Programme Highlights

“The Sound of Music”

21 to 27 September at Chinmaya Vibhooti, Kolwan.

The first workshop of Chinmaya Naada Bindu after its formal inauguration on 13th September 2009, was held from 21st to 27th September at Chinmaya Vibhooti, Kolwan. Conducted by the popular ‘Swar-Taal Duo’ – Shri Vishwanath Shirodkar (Tabla) and his wife, Smt. Seema Shirodkar (Harmonium), it had 24 participants with an almost equal distribution between the two streams.

The faculty and participants arrived on 21st evening. The inaugural session was held in Vinay Mandir with resident Acharya, Br. Kushal Chaitanya as the Chief Guest. Yuva Veer Sumi Roy compered the session in Hindi. After the invocation by Shobha Iyer and the traditional lighting of the lamp, Br. Kushalji highlighted the mental attitude that a student should have if he has to gain the maximum benefit from the teacher. Shri Vishwanath Shirodkar expressed great joy and privilege in being the first one to conduct a workshop under the aegis of Chinmaya Naada Bindu. He exhorted the participants to remain focussed right through the workshop, given the wonderful environment and comfortable staying arrangements, etc. Director – Chinmaya Naada Bindu, Smt. Pramodini Rao read out a special message addressed to the Shirodkar couple, given by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji for the occasion.

22nd onwards, the workshop had a tight schedule starting with meditation and chanting by Pramodini Rao, followed by a class on Jnana Saarah by Br. Shailesh Chaitanya. Post breakfast was the 1st session on music, which went on till 12.30 pm. Soon after lunch, the participants met for another session that lasted till 3.30 pm. After a cup of hot tea/coffee, both groups had a common session where they had demo lessons and also learned to sing a few ‘bandishes’ in Raag Miya ki Todi, Madhuvanti, Puriyadhanashri, Yaman and Bageshri. Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan In-Charge, Shri Neeraj Bhai spoke on the life and work of Pujya Guruji in the evenings, after which the group called it a day, sometimes meeting at the temple for satsangh. A video talk of Pujya Gurudev on ‘Service above Self’ was shown on 22nd evening, which everyone enjoyed thoroughly.

While all the participants gave their 100% to learning the various aspects of ‘Samvaad through Samvadini’ (Harmonium) and ‘The Art of Accompaniment’ (Tabla), the energy and enthusiasm of both the teachers to give more and more to their wards was indeed a sight to see!

Br. Shaileshji’s talks in Hindi/Marathi were most enjoyable and enlightening. Another highlight of the camp was the visit to Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan on 26th. Considering the fact that most of the group members were new to Chinmaya Mission, they were greatly impressed and inspired by this monument. Many participants visited Chinmaya Vani and bought several books, CDs and other souvenir items.

The Shirodkar couple expressed a desire to do Seva in Chinmaya Maruti Mandir by way of an early morning concert. So, from 6.30 to 7.30 am on 27th September, they gave a beautiful Harmonium and Tabla recital, which was an amazing experience for all those present. The elaboration on the Raag Bhatiyar by Seemaji was more like a description by way of sound of the rising sun behind the Sahyadri mountains that acted as the natural backdrop for the gifted performers!

The workshop concluded on 27th after lunch, and all the participants left Chinmaya Vibhooti with a heavy heart, but each of them hoped to return soon! The Shirodkars, along with all their students, have decided to dedicate their Guru Purnima Seva at the feet of Pujya Gurudev at Chinmaya Naada Bindu in July next year!

- Chittaranjan Rao