on my own understanding. TMK has conveyed to me in his reply that to appreciate the nuances raised by questions, a personal discussion would be better than exchange of letters and has offered to meet me for a detailed discussions.
To sum up an art practitioner is a human and as a citizen of the world, has his right to express,communicate and contribute.

[Nick H]

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/indi ... 316053.cms

Mohan,
Kindly read the article published in TOI. The organizer simply wanted that the forum should not be used for any anti-Modi activity. I had visited once Sunnyvale Temple ...

I kindly read it. I also read the small report in today's The Hindu. With the proviso that we are all going by various media reports, there would seem to be nothing simply about it except simply rudeness and bullying. In what way could it be expected that a classical music concert would be used for anti-[any-politician] activities? It really doesn't matter what name one puts in those brackets, this looks to have been a completely unforgivable attack. Disgusting behaviour.

Perhaps he dominates and bullies committees too? Perhaps they would like to get rid of him and can't.

Perhaps I'm a bit over-sensitive to such things ...but I'm a music lover, and a respected of arts and artists.

When and if our classical musicians start delivering politics from the stage. then will be the time to complain.

Or should they be carefully vetted before booking/appearance? Shall we have committees to demand of them, "Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of the communist party?"

Whilst I don't see our classical-music stage as a place for the propagation of politics (although other genres and arts are certainly that) I applaud munirao2001's statement

To sum up an art practitioner is a human and as a citizen of the world, has his right to express,communicate and contribute.

[mahavishnu]

Munirao-ji: I think this is your most valuable post yet.

I also kindly read the above mentioned article and I entirely agree with Nick. There is nothing the behavior of that particular organizer (from the media reports) that suggests anything other than rudeness and bullying.

I am also troubled by seemingly reasonable people being ok with this pseudo-moral Gestapo-ism.

[uday_shankar]

Kindly read the article published in TOI. The organizer simply wanted that the forum should not be used for any anti-Modi activity. I had visited once Sunnyvale Temple. It is frequented by Indians of all hues. Therefore, what is wrong with that caution? But the sensibilities of Ms Mudgal has become more important - that is the headline - than that of those who adore her for her music. I consider this hot-headedness on the part of the artist.

Govindan sir, freedom of speech and dissent are important, progressive modern ideas that we cannot turn our backs on. I read the article and it is seems like it's entirely the organizers' fault for inviting Shubha Mudgal if they had any misgivings about her politics. For her part, she has been perfectly forthright and honest, not "hot-headed" at all.

TMK less his art will probably be a big zero.

Is this a curse or an assertion ? Either way, it's a bit over the top, don't you think ?

[vsarmaiitm]

I wish Ms. Mudgal reads this
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-pa ... 070562.ece
and probably it may soften her stance. It did open my eyes about this person

Also so much negativity and rudeness in arts (both performers and rasikas).

It is time to invoke Tyagaraja and the message is clear

anurAgamu lEni manasuna sujnAnamu rAdu -
http://sahityam.net/w/index.php?title=Anuragamu_leni

Without compassion the REAL knowledge will never be attained !

Also why do people go right and left while the centre/middle path is suitable (chakkani rAja mArgamu !!)

[kvchellappa]

How does the Hindu anecdote relate to bullying of Mrs. Shuba Mudgal? How does an organiser get any say what an artist's political leaning should be?

[munirao2001]

Mahavishnu Sir
Thanks for the understanding and the compliment.

Vsaramaiitm

Real trouble and challenge is minds not in inquiry, observation and attention, continuing the endless journey with the set beliefs of a 'Chakkani Raja Margamu'. I do not believe in a middle path. Middle path does not surmount both right and left. Realization of 'the path' only culminates the journey, reaching the destination.
To illustrate, see the maya, the wonder works of the mind sense of appreciating the 'art' in the expression and experience of bhava, emotion in the naada, sound of svara(s) and condemnation of bhava, emotion in the expression and experience of saahithya, words, as a total lack of 'art', in the works of an artist!

munirao2001

[Nick H]

I wish Ms. Mudgal reads this
http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-pa ... 070562.ece
and probably it may soften her stance. It did open my eyes about this person

Her "stance" is not in question, her treatment is.

Unless a performer goes beyond the pale, to the extent that no person would want to associate with them, their thoughts and political beliefs are their business. What's so hard to get about that?

What next? Are voting papers to be inspected before a person is allowed on the stage, or even into a building?

There are some very unhealthy ideas about.

[vsarmaiitm]

Nick and kvchellappa

Sorry. I am reading the thread first time and also not aware of the artist' opinions etc.
Being irreverent to the current crop of politicians in general, the above article has certainly showed me different facet of the person.
I agree it is not related to the incident that is being discussed !
However, I did mention that I am sad about the rudeness of the organiser (if the media reports are true).

Munirao sir,

When I say middle path I did not mean it literally ! (certainly not middle of the road )
I meant realization of truth witthout any prejudice / pre-conceived notions.

[munirao2001]

vsaramaiitm
I also did not post with physical journey and road :-!
munirao2001

[Ponbhairavi]

In social interactions,similarity of tastes brings people together.We music lovers agglutinate as Rasikas,This can also be seen in train travels(cards players ,bhajan lovers ..)The converse is also true.difference in tastes estranges people(even between husbands and wives) Similarlyideological differences also have such effects.Politics is a most sensitive and highly inflammable field in which every one thinks he is right.(one vote only for NObel laureates and street dwellers)Generally most of us(except political analysts like Gurumurthy arun shourie cho )observe restraint in public when expressing political opinion though we have every right to shout it out.
While this is true for ordinary individuals,PEOPLE WHOSE CAREER IS LINKED WITH CROWDS (hoteliers, players,cinema stars, musicians,) are generally wise not to antagonize any section of their fans by expressing their political credo UNNECESSARILY.Their article are read not to get enlightenment. Butonly out of general inquisitiveness,akin to wanting to know what soap a cinema star uses.persons like TMK simply do not care about antagonizing any section of their fans as they are already saturated
they would even come to give performance next time with a T shirt exhibiting a hand or two leaves or the rising sun or even the logo of THE HINDU newspaper or the emblem of a business house(sponsor)
Most of the musicians would be terribly embarrassed if in the next margazhi mahotsav the prize winning rasikas ask them what is your favorite political party.Days may not be far off when dilettante politician s write articles in their magazines or party newspapers about the Anomaly of Ariakudy bani or the essentiality of first singing the Tamil translation before rendering a thyagaraja swamy kriti.

[arasi]

Ponbhairavi,
Liberty, Equality, Brotherhood! All difficult to live by, as you say

Can't but think of that englishman who had indian connections and whose books spoke ever so emphatically of what we are gaping at...

[Ponbhairavi]

- Arasi pl excuse my ignorance . I do not know who that Englishman is and what is his book. Would you pl elucidate ?

[Nick H]

I don't get it either, although the answer might be a DOH! moment for me. Arasi's knowledge of literature exceeds mine, even the literature of my mother-tongue.

I'll take a guess: George Orwell? Born in India. Not sure whether I knew that or not.

Animal Farm: something like: Everybody is equal, but some are more equal than others.

[arasi]

Nick,
Yes, George Orwell, born in Motihiri, then Bengal. No, I haven't read as much as some folks here, and Ponbhairavi certainly would have read him in translation (in french)!