Vaani 'Veena' Ki - Music Intensive Workshop at Chinmaya Naada Bindu, 21st-27th February 2010

On behalf of all the campers, I would like to say that this camp proved to be the most divine and joyful experience because of the presence of two persons- one is of course our Guru, Sau Veena Tai, and the other being none other than Pujya Gurudev Himself.

Pujya Gurudev would make us feel His presence during the blissful session of "Venu Geetam" early in the morning. Our Acharya Shraddheya Atharvana Chaitanya-ji beautifully explained to us this part of the Bhagwata, and also taught us how to experience the Lord's music in every walk of life.

On the very first evening of this camp we discussed the purpose of learning and pursuing music. Shraddheya Atharvanaji told us that the answer to this lies in the Bhagwata itself - 'Kenaapi Upaayena Manah Krishne Niveshayet' - The very purpose of life is to seek the Lord. Whatever we do in life thus becomes our sadhana. For us, therefore, our sadhana lies in how we perceive and practise our music. We shall always remain indebted to Atharvanaji for giving us this perspective. It shall always ensure that our endeavour in music always remains a pure and humble attempt of being close to the Lord.

- Ms.Janhavi Phansalkar

I would like to thank Pramodini Rao, Shobha S Iyer & everyone else involved in arranging the wonderful music workshop "Vaani Veena Ki" , conducted between Feb 21st and 27th 2010 at Chinmaya Vibhooti - Kolwan, by my beloved Guru Smt Veena Sahasrabuddhe.

This camp was located in a valley, surrounded on all 4 sides by mountains & learning music in such a serene, peaceful & breathtaking location with Veenatai was truly a magical experience.

The fabulous arrangements with regards to the camp schedule, accomodation, food, visit to Chinmaya Jeevan Darshan & the mandir, Brahmachari Atharvana Chaitanyaji's discourse on "Venu Geetham" was very well scheduled during our stay.

This was my 1st visit to Chinmaya Vibhooti & I look forward to many more visits in the future. Thank you for this delightful experience.

- Ms.Mowna Ramachandra

These few days that we have spent here at Chinmaya Vibhooti with Veena Tai have truly been something out of a dream. I consider myself really fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn from such dedicated Guru.

Her meticulous and structured teaching method and emphasis on the importance of critical listening has broadened my perspective on how one should approach this intricate art form. More importantly, I think that her extremely approachable and friendly nature has made this learning experience all the more enjoyable.

On the first day, I remember Veena tai asking each of us why we sing classical music and everyone had different things to say but a common theme was, that it gives us a sense of intrinsic happiness. I think I speak on behalf of everyone when I say that each one of our music sessions with Veena tai have given us just that.

Veena tai has opened a door that leads towards discovering our own unique musical personalities. We will truly cherish these moments for years to come and her guidance & expriences will always be remembered on our own lifelong journey towards musical independence and self discovery. I wanted to thank you Veena tai & Baba for sharing this wonderfully unforgettable week this us.

- Ms.Anuja Panditrao

Bhajan Workshop by Chinmaya Swaranjali- 23rd – 24th June- 2007

Just one word to tell...'Excellent.'

- Mr. Varad Rao, Matunga

The camp was excellent. The very fact that it was arranged by Swaranjali, added a value to it. I was very happy to be a part of it. This was the first camp in Chinmaya Vibhooti. The place is wonderful. Time went off very fast.

- Mr. Ramesh Atha, Powai

It was a wonderful experience with Swaranjali in the very first camp at Chinmaya Vibhooti. I went with my wife to get a glimpse of this holy place dedicated to Pujya Gurudev. Bhajan workshop was very well organized and conducted by Pramodini and her colleagues. Gusty winds and rains added joy. Hospitality from Shri Hinduja, Shri Ravi Nene, Smt. Vijaylaxmi and others was par excellence. Br. Shailesh Chaitanyaji also showed keen interest in the workshop.

- Mr. Jagadish Sabu, Ghatkopar

First of all, congrats and a big thanks for an enchanting camp. I wasn't sure what it is going to be and thought it would be one of those boring affairs, but to my utter surprise, it was not only exciting to participate but also it was very much of a fulfilling experience.

- Ravindra Damle – Chinmaya Vibhooti

This was indeed an experience that I will not forget. I am really glad that Swaranjali organised such an initiative and I will be eternally grateful to you for presenting me and my mother with this opportunity.

- Aishwarya Ramani - Matunga

Programme Reviews

I thoroughly enjoyed the programmes which I have attended. The group is highly symphonized. Every time Swaranjali puts up an excellent programme and the best part of the group is that it experiments a lot with the bhajans.

- Pooja, Vashi

I have attended 3-4 programmes and each time the programmes put up by Swaranjali are good. The only thing that I find lacking in Swaranjali is that there should be equal participation from the male singers too..

- Vatsala Ramchandran, Ghatkopar

Swarajali is a platform for the young and the talented youth. It is one way by which the present day teenagers are trained to sing devotional songs rather than 'Jhoom barabar Jhoom.' There should be Swaranjali classes in different areas of Mumbai. The programmes that Swaranjali puts up are wonderful.

- Sriram Venkatesh, Chembur

Every Swaranjali programme is divine and uplifting and they do achieve their motto 'swara to iswara' through every program

- Nirupama Guruprasad, Kalina