Harassment of Musicians - Example: Karaikudi Mani

shadjam · Post by **shadjam** » 21 Jul 2007, 21:37

http://www.kumudam.com/magazine/Reporte ... 26/pg3.php

This article is in the Kumudam Reporter (free membership required to read this). Vidwan Karaikudi Mani, Ghatam Suresh and violinisit Varadarajan were insulted in the panayur railway station. The railway officials demanded luggage charges for their music instruments and they ended up paying Rs.780 in fines. I hope the indian railway makes a note of this incident and takes necessary action to make sure these things are not repeated in the future.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 21 Jul 2007, 22:36

shadjam:
I don't think it is an insult to demand luggage charges from musicians. They are just general public just like you and I. In fact I'd not ask for special privileges for them or for anybody else. In the Indian context some VIPs may demand such privileges. I'd say even that is wrong. If you exempt one group of people from such charges then other groups will start demanding the same and there will be no end. Paying luggage charges when due and paying fine when in default is in the game of things. No insult need be implied since the officials were perhaps doing their duty. If only they let them go without paying then they would be breaking the law.

kutty · Post by **kutty** » 21 Jul 2007, 23:17

Yes I agree with Mahakavi. There is no insult at all. Nobody is above law
howsoever great. A passenger is allowed luggage charges as follows (in kgs):

Class Max Limit Free Allowance Marginal Allowance

AC I 150 70 15
AC2T SL/Ist Cl 100 50 10
AC3T SL/ACChr 40 40 10
SL(Ex/Ody) 80 40 10
II (Exp/Ody) 70 35 10

Luggage beyond the above quantity can be booked in advance and carried in the brake-van. If the luggage exceeds marginally the charges are at normal rates. Above marginal allowance penalty will be charged, if detected.

Even if the above have travelled in SL class, the three could easily carry together 120kgs without charge and beyond this and up to 150kgs at normal rates. They would have carried more than this limit and also arugued demanding privileges. It is only some third rated magazines and people who give undue importance to people who are normal like every one of us. For instance, by giving such lift only, people like Tendulkar had gone down from performance. Please learn to treat them as normal beings and not gods. Shadjam: you have not played the correct note!

shadjam · Post by **shadjam** » 21 Jul 2007, 23:22

Mahakavi Sir,

I donâ€™t think Mridangam, Ghatam and Violin are large enough to be charged such a high luggage charges. I believe each passenger is entitled to carry 2/3 bags on his own. The instruments are definitely not larger than the usual luggage one carries (AC passengers are allowed to carry 70 kg with a marginal allowance of 15 kg; this I took from the Indian railways website; there is no mention of number of luggage allowed). Moreover, the checking inspectors have told them not to bring the instruments with them and they need to keep it in a separate compartment meant for luggage. I donâ€™t think any musician (especially the ghatam artist) would allow this after knowing how Indian Railways usually handle the luggage. This was obviously all done expecting some money from them and one of the officers told them to â€˜adjustâ€™ with them. They had to pay this hefty fine after refusing to â€˜adjustâ€™ with them. Above all, Ghatam Suresh was asked to show his certificate handicap (he is affected by Polio) when he argued with them. I donâ€™t vidwans of such high stature deserve these treatment when they havenâ€™t actually violated any rules.

drshrikaanth · Post by **drshrikaanth** » 21 Jul 2007, 23:30

kutty
from your chart of allowed weight, there is no way the instruments would have crossed the limit. It is silly to argue that it is ok and assume that the IR employee was in the right. It appears, some fellow who has no clue about music decided to make a profit by demanding a bribe and when his plan was frustrated, decided out of spite to "teach a lesson". Is this not an all too common story?(witnessed or heard by many of us?).

I agree no one is above the law. But the law should be applied fairly and equaly to all.

shadjam · Post by **shadjam** » 21 Jul 2007, 23:35

Kutty Sir,

I missed your post. Even if you consider the 50 kg weight limit (40 kg + 10 kg allowance) I donâ€™t see a musician going for a concert carrying that much weight. A typical Mridangam weighs around 10-15 kg. Check the following Mridangam link for a 23 lbs Mridangam which comes to around 10 kg (after unit conversion).

http://www.musicoutfitters.com/ethnic/mirs.htm

Assuming that the heaviest of all three is Mridangam, I donâ€™t see the musicians carrying 30-40 kg of clothes when the local concerts require a travel of day or two. The check-in baggage allowance in the international flights is 2 X 32 kgs. I know how heavy a 32 kg bag is and what it takes to pack to full 32 kg. I donâ€™t see a musician carrying that much weight for a concert.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 21 Jul 2007, 23:57

shadjam:
None of us know the details of the situation. There could have been additional baggages besides the musical instruments. The railway official thought the passengers should have paid excess baggage fares before boarding. He may(?) have miscalculated the total weight. But he was not supposed to give special concession to the musicians (he would have done it if it was an MLA or some such individual---but that is another matter altogether). The musicians were in their right to dispute the charges if the weights were under the limit. We don't (and perhaps even they may not have known) know that. Perhaps the musicians consented to pay the fines since they did not want to risk being late to their destination if they were to insist on weighing the baggages. Sure there are cases of malpractice among officials. In the absence of further details, I would not take the incident as an insult. It is just an unfortunate incident. That is all. If I were a scientist of great repute and if it happened to me I would just curse my luck and move on. Lots of such happenings are commonplace. I would not consider this as a "caste-based" or "profession-based" or some such incident.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 22 Jul 2007, 00:08

I donâ€™t vidwans of such high stature deserve these treatment when they havenâ€™t actually violated any rules.

I don't think anybody should be, do you?

I'm not registering with some site to read the article (and it looks likely to be in Tamil anyway).

But these guys travel the world on a regular basis, and must be at least as aware of the stuff that happen as the rest of us --- and have probably experienced worse, even here in their home country.

I wonder if the site Mods might change the title of the thread. I was quite shocked and concerned to see it.

shadjam · Post by **shadjam** » 22 Jul 2007, 00:28

Mahakavi Sir,

I agree that these types of incidents are commonplace. However, these usually come out to light only when a high profile personality is involved. Not many of them have the courage to standup against these corrupt officials. First of all, we need to commend Karaikudi Mani and group for having decided to lodge his protest. If I were him I would hesitate to file the charges if I am not confident that I havenâ€™t violated any rules because I would end up spoiling my reputation if I am found guilty. As a matter of fact, they have argued, in vain, against the officials before paying the fine.

I donâ€™t think I have done of good job of explaining what I read in the article. Is there a way I can copy and paste it in Tamil Fonts in the forum?

drshrikaanth · Post by **drshrikaanth** » 22 Jul 2007, 01:39

shadjam/others
If you can, please post a translation of the original article. That will do.

shadjam · Post by **shadjam** » 22 Jul 2007, 03:07

Here is the article in image form:

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 22 Jul 2007, 04:26

I read the article in Thamizh. From the side of KM, it appears the officials have gone overboard in enforcing the rules. It appears somebody must have reported about the instruments being carried on board by the passengers and based on the report the officials encountered the musicians. One thing is clear. The musicians did not exceed the baggage limit. Otherwise they could not have carried all their baggages while walking out. As for the general practice of carrying musical instruments with the musicians in the compartments they travel needs to be examined. What do the other musicians do when they travel by train? Are there rules that such instruments cannot be carried in person by the musicians but can only be checked in, according to Indian Railway rules? Until those rules are known it is difficult to come to a decision.

I agree the officials should have behaved with more decency. If it is true that they misbehaved they deserve to be punished. The inquiry by a higher official may bring to light details which are not available as yet. This is not a "fabricated" case, in my view nor are the musicians politically inclined to have been the target of a vendetta. Let us wait for the inquiry. In cases like this I am sure justice will prevail. A railway official who is very much detached from the group in question would be appointed to investigate. If the concerned officials misbehaved and acted against the normal rules they deserve to be punished and the musicians in question must be tendered an apology on behalf of the railway board.

By the way when the mridangam and ghatam artistes travel by air (domestic or international), do they take their instruments with them in the cabin? Is there room on the overhead bins or under the seat in most planes to store them? If they are checked in do they suffer any damage?

kutty · Post by **kutty** » 22 Jul 2007, 06:30

shadjam

I too have read the article. I regret in not knowing the details of the incident. It is quite possible the Government official behave badly with gullible people. At the same time remedies are available and action is taken if proved, especially by Railways. I have experienced. Since they have lodged the complaint, they will get back the money if they take it to its logical end. I suggest also that the matter be referred to Chief Vigilance Officer of S Rly.

Once I was charged by the same train to Kolkata from Chennai and back differently and when I lodged a complaint I got back the excess charged. Similarly, when an aged couple were insulted by an official of the Central Station, I took up the matter with the GM and they deputed an inspector for details and asked the gentleman to apologise as well as transfered him. Since the present CM of Tamil Nadu supports the artistes in various fields he should take up the matter with Laluji.

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 22 Jul 2007, 07:31

Mr. Kutty's chart above is from the following webpage.

http://www.indianrail.gov.in/rules_for_luggage.html

As mahakavi observes, it appears that the weight limits may not have been exceeeded. In that case, I submit there is NO basis to fine the artistes. It is probably an outrage.

If you read the above webpage, it is quite silent on the matter of volume (go figure!!). So even if you submit that a mridangam or ghatam may not fit under the seat (at least ALL seats), that's not a violation of any rule, just the ad hoc practice of train travelers.

There are separate rules only for the following categories:

1) RULES FOR CARRYING PETS,DOGS,HORSES OTHER LIVE ANIMALS AND BIRDS
2) Rules and rates for charging bicycles , tricycles motor bicycles and tricycles with auto-wheel attachments,side carts , go-carts , perambulators , rickshaws etc.

The only way the official could have fined the vidvan for for carrying the mridangam or ghatam is by invoking the "etc" classification in rule 2 above. And that doesn't make sense because we must admit in all honesty that a mridangam or ghatam cannot readily be clubbed together with "bicycles , tricycles motor bicycles and tricycles with auto-wheel attachments,side carts , go-carts , perambulators and rickshaws " except in the broadest sense that they are all manmade objects.

I would speculate that a corrupt railway official has taken advantage of the gentle, docile, "vibhuti pattai"-donning vidvans and jerked them around.

Outrageous.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 22 Jul 2007, 08:22

All in all, a pathetic incident. This kind of behavior on the part of the railway staff is inexcusable. As rasikAs, we may feel offended since this happened to our favored musicians. Such rudeness and unfair treatment should not be meted out to ANY passenger, as Nick pointed out. My guess too is that they were looking for some extra cash. Hope the poor vidwans got to their destination on time and played in a commendable way, pros that they are...

uday_shankar · Post by **uday_shankar** » 22 Jul 2007, 09:35

Mr. (or Ms.) Kutty,

Couple of points:

1) Please don't tar Carnatic artistes with the same brush as you might cricketers, movie stars, even some Hindustani musicians who are given to the ugly, crass behavior normally associated with celebrityhood. The generation of Carnatic musicians from which Shri Karaikkudi Mani comes are people who have extremely simple lifestyles while they practise an exceptionally high art. It's an ideal worthy of emulation for all time.

2) I also object to your use of the word "gullible" in post #13. They are not gullible. In fact, in most cases, they are very sharp but naturally gentle and non-confrontational. I agree that everyone should be treated equally. All I am asking is that a gentle, non-confrontational Carnatic artiste be treated the same as a combative layman like yourself!

kutty · Post by **kutty** » 22 Jul 2007, 14:21

Uday_Shankar

Mr. (or Ms.) Kutty

The prefix in the bracket does not apply to me.

The term 'gullible' is used with the same intention of the sentence, quoted below and used by you.

"I would speculate that a corrupt railway official has taken advantage of the gentle, docile, "vibhuti pattai"-donning vidvans and jerked them around.

The example of Tendulkar was to point out the nature most of the Indians adopt in lifting a celebrity and spoiling the career of the individual and not to equate with any other person as you assume. Whether it is a Carnatic musician, a Hindustani musician or a film artiste in the peak, he/she has to toil to reach that level as such I do not think anything wrong in just quoting the example. If you visit the site sangeethapriya and similar ones, you would be aware how ugly some of the Carnatic Musicans behave with the CM lovers.

It is quite unfortunate that we do not want to think beyond Thamizh Nadu or South India. By the by, I know Karaikkudi Mani since he was 9 years old and attending the Narsimha jayanthi festival at Pudukkottai holding his grand father's hand.

vijay · Post by **vijay** » 22 Jul 2007, 14:38

I admit to being complelety ignorant of railways but I've carted all sorts of things on trains without any eyebrows being raised - rackets, sundry pieces of furniture - even the prams that Uday mentions! It is hard to think of any explanation other than some greedy railway officials spotting a conspicuous and seemingly hapless prey. Knowing KRM, I am sure he must have put up a good fight!

I ceratainly hope the rascals responsible are brought to book but unfortunately do not share Kutty's optimisim about the railway's inclination to do so. That will have to wait for some CM-loving bureaucrat/railway officer to intervene!

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 22 Jul 2007, 20:59

For the benefit of those who did not read the kumudam article and also those who cannot read Thamizh, let me summarize the story published in kumudam.

The artistes concerned went by air to Mangalore on the 14th (June?), performed a concert in panaiyUr (near Mangalore) and returned by West Coast Express (train) on the 16th reaching Madras Central at 3:15 PM. (Nothing happened during the train journey--no official bothered them there). While they were walking out of the train traversing the Platform #1, they were met by some railway officials who asked the artistes whether they paid luggage fare for the instruments. KRM told them that they did not and that the items were within the baggage allowances for those traveling by A/C coach. The officials countered by saying that "musical instruments cannot be carried on board in the passenger compartments but should be placed in luggage van (after paying the proper charges)". Some arguments ensued and the officials took them to the office of the higher-up in 7th platform. There the higher-up asked the artistes to tell their version. KRM replied that he has been carrying his mridangam with him for 30+ years. At that time the official said "in that case you have to pay fine for all the 30 years".

Another official on the sideline apparently told KRM to apologize and "adjust". KRM said "No, I will not do so; rather I will pay the fine of Rs. 780". End of story.

Two issues which need consideration:
1. Apparently there is a rule in the Railway rulebook somewhere that musical instruments can only be carried in the luggage van. Otherwise there is no need for the officials to confront the artistes while they were walking out through the platform #1. The officials must have been familiar with the (obscure) rules in detail or at least thought so. Obviously the higher-up must have been familiar with the rules. It may be true that KRM carried his mridangam personally with him in trains before. It is likely nobody enforced the rules during all those years. It just so happened to be their unlucky day when all the three artistes together were confronted by the officials. Both sides probably exchanged words to the dislike of the other. When that happens the officials will always win. (Have you ever, in the US, argued with a police officer for a traffic violation? Even without any argument you will get a citation if the cop thinks you are in violation. It does not matter if you are a Senator or Paris Hilton/Lindsay Lohan). The rules book perhaps contains, in some obscure place, a statement that musical instruments should be carried only in the luggage van. The officials might insist, "ignorance of law is no excuse". The traveling public may not be expected to know all the "silly" rules. But rules can be enforced to the letter if the official insists.

2. As for the word "adjust", the official perhaps meant, "do not get offended by the confrontation, just say 'sorry' and keep going". Perhaps KRM thought that by "adjust" it means to give some bribe and was offended since he did not commit any crime.

All in all it is an unfortunate incident. That is my take on the episode. There may have been additional undercurrents we are not aware of from reading the kumudam story. Let us wait for the final outcome. Until then let us not reproach each other in this forum. As I used to declare, "pAmarar mudal paNDidar varai" (from the least educated to the most learned) everybody should be treated equally under the law. It does not always happen. But whoever said "life is fair"?

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 22 Jul 2007, 21:03

vijay wrote:I ceratainly hope the rascals responsible are brought to book but unfortunately do not share Kutty's optimisim about the railway's inclination to do so. That will have to wait for some CM-loving bureaucrat/railway officer to intervene!

We don't need a CM-loving official to render "justice" in this case. That would be unfair too (being partial to a cause without following the rules). All we need is an impartial official totally divorced from the incident at hand to investigate the case. If it is found that the officials were wrong with respect to the rules they were quoting they should be punished and the fines refunded. If they happened to be right but misbehaved then an apology to the musicians is in order.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 22 Jul 2007, 21:11

Uday_Shankar wrote:Mr. (or Ms.) Kutty,

2) I also object to your use of the word "gullible" in post #13. They are not gullible. In fact, in most cases, they are very sharp but naturally gentle and non-confrontational. I agree that everyone should be treated equally. All I am asking is that a gentle, non-confrontational Carnatic artiste be treated the same as a combative layman like yourself!

"gullible" does not mean "stupid". It just means "vulnerable". Some of the meanings for that word are: naive, credulous, easily cheated or deceived.

One can be very intelligent and highly talented but could still be easily cheated under some strange circumstances over which they have no control. In my opinion the word "gullible" has been used appropriately by kutty. No offense need be taken. Anybody can be gullible at sometime of their lives in some place under some strange circumstance.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 22 Jul 2007, 22:27

Even with some of the pitfalls, 'gullible' can also mean open minded. Ah, refreshing...

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 22 Jul 2007, 23:31

To answer one query... it is not normally possible to carry a mridangam as hand luggage on an airplane. The rules for dimension and weight are often stricly applied, and a mridangam would fail on both counts.

However, it is a tough instrument, being made of a solid piece of wood. As long as the heads are padded and protected it will be fine in its soft bag.

I don't think a ghatam would be allowed, either, due to its dimensions. I do not know how they are packed for such travel, despite the fact that one of the first times that I had the opportunity to converse with Ghatam Suresh was at Heathrow whilst waiting to board our flight.

A violin is probably no problem to take on board; I'm sure that violinists would not be separated from their instruments.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 23 Jul 2007, 00:04

Last year there was a news report that Ravi Shankar's sitar was damaged by poor handling by the airline. The concert in Europe was about to be cancelled when in the final hour, they managed to fly another sitar from the U.K. I am mentioning this for the inference that sitars are normally checked in. I would think Veena would fit in that category as well. I also wonder about how they package and take Ghatam with them for their overseas trips.

I personally experienced the Indian railway baggage rules earlier this year. They have gotten a lot stricter in enforcing the rules. There are separate rules for PCs by the way. They enforce that stricter than other rules. There was a bit of a line in that cargo counter with many young people waiting to pay the extra fees for carrying computers and monitors.

Given the quantity of traffic, they still only check randomly. The episode under discussion does seem like an overzealous enforcement of rules that are in the grey area.

I absolutely love Indian train travel. But if you have many pieces of heavy luggage as is commonly the case of a couple travelling internationally to a smaller city like Coimbatore, Trichi or Madurai, these days it is better to fly if you can get a cheap fare and pay for excess baggage. You may still pay a little bit more but I think it is worth it. The idea of the porters carrying the baggage in the midst of the sea of humanity on railway platforms and running desperately behind them so as not to miss them is not somthing I look forward to.

harimau · Post by **harimau** » 23 Jul 2007, 00:43

Mridangams and ghatams are checked baggage on planes. Violins and flutes are carried as carry-on baggage.

Those taking two mridangams put them in special trunks designed to carry two mridangams so that they don't exceed the baggage allowance.

Veena, thambura, sitar, etc., are packed in large trunks which are nicely padded and checked as baggage on planes. I have seen no damage to any of these instruments from the baggage handling process.

On Indian Railways, musicians carry their instruments with them with no hassles from anybody. I have seen mridangams carried this way.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 23 Jul 2007, 02:07

Several years ago, our fellow travellers bound for the US were a spiffy Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (in fine kurta and patent leather white sandals!) and his son (in jeans and sneakers). At the baggage carousel, the younger Sharma was waiting worriedly for the santoor cases, as papa watched intently. I had noticed the baggage men set them aside earlier in a corner. As I brought this to his attention, he was full of 'thank yous' and made a bee line to them! VIP status doesn't always work when it comes to rules.
I have seen quilt-lined soft carrying cases for ghatams. Protective enough I suppose, for pots made with iron particles...

meena · Post by **meena** » 23 Jul 2007, 03:26

My friends have ordered & carried large/small musical instruments from chennai/b'lore. The airline considers this as one checked baggage. The mridangam with case will not fit into a suitcase.

When u place an order for the instruments u can also order a 'fiberglass (?) travel case'- looks very fancy comes with satin cloth padding (the veena/sitar case can be mistaken for a coffin). Also comes with wheels.
If the airlines/railway mishandle the instruments one need not have to worry

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 23 Jul 2007, 07:02

After reading the complete article I noticed that another 'familiar' Railway official has averred that KM has not violated any rules. (the official did not want his name to be quoted). Since he must be aware of the Railway rules it is clear that this is a clear case of harassment. I even suspect that it is an act of 'racism' since it has taken place at Chennai Central.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 23 Jul 2007, 07:48

As Nick wondered earlier in the thread, would the admin please consider changing the title of this thread to something less sensational? After all, KM was not the only musician who was harassed. AND, the forum is not a tabloid which employs headlines to sell more copies (of course, none of the moderators or admin started the thread!). The wording is such that it can make KM feel uneasy too...

mridhangam · Post by **mridhangam** » 23 Jul 2007, 10:50

Hello friends at Forum

KM is not the only musician who was insulted like this ... long before i think in 1986 or 1987 when violin vidwan (late) K K Ravi (son of Vidwan Calcutta K S Krishnamurthy) had a similar experience with the railway authorities and had paid a fine for taking violin in his second class coach. The TTE was very rude and quoted some rule which included Musical Instruments also to be booked under the Brake van. But at that time our N V Subramaniam, (Saraswathi Vaggeyakkara Trust) was in a Senior position (i think Senior Operations superintendent) in Southern Railways and it was promptly brought to notice by K K Ravi and others members at YACM. (KK Ravi was an integral part of YACM until fate decided otherwise when he died in an accident in Norway). Shri.N.V.Subramaniam saw to it that the case was amicably settled and there was no such incidence for the last 20 odd years since then till now. We dont know what the railway rules are exactly. There are always rules and practice. What happens is what we know or what we experience until someone comes and correct the practice according to the rules. But as far as musical instruments are concerned it is utterly ridiculous to expect it to be in the Brake Van along with Fishes, and other perishables along with innumerable Vehicles and other protruding and jutting parts. More so i have seen them handle the luggages very harshly and such a treatment should never be meted out to Goddess Saraswathi. All of us might fight this out and make proper amendments to the Rules in the Railways. It has to be a collective effort. I sincerely request some signature campaign or even a letter to the President of India with a copy to the Railway Ministry from all the artistes all over India as this is not confined to South India alone. It has to be an all India campaign to make amendments to the rules as it is absolutely within the permissible weight limits to take instruments.

J.Balaji

prashant · Post by **prashant** » 23 Jul 2007, 11:01

Fair comments by VK and Balaji Sir. I have deleted my previous comments. Sorry for the digression & trouble caused.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 23 Jul 2007, 11:04

Just a preemptive suggestion. Let us not take this thread in the political direction...

mridhangam · Post by **mridhangam** » 23 Jul 2007, 11:09

Yes Prashant please stay away from Politics of this Issue and about our President. Not for nothing she would have got more than 3 Lakh votes. People can change and that includes our President. Hence it is for us to decided what we want to do to safeguard our System, Values and tradition. In that sense i mentioned a sort of action that might attract attention including the President of India. Assume a letter signed by Dr.Balamuralikrishna (May be he doesnt Travel by train but i am sure he will sympathise with other innumerable artistes of his own clan) or even a getting a signature from big wigs of our music system who have close connection with the Government can easily move things in our favour and why not change the rules ? Let us think Positive and stay positive That is all for now.
J.Balaji

meena · Post by **meena** » 23 Jul 2007, 12:12

Assume a letter signed by Dr.Balamuralikrishna (May be he doesnt Travel by train but i am sure he will sympathise with other innumerable artistes of his own clan) or even a getting a signature from big wigs of our music system who have close connection with the Government can easily move things in our favour and why not change the rules ?

DELETED

drshrikaanth · Post by **drshrikaanth** » 23 Jul 2007, 12:39

Ok. I have altered the title to a less titillating one

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 23 Jul 2007, 20:12

Thank you, doc...

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 23 Jul 2007, 21:03

mridhangam:
I sympathize with what you said about the difficult situation regarding placing the musical instruments in the luggage van. I am pretty sure there is a clause somewhere that musical instruments (exceeding certain size) must be checked in and not carried as personal possessions in passenger compartments. As is obvious flute, morsing, kanjira, and perhaps violin are exempt from this grouping. As you mentioned practice is one thing and conforming to rules is another. In the past the practice of carrying the instruments under personal possession has been sanctioned (?) de facto but not de jure. However, when it comes to going by the book and if the particular official insisted on it there is nothing we could do. One can read harassment in such treatment or it could be an overzealous official (perhaps waiting for a promotion?) trying to beef up his resume.

Under normal circumstances, the official could have waved them off with warnings (citing the rules). The artistes could also have managed the situation better. The problem is when the officials are confronted they don't let go easily. That is what happened. A mole hill has become a mountain. I am not sure any useful purpose would be served by taking it to the President of India (He/she is after all a figurehead). What I would suggest is: the music organizations in various states can join together and send a memo to the General Manager, Railways with a copy to the Railway ministry asking for an exemption to the rule with respect to musical instruments. When a viable case is presented as to why the musical instruments should be exempt from the rule, the higher-up officials might relent since it would not otherwise cause any problems to anybody else. Rules can be amended when approached properly.

vasanthakokilam · Post by **vasanthakokilam** » 23 Jul 2007, 21:53

I am pretty sure there is a clause somewhere that musical instruments (exceeding certain size) must be checked in and not carried as personal possessions in passenger compartments.

Most of the rules regarding baggage are in the railway guide. Can someone please check if any such rules exist? In the railway guide there is a special mention for PCs and monitors, so if there is a rule about musical instruments, there is a good chance it is in the guide.

mahakavi · Post by **mahakavi** » 23 Jul 2007, 22:15

Usually there is a catalytic event before some change in an existing set-up is made. When a top "leader" in a government gets cancer there begins a huge influx of funds for cancer research (at least it is true in the US). It may be a blessing in disguise that this event happened so that some rational soul in the railway organization can initiate a change and modify the rules for musical instruments. Likewise, PCs and monitors do not need to be put in the luggage van. They are compact and can be carried with the passengers. If any of our forum members knows some railway official (high up) please forward the entire thread so that he/she can get the ball rolling to initiate the process so that other musicians may avoid the same fate. I fully endorse the view that the musical instruments are delicate and should be carried in person.

As for the checked items, even in airplanes, there is no guarantee that they will be handled delicately. Musicians must take extra care by padding the instruments once over before packing them in fiberglass cases or satin-cushioned containers.

shadjam · Post by **shadjam** » 23 Jul 2007, 23:04

Mahakavi Sir and others,

Do you think we can start a petition online and once we get a substantial number of rasikas sign the petition we can forward the petition to the concerned officials along with a printout of this thread? This way we can have our voices raised in support of our musicians.

kutty · Post by **kutty** » 23 Jul 2007, 23:46

shadjam

Mahakavi Sir and others,

Do you think we can start a petition online and once we get a substantial number of rasikas sign the petition we can forward the petition to the concerned officials along with a printout of this thread? This way we can have our voices raised in support of our musicians.

There is no harm in doing.The effective way is, if the persons who suffred send a letter with a copy of the incident reported along with the copy of our discussions to the Chief Commercial officer, SE Railway endorsing copies to the CGM and Chairman Railway Board with a request to refund the money in the absence of clear cut rules in their books supplied to public consumption (not to their officials) and formulation of rules if not done to make the passengers aware of such specific rules. Our taking up the matter directly instead of the aggrieved will have less/no effect. In the complaint, they should mention, if possible, the names of the officials, who forced them, if they know their names from the badges they wear or at least should clearly specify the date and exact time and offer to identify those officials. They can also clearly state that if they do not get justice from him within15 days, the matter will be taken to the appropriate forums including legal action.

Sundara Rajan · Post by **Sundara Rajan** » 28 Jul 2007, 21:09

I have read in the press that renowned cellist Yo Yo MA buys an additional First Class ticket in order to keep his cello close to him on the next seat, whenever he travels by plane. If rules permit, travelling artists could buy an additional first or second class ticket ( as the case may be ) and keep their precious instrument next to them, with no objection to other passengers or to the officials. Of course, this will entail additional expenditure, but will provide safety and peace of mind ! Is it possible in Indian situation ?

appu · Post by **appu** » 28 Jul 2007, 23:00

Sundara Rajan wrote:I have read in the press that renowned cellist Yo Yo MA buys an additional First Class ticket in order to keep his cello close to him on the next seat, whenever he travels by plane. If rules permit, travelling artists could buy an additional first or second class ticket ( as the case may be ) and keep their precious instrument next to them, with no objection to other passengers or to the officials. Of course, this will entail additional expenditure, but will provide safety and peace of mind ! Is it possible in Indian situation ?

I am sure that this is possible in Indian situation too. However the pay scale for Yo Yo Ma and Indian musicians are worlds apart. While Indian musicians are nickled and dimed, Yo Yo Ma's contract probably negotiates an additional seat for his cello. This is definitely the advantage of having Artist Management and representation.

vgvindan · Post by **vgvindan** » 28 Jul 2007, 23:56

appu,
To my knowledge, you cannot book additional seat (berth) and keep luggage there. I have experienced problem once. It is better to check before suggesting such a method.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 29 Jul 2007, 00:35

The words 'first class ticket' rather give away the economic gulf!

And a cello is fairly big. Only the veena, among our instruments, takes up more room than a suitcase.

Most carnatic musicians probably travel with no more bulk than many other travellers. Tourists would have much more.

flutechandan · Post by **flutechandan** » 03 Aug 2007, 23:23

Namaskaram...It really pains me when any Artiste is insulted..An Artiste is a Tapasvi and he continues his Tapas untill his last..Artistes like Karaikudi Mani Sir and Ghatam Suresh Sir are Cultural Ambassedors of Our Nation.They have sacrificed thier entire life only for Music.
I have travelled widely and always have a very busy travelling schedule.Many a times I have noticed passengers carrying very hefty luggage and without the notice of the officials.
If at all, if an Artiste whose livelyhood is only Music,carries his instrument,which would not be very heavy and which's able to manage themselves,then why should'nt the officials help them out.
In this context,I would like to recall one incident which really touches me!!!Once the great veena vidwan,Sangeetha Kalanidhi V.Doreswamy Iyengar found it very difficult to carry his veena for one of his abroad tour.He was given a permission by the then Honourable President of India to carry his divine Veena along with him on board!!Isnt it a touching incident..Being a true and sincere worshipper of Carnatic Music,I think rasikas should come forward and extend thier support to the Music Community as a whole and let our Great Carnatic Music grow and grow for the prosperity of our culture!!!Once again my humble Pranams...

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 03 Aug 2007, 23:39

You do rather make the music career sound like some awful penance!

sureshvv · Post by **sureshvv** » 04 Aug 2007, 08:13

nick H...

If you remove the word "awful" you would be pretty much correct, in the carnatic music context.

Most artistes really don't look at it as a "career" - and many give up much more comfortable careers to enjoy this penance!

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 04 Aug 2007, 13:57

I'd be among the first to wish to see them more adequately rewarded, and among the last to say that it is not a tough choice of career.

It is hard enough to learn and practice music to a high standard, let alone to a performing standard: I think everybody knows that I appreciate and respect that.

At the same time, they are human, just like the rest of us, not saints. It enough that they are on the stage. Let them not be put on the pedestal!

And, even though the financial rewards may not be so good, anybody who earns their living by practice of an art that they love, on stage, in the studio, on the sportsground or wherever, has a life to be envied by the vast majority of us who put in their toll at the office or factory! It is the gifted, talented and lucky few who can earn their living doing what they love, especially in the highly competitive fields of the arts.

kaumaaram · Post by **kaumaaram** » 04 Aug 2007, 15:08

nick H wrote:And, even though the financial rewards may not be so good, anybody who earns their living by practice of an art that they love, on stage, in the studio, on the sportsground or wherever, has a life to be envied by the vast majority of us who put in their toll at the office or factory! It is the gifted, talented and lucky few who can earn their living doing what they love, especially in the highly competitive fields of the arts.

The monetary difficulties faced by unrecognised musicians and the absence of recognition per se drives people to frustration. It is difficult to evolve a formula to overcome this, but to a great extent, philosophically said, I think I could only agree with you.