I have heard the expression misfortune never comes single. But can’t particularly remember anything to the convey opposite. Wait a minute. There is a Hindi phrase, "Upar Wala Jab Bhi Deta Hai, Chapar Phaad Ke Deta Hai" - translates to "When the Almighty gives, He gives abundantly."
Yes, yesterday was one of those days. First, we had the day-long Varamahalakshmi festivity when ladies, attired in their best, visited their friends on a give and take of Tamboolam.
Second, in the afternoon we read the SFV Managing Committee’s welcome announcement that an end to the monkey menace was in sight. Once again we can breathe fresh air our friendly neighbour Turahalli forest supplies in plenty – a primary reason why we went in for this investment. ROI delayed, but not denied. No more staying indoors under lock and key for fear of, what Darwin’s theory of evolution hails, our ancestors.
Third, in the evening, it was a Carnatic musical extravaganza by Viji Viswanathan, our Hari and Geetha’s (3192), daughter in law. It fell on me to introduce the music crew to the audience. Viji had her initial training in Carnatic music in Mumbai. On clearing Chartered Accountancy in flying colours, she was picked by a multinational American company to work in their Headquarters, Houston. Regardless, she pursued her primary passion, Carnatic music, under the tutelage of Rajarajeswari Bhat – yes, the mother of the well-known Carnatic singer, Kruthkia Bhat (whose husband is equally an accomplished violinist). During her tenure in Dubai Viji got equal opportunities to display her skillset on various occasions, as in Houston. Now Viji is off to the Hague, in the Netherlands as the Global Technical Controller. We learn there is a very good presence of the Indian community there – a vibrant one at cultural, social and religious activities. “Let’s hope,” I concluded, “Viji’s programme this evening acts as a springboard, or a full-dress rehearsal, for her to do equally well in the ones she will give there. As for us, we look forward to a pleasant evening.”
The next two hours kept the audience spellbound. What a total control of voice and modulation. I have no in-depth knowledge of Carnatic music, but I am a very good listener coming from a family where my father, mother and sisters all have basic knowledge. Whether it was initial warm up song, the following conventional songs, or those of Papanasam Sivan, Purandaradas, or the Abhang, Viji rendered every song to perfection elevating listeners’ pleasure. The only time I felt ill at ease was when seeing me enjoy the performance swaying my head, tapping leg, and hands giving a beat support, Hari’s friend from outside sitting next to me, started asking me, “Is it Hindolam, Bhairavi,” and the like.
The violinist and the mridangam players were in their early and late twenties. They gave a good account of themselves, more so considering the level of Viji’s performance. Our ever-obliging Dilip arranged for their services, as did Sudharshan Acharya who helped in setting the stage and sound system. Kaleeswaran, busy packing to take off to US, gave a helping hand to Hari.
To sum up, we asked for a pleasant evening – we got three times more in return; thank you Viji. As for Hari and Geetha, by organizing this one-time event you have unwittingly fallen into a trap. Hereafter the SFV audience would insist on you to arrange similar evenings each time Viji visits SFV, be it on a short vacation. Mark my words.
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