WISE WORDS - WATCH YOUR LIFE - SOMEONE UP WATCHING YOU..!

Wise words

WATCH YOUR LIFE

*Your life - your likes - you decide!!!*

A long time ago, there was an Emperor who told his horseman that if he could ride on his horse and cover as much land area as he likes, then the Emperor would give him the area of land he has covered.

Sure enough, the horseman quickly jumped onto his horse and rode as fast as possible to cover as much land area as he could. He kept on riding and riding, whipping the horse to go as fast as possible. When he was hungry or tired, he did not stop because he wanted to cover as much area as possible.

Came to a point when he had covered a substantial area and he was exhausted and was dying. Then he asked himself, "Why did I push myself so hard to cover so much land area? Now I am dying and I only need a very small area to bury myself."

The above story is similar with the journey of our Life. We push very hard everyday to make more money, to gain power and recognition. We neglect our health , time with our family and to appreciate the surrounding beauty and the hobbies we love.
One day when we look back , we will realize that we don't really need that much, but then we cannot turn back time for what we have missed.

Life is not about making money, acquiring power or recognition . Life is definitely not about work! Work is only necessary to keep us living so as to enjoy the beauty and pleasures of life. Life is a balance of Work and Play , Family and Personal time . You have to decide how you want to balance your Life.

Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts. Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.

• So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature.
• Life is fragile, Life is short.
• Do not take Life for granted.
• Live a balanced lifestyle and enjoy Life!
• Watch your thoughts ; they become words.
• Watch your words ; they become actions.
• Watch your actions ; they become habits.
• Watch your habits; they become character .
• Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. 
• Smile in pleasure, smile in pain; 
• Smile when trouble pours like rain;
• Smile when someone hurts U, Smile coz someone cares 4 U.
• Keep Smiling:)

JOG FALLS IN FULL SPATE DURING AUGUST 2013 - AN ODE TO UNBELIEVABLE GIFT OF NATURE

JOG FALLS IN FULL SPATE DURING AUGUST 2013

AN ODE TO UNBELIEVABLE GIFT OF MOTHER NATURE

With what deep murmurs through time’s silent stealth

Doth thy transparent, cool, and wat’ry wealth

Here flowing fall,

And chide, and call,

As if his liquid, loose retinue stay’d

Ling’ring, and were of this steep place afraid;

The common pass

Where, clear as glass,

All must descend

Not to an end,

But quicken’d by this deep and rocky grave,

Rise to a longer course more bright and brave.

PHOTO  COURTESY : SREERAM A.SHIMOGA AND ASSOCIATES

COSMOS  ATMA

Brilliant  initiative to nurture and hone talent depository

09 AUGUST 2013 @ JSS Auditorium, Jayanagar, Bangalore

Yester-evening, someone very close called me to attend a music jam session at JSS Auditorium, but there was something else in store to offer. COSMOS, normally known to handle realty ventures, has opened a new leaf to reconnoiter on budding talents in the field of Theatre, Music and Arts. A brilliant idea and first of its kind should my memory be right, the newly unveiled Academy has thoughtfully selected a very special panel headed by none other than an effervescent and versatile Sri Praveen D Rao and advisory to run affairs smoothly. 

Key beneficiary, the quintessence pure music of all genres in true sense, beckons high hopes for the Gennext if the promising syllabus forerunners are to be accepted as true. Truly, a brilliant idea that many would have thought, but few thinking brains have at last made it happen already.

Two Thumbs up.!

SHRUTHIYAAN FUSION ENSEMBLE PERFORM AT BANGALORE

Memorable “Shruthiyaan” Fusion Concert @ Chowdaih Memorial Hall, Bangalore
14 JUNE 2013 EVENING @ CHOWDAIH MEMORIAL HALL, BANGALORE

It is not everyday one gets to listen to such wonderful Art and Music ensemble on solitary platform. What  ‘Shruthiyan’ achieved before an invited audience is a masterly act, while commemorating the Tabla Wizard Sri Chaturlaji's colossal contribution to Indian music..

First place, there happened a Live Sand Art Creation by our own Master Harikrishna virtually heaved ‘wows’ from the audience for sheer magnificence. Solo Tabla performance by none other than Pandit Chaturlalji’s protégé Sri Pranshu Chaturlal displayed his prodigal talent in deft beats 1, 7 and 8, Madhya laya Teen Taal  in 16 beats while winding up by Legendary Chaturlalji’s favorite number Shiv Tandav. Ustad Ghulam  Waris superbly complimented Pandit Pranshu Chaturlal. This was followed up by a well orchestrated Fusion Ensemble..

In one of the very rare appearances in Bangalore, Father-son duo, Hindustani Legend Pandit Sri Ajay Pohankar and prodigal Sri Abhijit Pohankar regaled the invited audience with their sensitive musical chemistry, followed by renowned composer-singer Pandit Sri Roopkumar Rathod’s silky vocal numbers that virtually tilted the scales of a memorable musical evening to dizzy heights…

Bengaluru longs for more of such ensembles in future .

HARIDASA HABBA @ GAYANA SAMAJA, BANGALORE

HARIDASA HABBA

Aegis of HARIDASA SAHITHYA SAMPADA ORG ,BANGALORE

Venue:

GAYANA SAMAJA, BANGALORE 29 APRIL – 05 MAY 2013

VOCAL RENDITION BY

PANDIT JAYATHEERTH MEVUNDI – 30 APRIL 2013 6.45 PM

Haridasa Sahithya Sampada calls for lot of attention to  detail. To conduct Haridasa Habba each passing year with great vim and vigor is laudable. So much so, it is befitting to recall great works of selfless peers that spread social message, hone ethos and pathos of life and orient transformation to mankind that truly induces fresh air,deep rooted to all generations. Haridadasa Sampada deserves accolades for this wonderful ensemble of sorts, beginning daily with Pravachanas followed by Haridasa Sahithya rendition performance by renowned performers of our Motherland.

Among many performers during week long event, I guess I had the privilege of listening to Pandit Jayatheerth Mevundi, renowned Kirana Gharana exponent. Undoubtedly gifted, this  future Torch bearer of Hindustani Classical Musician from Hubli,Karnataka, crafted a a very rare classic presentation of Dasa Sahihya with an aplomb witnessed in his peers like Pandit Sreepathi Padigar, Legendary Sri Bhimsen Joshi and Sri Basavaraja Rajguru.

It would be grave injustice to Sri Mevundi’s masterly dexterity, should we see in him shades of similarities akin to many Legendary Stalwarts, but he puts to rest all the doubts in listeners’ minds by commencing the concert by a classical number “Guru Charana Kamala” in Shree Raga that swirled a pure magic. Each popular Haridasa Sahithya like Kandu Dhanyanaadhe Gurugala, Tunga Theeradi Ninda Suyathivaranyaare, Kailasa Vasa Gourisha Eesha, Jaana Lakshmanage Praananatha Paliso, Baare Bhagyada Nidhiye, Nanobba Paradeshi, Madana Mohana Maadhava, Naraka Janmada Bhayavo, Pandari, Tappadu Nodade Bandeya and one Marathi Abhang 'Parama Pada Paavana'..each one of them bore signature on years of training behind him. Whether it was Shree, Sohini, Jog, Nand, Bhageshri or Bharavi, he traversed through each raga in faultless manner.

Sailing effortlessly in perfect Sur, difficult Sargams and taans being his forte, the most promising & dedicated Torch Bearer of Kirana and Gwaliar Gharana as  hailed by the connoisseurs, he left the audience absolutely immersed in Haridasa Sahithya presentation in inimitable style. As he revels in those popular Daasa sahithya of Purandaradasa, Vijaya Vittala Dasa and many more, one is hardly left wondering at this virtuoso called  Pandit Jayatheerth Mevundi’s parochial talent that reminisces the regaling days of Greatest Legends of all time. Without doubt, in him we see the brightest star on the Indian music horizon for few more decades to follow, thus making "Haridasa Habba" an event to remember and savor each ensuing edition.

He was ably supported by Sriyuths Ashwin Walawalkar (Harmonium),Keshav Joshi (Percussions-Tabla), Praneshachar (Voilin) and others on Mridangam and Pakhwaj.

Vachana Sangeethotsava & 'Audio CD RaagRang' Review

‘Vachana  Sangeethotsava’  regales audience

Courtesy Akhila Bharatha Sharana Sahithya Parishat

13 & 14 April 2013 @ JSS Auditorium, Bangalore

Music Review on Audio CD 'RaagRang'  - Singer Jayadevi Jangamashetti

Though wished to derive more time for symposiums and performances during both days of event, I could only make it on 14 April morning and indeed, it was refreshing starter to listen to powerful yet soulful renditions of Smt.Jayadevi JangamashettI of Dharwad followed by Shri Shankar Hoogar.

Vachanas just flowed from Jayadevi's brilliant vocals, cutting through benumbed veins in the form of verses - Pranatheyide Bhakthiyide, Haadidarenu,Akka kelavva, Enna kaayavva,Kogile Chelva Kogile.

Needless to mention, Jaipur Gharana Exponent in Jayadevi Jangamashetti lent meaning to rare speedy display of powerful singing that reminisced  legendary likes of  Sri Mallikarjun Mansur and Basavaraja Rajguru.

I hasten to add furthermore. In her very recent Lahari audio CD release ‘RaagRang’,  Jayadevi Jangamashetti has presented Raag Jounpuri, Sawan Kalyan and Sohini in an immaculately powerful vocals.

Dharawad being the power house of Hindustani Classical music can be proud of talented Jayadevi who not only brings the best out of her chiseled vocals, but also, undoubtedly creates an aura of her own through layakari, sensible gayaki and tehraav. Intrinsic aptitude in reaching all 3 octaves with such ease without cutting through sensitive surili sargam web bears signature on  her undeniable talent. 

Way to go and a 'must buy audio CD 'RaagRang' for all connoisseurs of music...!

Archana Udupa wins best playback singer award for the movie “Bhageerathi”

Karnataka State Film Awards 2011-12 announced.

Archana Udupa wins best playback singer award for the movie “Bhageerathi”

“I've witnessed the moment she opened her eyes onto the horizon as a tot, seen her grow from a remote hamlet to metropolitan city’s contrast culture, could well sense what was going on her innocent eyes during  adolescence, but her aesthetic nature prevailed, her eye for detail in music very critically sensitive, can create wonders thro’ inborn trait for finesse in whatever form of music she delves, has all the uncanny makings of a star music director, capable of creating something extraordinary through her natural talent alone (listen to her own 'Baale Gaayana" and 'Sufiana Shariff' CD compilations) Honors tread late, but worthy can never be denied justice. 

Her rich accolades prompted me write these lines for choosing her the best playback singer for Karnataka State Film Awards – courtesy Ace Kannada writer - Director, Sri Baraguru Ramachandrappa’s movie “Bhageerathi”. Rest of the world and music fraternity recognizes her as singer Archana Udupa, but she's my pride as her proud mama...!!

One ought not forget the sacrifices made by entire family while honing her skills, wonderful support system and friends alike.

Though belated, The Government of Karnataka has at last, recognized the true talent in Archana Udupa that was long awaited. So was the case with talented vivacious multi lingual actress Bhavana too, bagging coveted best actress award and Sri Baraguru Ramachandrappa, the best lyricist respectively in their contributions in the same movie, thus spinning a triplet of sorts.

These beeline of awards clearly pump more adrenaline for multi-faceted denizen skills of Sri Baraguru Ramachandrappa and his future endeavors in the earnest”

HAMPI UNIVERSITY TO CONFER HON.DOCTORATE TO KANNADA PRIDE B.K.SUMITHRA

HAMPI  KANNADA UNIVERSITY TO CONFER “ NADOJA “  HONORARY DOCTORATE  ON “KANNADA KOGILE” B.K.SUMITHRA.

There now seems to be some order in those wise and gracious heads who matter while recognizing the true and selfless ambassadors of art, culture and literary world.

Karnataka can now pompously pride ourselves on certain specific achievements in respective areas despite odds going against. Should 2012 witness  Dr.Chandrashekara Kambar being conferred Jnanapeetha Award for his invaluable contribution in literary field, the dawn of 2013 saw well known Theatre personality, B.Jayashri being bestowed by ‘Padma Shri’, Cricket Legend Rahul Dravid by ‘Padma Bhushan’ and now, a nick name B.K.Sumithra who is selected by Hampi Kannada University for the coveted “Nadoja” Honorary Doctorate. For a while, there seems to be a windfall of goodies following suit.

“Kannada Kogile” B.K.Sumithra is such a household name in Kannada Sugama Sangeetha scenario for decades when people used to hem and haw from pursuing music. By conferring "NADOJA" Hon.Doctorate on her, Hampi Kannada University has made righteous choice. Her passion for music today is as greener and stronger as it was at a very tender age while she tirelessly embarks on travel to nooks and corners of the horizon to conduct various workshops to popularize music. Her undying spirit and enthusiasm has thus carried her onto Hall of Fame at last. May such tribe grow in zillions. 

DELECTABLE

DELECTABLE

Folks, read me on "Master's page here.

ASHWINI KUMAR

'BHAVA SAARANGA' featuring VARIJASHRI VENUGOPAL

02  FEB 2013

VENUE:GAYANA SAMAJA, KR ROAD, BANGALORE

‘BHAVA  SARANGA’

A PERFORMANCE BEYOND IMAGINATION

A VERY NOVEL FUND RAISER PROGRAMME “BHAVA SAARANGA “ WAS HELD AT GAYANA SAMAJA ON 02 FEB 2013, THE PROCEEDS OF WHICH WERE PRESENTED TO RECUPERATING & AFFABLE USTAD SRI FAIYAZ KHAN , THE RENOWNED SARANGI EXPONENT AND VOCALIST OF KARNATAKA.

What unfolded during 3 hour marathon musical ensemble was a pure delight of devotional songs soulfully rendered by our own prodigal, Varijashri Venugopal under an overwhelming orchestration that set the tempo for an unbelievable experience while listening to krithis of Purandaradasa, Kanakadasa, Vadiraja and many more. True to belief and no wonder, should one ask for lesser from the brightest talent in her who could once  recognize nearly 350 Melakartha Raagas of Carnatic Music at the very tender age of three..!! Her almost flawless renditions were marked by Saadgi, Tehrav, Surili, dynamics  and perfect diction. Two renditions by Ustad Faiyaz Khan virtually left the audience in tears, giving poignant standing ovation on pathos and travails of life.

Truly, such experimentations while rendering devotional songs are a rarity as expressed by the person behind the idea, Sri Praveen D Rao who weaved a magical web on Harmonium. Other instrumentalists brilliantly complimented Varijashri’s vocals note to note. Her genius stands a class apart in the genre. By virtue of its content, this event was a fitting deference to Ustad Faiyaz Khan who lost his beloved wife and a kin during a recent fatal accident.

Those who couldn’t make it, truly missed out on an unbelievable musical experience, wherein the chemistry between Rasika and Gayaki proved proverbial. What is more heartening to note is  the future of music in the safe custody of these unbelievably very talented prodigy, Varijashri Venugopal, Ustad Faiyaz Khan, Sriyuths Venugopalaraju, Praveen D Rao,Gurumaurthy Vaidya, Pramath Kiran, Caleb, Srinivasachar, Bhutto, Satyamurthy and Smt.Charulatha Ramanujam…

Two thumbs up for a memorable musical evening that was full of devotion…!!

EXCERPTS COMPILATION BY ASHWINI KUMAR