Continuous Practice Opens Unseen Doors in Music, Says N. Rajam
R.K.Shriramkumar. | Photo Credit: B. Jothi Ramalingam via The Hindi
Chennai: Noted Hindustani violinist N. Rajam on Thursday urged students of music to pursue their practice continuously and without interruption, saying sustained sadhana would open doors they never expected. She was speaking at the Sadas of the Music Academy in Chennai, where she conferred the Sangita Kalanidhi award on renowned violinist R.K. Shriramkumar.
Ms. Rajam, Emeritus Professor and former Dean of the Faculty of Performing Arts at Banaras Hindu University, said that even after more than 85 years of rigorous practice, she still considered herself a student of music. Presenting the award, she invited the audience to give a standing ovation to Mr. Shriramkumar, whom she described as an authority on the compositions of Muthuswami Dikshitar.
Reflecting on her early years, Ms. Rajam recalled attending concerts at the Music Academy as a child and keenly observing senior musicians perform complex Ragam–Tanam–Pallavi. She said she would return home and reproduce what she had absorbed before her father, resting only after receiving his approval.
Describing music as an unfathomable ocean, Ms. Rajam said what one learns in a lifetime is only a speck, whether in Carnatic or Hindustani traditions. She also appreciated the Music Academy’s century-long service to Indian classical music and the contribution of its music school.
Music Academy president N. Murali said Ms. Rajam chose Hindustani music while studying at Banaras Hindu University after listening to Pt. Omkarnath Thakur, later becoming his disciple. He highlighted her pioneering role in introducing the gayaki style to Hindustani violin.
At the event, Sangita Kala Acharya awards were presented to thavil player T.R. Govindarajan and musician Shyamala Venkateswaran, while other honours were also conferred.
Our Final Thoughts
N. Rajam’s reflections reinforced the timeless value of discipline and lifelong learning in Indian classical music, inspiring young artistes to remain committed to their art beyond accolades.