Classical music has finally got recognition: Noo

Classical music has finally got recognition: Noo
Express News Service
First Published : 26 Jan 2010 04:18:00 AM IST

HYDERABAD: Listen to music and write down the notation, this is the message to the budding musicians from Nookala China Satyanarayana, the recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan award this year.

Immediately after the announcement that Satyanarayana was chosen for the Padma Bhushan award, scores of his disciples thronged his house in New Boiguda in Secunderabad to congratulate him. But, the humble Nookala said that the award goes to the “pure classicism’’, which he had always practiced. His advice to the learners was listen to music and write down the notation.

He said classical music has finally got recognition, which was hitherto neglected by the Government.

He suggested to the Government to conduct music festivals and give more awards to encourage classical music.

“I dedicate this award to my parents, gurus and to classical music,’’ he said. Nookala is a doyen and a multi-faceted Carnatic classical musician. Gifted with a sonorous voice and great calibre he adheres to classicism.

China Satyanarayana was born on August 4, 1927 at Anakapalle. Kambhampati Akkaji Rao, Mangalampally Pattabhiramayya and Sripada Pinakapani (who also got Padmabhooshan award) were his teachers. Nookala, attracted by the violin legend Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu learnt violin.

Dr Y Veugopal Reddy (Padma Vibhushan)
While delivering a lecture at the Columbia University not so long ago, the former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Dr Yaga Venugopal Reddy, was asked to name the economic theory he used to predict the US housing market crash much before it had happened.

“It was simple common sense,’’ Reddy replied using his usual witty repartees.

That pretty much sums up the man, who is credited for creating flexibility in the Indian monetary policy and preventing an asset price bubble during the recent global economic meltdown.

Reddy, a septugenarian, hails from Kadapa and was elected as the 21st RBI Governor — for five years between 2003 and 2008 — a time, which economists consider as an important phase post-1991 reforms.

Notwithstanding the robust economic growth and booming stock markets, Reddy, was known for continuous policy rate hikes during his tenure.

Reddy, an officer of the Indian Administrative Service 1964 batch, also served as India’s Executive Director on the Board of the International Monetary Fund.

Besides being an economist, Reddy’s other forte is teaching. He donned a lecturer’s hat way back in 1961 and has been a full-time visiting faculty at the Osmania University, the London School of Economics.

Currently, he is Professor Emiretus, Department of Economy, Hyderabad Central University.

Dr Pratap C Reddy (Padma Vibhushan)
“Healthcare is a critical sector for the development of the nation. This honour , which I humbly accept on behalf of the 62000 members of the Apollo family is an acknowledgment of the sector and an inspiration to work even more towards “touching a Billion lives,’’ said Pratap C Reddy on being bestowed with the Pada Vibhushan award. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1991 for his contribution to the healthcare industry.

A cardiologist, Reddy was born in Chittoor district and received his premedical degree from Madras Christian College and medical degree from Stanley Medical College, Chennai. Later he did his Fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, US. The idea to set up a hospital took shape when he lost one of his patients who couldn’t make it to the Texas for an open-heart surgery. Subsequently, he quit his flourishing career to start the first hospital in Tamil Nadu, way back in 1983.

Dr AVS Raju (Padma Sri)
Dr Alluri Venkata Satyanarayana Raju, known as, A V S Raju, is perhaps the first among infrastructure and construction peers in Hyderabad, to bag the prestigiuos Padma Shri award under the Trade and Industry category. Hailing from East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, Dr Raju actively propogates literary, cultural and social activities.

A prolific writer, he has penned more than 24,000 peoms on varied subjects. But it is his magnum opus, an epic biography in poetic form of Sri Sathya Sai Baba that has catapulted him into the Guinness Book of World Records in 2008.

The founder Chairman of Nagarjuna Construction Company Ltd., (NCCL), ventured into construction field way back in 1950’s and has been in the business since then.

Shobha Raju (Padma Sri)
POPULAR Annamacharya kirtan singer and composer, and Shobha Raju has been elected for the prestigious Padma Sri award in the field of art.

With over 45 years of extensive contribution to music, over 6,000 stage concerts and performances, Shobha Raju is a stalwart in the field of spiritual music. Born on November 30, 1957 at Vayalpadu in Chittoor District, Shobha was more or less a child prodigy and started composing tunes at the tender age of four. She cut her first gramphone record album at the age of 16. She became popular in India as well as abroad for her unique style of rendering Anamayya compositions.

Express Buzz Reference

Also see:
– Guiness Book Of World Records – Largest Biography Of Sathya Sai Baba Pic 1
– Guiness Book Of World Records – Largest Biography Of Sathya Sai Baba Pic 2

Rich haul of Padma Awards for State

Rich haul of Padma Awards for State

A.V.S. Raju
V.P. Dimri
Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana
Shoba Raju

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh has reaped a rich haul of Padma Awards, the country’s highest civilian awards, announced by the Government of India on Monday.

Two distinguished Telugus—former Governor of RBI Yaga Venugopal Reddy (Public Affairs) and Apollo Hospitals Chairman Prathap C. Reddy (Trade & Industry) have been conferred Padma Vibhushan, though the latter falls in the Tamil Nadu category.

Carnatic vocal maestro Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana (art) has been conferred the prestigious Padma Bhushan award while NGRI Director V.P. Dimri (science & engineering), Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini founder and vocalist Shoba Raju (art), industrialist A.V.S. Raju (trade & industry) besides badminton ace Saina Nehwal (sports)were awarded the Padma Sri on Monday.

Prof. Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana (87), started his illustrious journey in Carnatic music as a violinist at the age of 13 under Mangalampalli Pattabhi Ramaiah, father of M. Balamurali Krishna.

After his foray into Carnatic vocal under the mentoring of the likes of Dwaram Venkataswamy Naidu and Sripada Pinakapani, Prof. Satyanarayana never looked back in a career spanning over seven decades. A recipient of several awards including the Central Sangeet Natak Academy award and Sangita Kalacharya award of Madras Music Academy, Prof. Satyanarayana gave concerts in the United States, Canada Malaysia, Ireland and other countries.

Dr. Dimri expressed happiness upon receiving Padma Sri and described it as “recognition” of the contribution made by the entire NGRI staff. “Its great news” he told The Hindu here on Monday.

The NGRI staff did a lot of good work in the fields of earth sciences, energy security, water-related problems, environmental studies and natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis.

The conferment of Padma Sri thrust greater responsibility and the institute would focus on future challenges relating to climate change, natural hazards and hydro-carbon resources, among others. “I can be called as ‘Junior Padma Sri’ if someone feels I am too young to receive the prestigious award,” exclaimed Saina Nehwal.

“This award betters the Arjuna Award that I had got last year,” said a delighted Ms. Saina. Chief national coach Gopi Chand remarked: “I don’t think that she is too young for this Award. I also wish Saina will continue to hog the limelight at the highest level.”

Saina was the first Indian woman badminton player to reach the singles quarterfinals in the Olympics, first Indian to win the World Junior Badminton Championships and first Indian to win a Super Series tournament.

Born in Antervedipalem village of East Godavari district, Dr. Raju (73) took the plunge into business in 1956, but not before experiencing the rigours of working in agriculture, construction and other activities.

The founder chairman of Nagarjuna Construction Company Limited, a leading construction firm, Dr. Raju started several industries in diversified areas including Nagarjuna Steels Ltd, AVS Containers, NCC Finance and Deccan Cements limited, providing employment to over 4,500 people.

A poet with 24,000 poems to his credit and author of several works, Dr. Raju had entered the Guinness Book of Records for penning the largest single volume biography of Sri Sathya Sai Baba of Puttaparthy.

The Hindu Reference

Also see:
– Guiness Book Of World Records – Largest Biography Picture One
– Guiness Book Of World Records – Largest Biography Picture Two

With Love Man is God – Sharon Sandweiss Speech

With Love Man is God – Sharon Sandweiss Speech

Ms. Sharon Sandweiss (wife of Dr. Samuel Sandweiss) was blessed to have an opportunity to speak in the Divine Presence on the occasion of Ladies’ Day 2009. In a gesture that is normal for any speaker, Sharon, upon coming to the podium, went upto Bhagawan seeking Divine blessings and in that moment of bliss missed out offering the Rose that was meant for Bhagawan. After reaching the mike, upon realizing her “folly”, she rushed back to Bhagawan with an apologetic smile, presenting the rose and what followed was a stream of unsullied love for the Divine. She spoke about Him and His Love sharing glimpses from His conversations with the Sandweiss family in some of the interviews.

Sharon Sandweiss: With deep humility and love I offer pranams at the holy feet of our beloved Sai Baba.

Respected elders, brothers and sisters, and dear students,

I am honored and deeply humbled to stand before you today. I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Sai Baba for His loving compassion.

Thank You, Baba, for Your love. Thank You for this festive, sacred, and meaningful day when we celebrate the sanctity of motherhood and the courage, compassion and amazing capabilities of women.

I PRAY THAT YOUR DIVINE LOVE COMES THROUGH MY WORDS.

Recently, my husband and I tried to express our gratitude. “Baba, You are always serving others. How can we help You?” Baba smiled and said, “I don’t need your help. You help your husband, and he helps you. You’re one. AND I HELP EVERYONE.” “But Baba,” we cried. “We love You so much!” Baba responded, “And I love you more!”

How can one understand this Divine Love?

This DIVINE LOVE is irresistible. It has brought us here from nearly every country and religion in the world. We all love our country, our sacred books, our family customs and special spices. Yet, we hunger for the same thing: We all want peace. We all want to love and be loved.

Once, my husband and I shared an interview with a large group. Baba started asking, “Where are you from?” The answer, “Russia.” He went around the room, asking everyone. Then He playfully asked me, “Are you from Russia too?” I answered, “No Baba”–but then I remembered, “Oh—But my grandparents were from Russia.” Baba smiled lovingly, and said, “See the Connection. ALL are connected. All are One.”

At first Glance, Russia and America seem very distant. Yet, the distance shrinks when compared to the vastness of space. We all inhabit MOTHER EARTH. We share the mighty mountains and great oceans. We are responsible to each other. When a factory belches toxic air, we all suffer everywhere. But when we offer love and work for the good of all in ONE UNITED VOICE, we can hear the UNIVERSE rejoice!

Thirty-seven years ago I was like many others. I worried about life and I worried about death, I worried about our children, and I worried about our pets. I smiled on the outside; but inside I was a sad and fearful soul facing a universe that seemed meaningless.

Fortunately, I married Samuel, who was constantly searching for meaning. In 1972 Sam went to India in search of God, and returned a month later transformed. He exclaimed, “God is on earth in the form of Sai Baba, You are God, I am God. Everything is God! Now our lives will change forever.” What was he talking about? Who was Sai Baba? What would happen to us? I was confused and scared.

WE have to remember that this was in 1972, in the ‘Dark Ages’ before the internet. Today we click a button and instantly connect with our wonderful Radio Sai to hear Baba’s words. But in 1972, it wasn’t easy to find information about Sai Baba, especially in the West.

I watched Samuel closely after that first trip. He was truly transformed–Happier, Calmer, more Peaceful, more Patient, and best of all, he became more Loving!! (Of course, he was always a loving person. He just became MORE loving.)

I was amazed. Can a person change so quickly? I, too, wanted peace. I, too, wanted faith! Within a few months I was on a plane to India with my husband. Baba had spared me a life of despair. He has brought Sanctity and Joy to our family life.

Sai Baba is a living presence in our life. He knows and loves each one of us. He lives in our heart as love, and love is all that’s lasting!
My husband and I were thrilled to tell our daughters—you’re not just the body. —You’re Divinity Itself. You’re pure love. Be Bold, Brave- like lions-and Unafraid, Follow your Conscience, think Sacred Thoughts, do Good Deeds, seek Good Company; You may stumble & fall, but problems are your teacher. Your loving Sai is by your side. Speak to Him—He’s in your heart as love!

Telling our children is not enough; they’re quick to see hypocrisy! We must become the example and show unity in thought, word, and deed. How can we tell our children to speak sweetly, if we’re shouting at our spouse? We must practice and refine, until we sparkle and shine. Following is a brief example of this truth.

When my husband returned from India, he immediately became a vegetarian!! This was unusual in America, where people think a meal without meat is incomplete! At first I was offended —he was refusing my cooking. But within a month or two, I suddenly realized that I was eating an animal, and I immediately became a vegetarian!

But how could we force our 4 young daughters to make such a radical change? Baba says that He is the Source, not the Force. So we told the girls that we would no longer have meat in the house, but that they could eat it outside the home.

But one day our twin daughters, who were about 7 years old, said to us, “Mommy—Daddy–we love animals too much. We don’t want to EAT them!” Their younger sisters chimed in “We too—we don’t want to eat animals either!!”Imagine-7 years old, and they had the PURITY to know that all life is sacred.

THIS small example illustrates several points: First, when we become the example, others will follow.
Secondly, WE ALL hold the TRUTH within us, and it is our duty as parents and teachers to help children manifest this TRUTH.
The third point is that secular life is not separate from spiritual life. When all acts are infused with love, EVERYTHING becomes sacred, including eating habits.

We worry about the State of the World. We want our children to be safe and happy, yet we see greed and disharmony everywhere.

YEARS AGO, we brought our concerns to Sai Baba: “Baba, The world is in trouble.”

Baba responded, “NO, THE WORLD IS GOOD; THE MIND OF MAN IS THE PROBLEM.”

“Baba, What should we do about schools?”

Baba answered, “The schools are the same. You must speak with your children; find out what they’re thinking. You don’t always know what is on their mind.”

Baba was reminding us of importance of good communication, respectful communication. Baba says, “First listen, try to understand, then adjust, or compromise, so as to achieve UNITY.”

As Baba spoke, I had a sudden thought–Where would the world be without the presence of God…

Baba interrupted my thought, and in a strong and serious voice, He said, ‘YES, IF IT WERE NOT FOR ME, EVERYTHING WOULD BE LOST!”

My husband and I shuddered at the urgency in His words—

GOD HIMSELF HAS COME TO SAVE US FROM OURSELVES!

Many years I asked Baba, “Can we do more?”

He responded, “Yes, I will give you the POWER, the STRENGTH, and the BLESSINGS to do more.”

He later said, “HOME AND FAMILY.”

Today, on Ladies’ Day, we affirm that family life is the foundation of life! When there is HARMONY, PEACE, and MUTUAL LOVE in our Family, God is present and the world is HAPPY!

We are ALL members of one Family— OUR ONE DIVINE FAMILY

When we serve our family with love, we SANCTIFY our lives.

When we uphold Justice, we JUSTIFY our lives

When we support the suffering women in the world, we DIGNIFY our lives.

When we preserve Mother Earth, we PURIFY our lives

And when we offer all to God, we GLORIFY our lives.

TODAY is a happy day.

TODAY we are DANCING IN ECSTASY PRAISING GOD’S GLORY

TODAY we pray together, “BABA-KEEP US CLOSE. DON’T EVER LET US GO! Grant us the POWER, the STRENGTH, and the BLESSINGS to earn your grace, and become Your Bliss.”

WE LOVE YOU.

Thank you, and Sai Ram.

Reference

Women’s day held

Women’s day held
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 19 2009: Women’s day was observed today in rememberance of the mother of Bhagvan Sathya Sai Baba, Easwarammam, at Shri Sathya Sai Mandir located at Mantripukhri under the aegis of Mahila Vibhag Shri Satya Sai Organisation, Manipur today.

The occasion was graced by ex-chairperson of Social Welfare Advisory Board, Manipur, S Satyabhama as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr G Ibemhal, State Mahila Spiritual Coordinator, underlined that the day has been celebrated to boost the moral value of the women since 1995 .

S Satyabhama said more lawlessness has prevailed in the state due to negligence in worshipping gods.

She said, the land will become more peaceful when the people devoted more on their respective beliefs.

The chief guest has also inaugurated a textile fair on the occasion.

Various songs were also presented by artistes today at the celebration programme.

E Pao! Reference

Passports – Lost And Found

Sathya Sai Baba - Passports Lost And Found

Passports – Lost And Found

Each one of us is in the very same situation. Any little accomplishment, any little deed is always supported by the unseen hand of our Beloved Lord. When I look back into the face of time, I find a rainbow of memories flashing before me. There is one thing I never failed throughout. It is the presence of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, saturated by His Love. Every moment is filled with His omnipresence, omnipotence and omniscience. However it is for us to recognize this truth A couple of years ago, my parents along with my brother and I were taking a walk down the shopping lanes of London where we intended to make our purchases. On our way out one of the supermarkets, my father accidentally happened to put his hand into his hand baggage and to our dismay he found all our passports missing!

We were initially panic stricken, but our faith in Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba removed all our fears. We searched all around the place, retracting our steps but there was no sign of any of our passports. My father went down the lane making inquiries, but none of them brought us anywhere close to our passports. My father finally decided to register the problem with the police and started looking out for police officer.

As he proceeded, a young Englishman whom he saw for the first time came straight to him and said. “You must be looking for the lost and found department. Sir it is right over there,” and gave him some landmark. My father walked into the office of the British cops, as he had been directed to. As he opened the door of the lost and found department, he saw the officer in-charge just placing all our passports in a bag. “Thank God”, his exclamation was enough to inform the officer that those passports belong to us.

Nevertheless he looked at my father with a smile and asked, “Are these your passports?” The answer of my father in the affirmative seemed to delight the officer and on being asked how the passports landed there, he said. “Didn’t you meet anyone on the way up?”

My father said that there wasn’t any one he met. But the officer was not satisfied. He went on and said that the man who gave the passports just left a few seconds before my father came in and he said that he was the owner of the shop. My father just posed one last question on his way out with passports. “How did he look like?” The reply to the question was enough to throw us back in our seats and start thinking. Every single description matched the splendor of our Beloved Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba and we were deeply thankful for all that he had done for our family.

It was about nine months after that Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba appear in the dream of my father and confirmed His presence at London in a very unique way. The amount of concern Bhagavan has for each of us in much more than what the word concern literally means. The unfathomable ocean of His love goes far beyond our mind’s comprehension. There is a lot we students to learn from His actions, from His words and a lot to learn from His love.

We have to travel far beyond to be able to know actually how fortunate each of us is to be with Sathya Sai Baba. What we see of Him today is a very minute spectacle of what He actually is. Each one of us is on a long journey, “from us to ourselves” and we are immensely fortunate to have our goal. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as our guide. And on this journey, it is my constant prayer to Bhagavan that He be with us and guide us throughout so that I may be an instrument in His hands.

– From Talk given by Shri. Deepak a Student of Swami’s University

Chief Minister to Visit Puttaparthi Tomorrow

Chief Minister to Visit Puttaparthi Tomorrow
Express News Service
First Published : 22 Oct 2009 04:22:00 AM IST

ANANTAPUR: Chief Minister K Rosaiah will visit Puttaparthi on October 23.

According to a official press release here today, the Chief Minister will arrive at the Puttaparti airport from Bangalore by a helicopter at 3.30 p.m. From there, he will drive straight to the Ananda Nilayam at Prasanti Nilayam. He will have a meeting with officials and non-officials in the district. Later, Rosaiah will the darshan of Sathya Sai Baba and fly back to Bangalore at 5.15 p.m.

District Collector B Janardhan Reddy instructed the officials to tighten security in the area in view of Rosaiah’s first visit to Puttaparti (the “Abode Of Peace” and residence of Sri Sathya Sai Baba) after he took over as Chief Minister. He asked the officials to erect barricades and ensure proper sanitation in the area. Penukonda Sub-Collector Praveen Kumar, DSP, DM&HO and officials of R&B and Fire departments met at Penukonda today to prepare the route map and minute-to-minute programme of CM’s tour.

Express Buzz Reference

The Magnificent Jyothi Darshan

Sathya Sai Baba Early Days At The Chitravathi River

The Magnificent Jyothi Darshan

One day, Sathya Sai Baba blessed all of us in Puttaparthi by partaking meals in our house. Sakkamma, who was present then, asked Baba if she could return to Bangalore. Swami, however, did not grant her permission. But Sakkamma insisted that she had to leave. My mother also tried to dissuade her. Finally, Sakkamma boldly said, “If Swami shows His darshan in a miraculous way, only then will I stay back.”

For those who are not aware, Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba stated that the first period of His divine life would be characterized by leelas – the sports of the Lord. It was because this aspect was prominent then, and also because Sakamma adored and related to Swami as a young boy that she could at times take the liberty to make such demands.

And Sathya Sai Baba too was very ready to grant Sakamma’s prayer in a spectacular way on that occasion.

The next evening He took all of us along with Him to the Chitravathi River, which was a copious flow during those days. At about 6.30 p.m., Swami suddenly told us all to follow Him, and He walked up a hillock and stood there.

He showed His empty hands and then asked us if we were all ready to see what followed. We waited with bated breath to see what would unfold… There, suddenly appeared a brilliant light, and in the middle of that sublime brilliance stood Sathya Sai Baba!

All of us assembled there, at the foot of the hillock, saw this Divine spectacle and were dumbfounded in awe. A Divine aura had completely surrounded Swami as He stood there on the hillside. The light was a pulsating brightness, so dazzling that it was overwhelming. But at the same time, the luster was so soft and gentle, because of which we could withstand the purity of its luminescence.

And then, Satya Sai Baba slowly came down a few yards, but the effulgence continued to surround Him. When He further descended, the aura was still there around Him, undiminished. We were stunned and speechless. How can one describe that unprecedented event? We were just shocked with delight and overjoyed at the divine gift bestowed on us.

After this historic event, we all returned to the old Mandir and sang bhajans. At the end of this session, we offered Him arathi. Sathya Sai Baba then told us the significance of the darshan He had bestowed on us just then. He explained that there are many types of devotees and everyone worships God in the form they like the most; the choice is totally up to them. Each one will become aware of the brilliance of the Divine in the form they worship and that is dear to them.

Reference

Diesel Generator Runs on Water

Sathya Sai Baba

Diesel Generator Runs on Water!

During those days, there were no street lights. The roads were dark and uninviting in the evenings. A couple of bulbs glowed powered by a diesel generator for which devotees procured the fuel.

One evening, during a celebration, when the procession was about to start, the bulbs failed to light up! At that time Sathya Sai Baba was sitting in an old room at the rear of the old Mandir.

Devotees started complaining that there was no light. Hearing this, Sathya Sai Baba asked for water in a bucket from the nearby well. He then directed them to pour the water into the generator tank. Wonder of wonders! The bulbs lit up and burned beautifully throwing bright light all around!

This amazed everybody, but maybe there were still a few doubting thomases. Sathya Sai Baba again asked the devotees to fetch another bucketful of water and directed that it be poured into the generator – the bulbs continued to burn beautifully. Nobody had any doubts about His divinity that evening!

Reference

India Floods – Government Of Karnataka Flood Website Launched

India Floods – Government Of Karnataka Flood Website Launched
Bangalore, Oct 11, DH News Service:

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Sunday launched an exclusive website — karunadu.gov.in/floodrelief2009/, which gives a detailed information about the recent flood fury.

It also has information about the relief and rehabilitation works the Government has taken up. The website will post the names of those who contribute for the relief works. It is connected to the official website of Karnataka Government — http://www.karnataka.gov.in

Meanwhile, donations for flood victims kept pouring in. As a contribution towards relief of flood victims, Sri Panduranga Vishnu Sahasranama Mandali, has transported and distributed 20,000 chapatis and bun packets.

The President of the International Federation of Karnataka Christian Associations (IFKCA), Bangalore, Ronald Colaco has donated a sum of Rs 10 lakh towards the CM’s relief fund.

Karnataka Medical Council has contributed Rs 1 lakh towards Chief Minister’s relief fund to help rehabilitate flood affected victims.

Basavanagudi Srinivasa BJP Mahila Morcha collected Rs 21,600 and donated it towards CM’s flood relief fund.

Karnataka State Tailor’s association contributed Rs. 1 lakh towards CM’ relief fund. Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations (founded by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba), Karnataka have sent 5 truck loads of relief materials.

Federation of Karnataka Electricity Board Employee’s Union and Associations and all Escoms has contributed one-day’s salary and Rs 3 crore towards Chief Minister’s relief fund.

Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Limited have contributed Rs 50 lakh towards CM’s relief fund.

Deccan Herald Reference

– Government Of Karnataka Flood Relief Website

Monument To Music

Monument To Music
by Aruna Chandraraju

From the window above, the strains of a soothing raga, and the rhythmic beats of a mridangam float down to us. We pause on the steps leading to Sathya Sai Baba Mirpuri College of Music in Prashanti Nilyam to take a good look at the Saraswathi statue that fronts this truly unique college.

You might wonder what is unique about a music college considering India abounds in them. This college not only offers high-grade education free of cost but also a zero-cost all-inclusive residential facility. Attached to it is an enormous music museum with strikingly unusual architecture and a collection of nearly 300 musical instruments from across the world. The Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music also has eminent Indian musicians like Shivkumar Sharma, Yella Venkateswara Rao, Hariharan, L. Subramaniam, and Neyveli Santanagopalan visiting and holding interactive sessions with students. Moreover, the students get to listen regularly to legends in Indian classical and film music who frequent the Sai Ashram and perform there.

We are ushered inside and walked through the building. The classrooms are spacious, airy, and impeccably clean. The library has an impressive collection of nearly 4000 music-related books and 400 CDs and audio cassettes, with new additions every month.

The college offers three courses each in Hindustani and Carnatic streams of music, and teaches vocal and instrumental music including veena, mridangam, sitar and tabla.

It even has classes for dying folk arts like Burrakatha. There is a two-year foundation course (Abhyaasa Gaana), three-year diploma course (Vidya Praveena), and one-year post-diploma Kalapoorna course.

The curriculum was designed by stalwarts like Bhimsen Joshi, Nookala Chinna Satyanarayana and Yella Venkateswara Rao, and professors of music from other universities.

The museum has a giant tabla alongside and its façade has two-storey high tamburas and guitars for pillars, while an enormous trumpet forms another design element. Within is a visual and acoustic treat for the music connoisseur — nearly 300 stringed, percussion and wind instruments from Africa, South-east Asia and Arabic countries, including rare specimens, displayed in a large, well-lit hall.

Some of the smaller instruments are mounted on the wall alongside pictures of the spiritual guru Sathya Sai Baba, who is Founder-Chancellor of the university which runs this college. There are bigger instruments at floor-level like a giant veena, mridangam and guitar, all perfectly proportioned and tuned.

For details, contact Sathya Sai Mirpuri College of Music, Sri Sathya Sai University, Prashanti Nilayam, Andhra Pradesh. Tel: (08555) 287 239; 289 050.

The Hindu Reference