When art thrives despite adversity

I recently read American author Helen Keller’s autobiography, The Story of My Life. Keller (1880-1968) continues to be an inspiration to countless people around the world as she had carved a niche for herself in the literary sphere despite being blind and deaf. She was also mute initially; later, with the help of her private teacher, Anne Sullivan, she learned to communicate verbally.

Her amazing story brought back memories of a man whom I encountered on the premises of a hotel in Mysuru. At first, I did not even notice his presence. However, the moment guests left or entered the hotel, I heard a melodious tune.

When I heard the tune of my favourite Hindi song, I was compelled to find out who was playing it. There he was, oblivious of his surroundings, enjoying the music that he was playing at the place allotted to him behind the security desk. It was a pleasure listening to the tune being rendered perfectly. The placid smile on his face made the guests take a close look at the musician.

I saw that he was using an instrument made with a coconut shell with a string tied to a bamboo stick. It seemed as if he was not playing the music for money but for his own satisfaction. I was astounded by the fact that such soulful music was coming from an ordinary-looking instrument.

My family was in a rush whenever we left the hotel to visit local tourist spots. So, I did not get a chance to speak with him. But his soulful tunes kept ringing in my ears. I decided to know more about him before checking out.

We stayed there for two days. On the eve of our departure, while my husband was completing the checkout formalities, my daughter and I searched for the mysterious figure. But he was nowhere to be seen. Members of the security staff told us that it was his day off. They added that he was mute and blind. He had been with the hotel from the outset, although he was not an employee. We also came to know that he took delight in performing magic tricks for children.

We left the place with a heavy heart but on an upbeat note, realising that creativity transcends sensory limitations. The man was a living example of how art and ingenuity flourish despite adversity.

Keller put it aptly, “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.”