Ludhiana, June 15
The city people witnessed the living example of the age old ‘parampara of guru-shishya’ for the first time here last evening. The function was held to conclude the two-week workshop the artistes had begun in vocal music, kathak, Bharat Natyam, sitar, bhangra and jhoomer.
The programme was presented by the Kala Seva Society at the Government College for Women. The programme started with beautiful rendering of raag ‘gauti’ by Mohan and Sukhdev Namdhari of Bhaini Sahib. Though monsoon has not reached Ludhiana yet, both singers created an atmosphere of rainy season by singing raag ‘megh’. Later, students presented a sargam which they had learnt from the singers. The parents were delighted to hear their wards singing melodiously.
Prateek Chaudhari, a well known sitarist and son of famous Debu Chaudhari, played some popular tunes from films based on raags. He played some tunes from the latest films like ‘Keh do na., keh do na’ and an old tune ‘koi humdum na raha’. He said old songs were still popular as they were based on ‘raags’. He told children that pop music was being forced on them, and now that they had a taste of the classical music, they should continue with it. Prateek played raag ‘beehag’ and in the middle of it he switched on to a very popular song, ‘beeti na bitayee raina’ to show that classical music based on raags can be very interesting.
He was accompanied on tabla by Fateh Singh Gangani and Souvan. Students of Fateh Singh Gangani gave a mesmerising performance. They proved that a worthy guru could really ignite the hidden talent. The eight students under Prateek played raag ‘yamen’ almost like professionals.
Rajendra Gangani’s students gave wonderful kathak performance which was matched by the Bharat Natyam performance by students of Dr Sridhara. One got the key to the secret how arts thrived under the ‘guru-shisya parampara’. Students of Bhola Khuleri presented vigorous bhangra.
Mr Harnam Dass Johar, Minister for Higher Education, was the chief guest. He honoured the artistes who had come to train students in different arts. Mr Johar said to form a strong bond between culture and younger generation, such workshops should be held. Mr Johar appreciated the efforts of the members of the Kala Sewa Society, Ms Sapna Nihar, Ms Sangeeta and Mr Naveen Talwar. He announced a grant of Rs 1 lakh to the society for promotion of traditional art, dance and music. He also lauded the efforts of the Namdhari singers from Bhaini Sahib for promoting classical music among the younger generation. He said more workshops of this nature would be organised.
