Sapta Bhashi Atmasiddhi

SR No.: 002593
Original Sutra Author: Shrimad Rajchandra
Author: Pratapkumar J Toliiya, Sumitra Tolia
Publisher: Jina Bharati Bangalore
Publication Year: 2001
Total Pages: 226
Language: Sanskrit, Hindi, Gujarati,
Classification: Book_Devnagari, Spiritual, & Rajchandra
File Size: 21 MB

Page 215

(७) सप्तभाषी आत्मसिद्धि
173
SAPTABHASHI ATMASIDDHI
An American Press Review :
"MUSICIAN BRINGS MESSAGE
TO THE FESTIVAL"
Musicians were considered holy when Pratap Toliya was growing up in India during the 1930s.
"We believe musicians are messengers of God." Says Toliya, a sitarist, singer and former college president who will spend part of a brief visit at this weekend's Ethnic Cultural Festival in Danbury.
The development of popular music in the Indian cinema and the proliferation of radios and tape recorders have diminished the stature of musicians in India. But for the 53year-old Toliya, music is still a kind of religious calling.
The entire family of Prof. Toliya is dedicated to this task and works with the spirit of Missionary Enthusiasm. His daughter has released a booklet titled 'WHY VEGETARIANISM ?'. The importance of Vegetarian Diet is scientifically stressed in this booklet written by Dr. Vandana Toliya, a Naturopath. Their aim is to highlight the value of Ahimsa through the importance of Vegetarian Diet. This booklet also consists of the steps to be undertaken to curb the violent mentality being spreaded day-by-day in the society.
Worth-reading is the book 'PROFILES OF PARUL published about his other daughter Parul. Parul- the genius daughter of Prof. Toliya was born on 31st December 1961 at Amreli. We find in this book Parul's childhood, development of her different intellectual abilities, leaning towards Art and Religion and her achievements in the fields of Music and Joumalism, etc. As a sublime Soul, Parul went off spreading her fragrance everywhere. She met a tragic premature death in Bangalore being hit in wrong side dashing Motor Bus accident while crossing the road on 28th August 1988. Details of her life and Articles of Tributes are given in the book. These consist of writings of Pandit Ravishankar and Shri Kantilal Parikh titled 'Parul- A Serene Soul', which give a beautiful account of the rare achievements of the departed soul in the fields of Art and Religion. Parul was encompassing the entire nearby life into the sacred tie of divine love. Her love and feelings of equality were spreaded not only towards the human beings, but also towards entire world including birds and animals. Unusual was the spread of her Sublime Spirit. The whole picture of Parul's soul emerging out of the complete Book is worthrespect-producing. What a fate of destiny that this flower was crushed at the moment when it was growing into perfection! The photographs given in the book exactly erect the 27 years' life-span and progress of a person. The reader's eye sheds tears after reading the book. May God bestow eternal peace upon that Elevated Soul!
It is a way of knowing one's spirit, the essence that Toliya believes transcends the body and is born again. Music, like meditation can silence the small worries and preoccupations that keep us from being in tune with our true selves, he believes.
"We call it the song way of the spirit", says Toliya, a very thin, energetic man with glossy black hair and a mustache.
He also believes music can heal the sick. Working with physicians, Toliya has run experiments in hospitals to measure the tranquilizing effects of music he has written to help heal patients. Toliya says it is most effective for psychiatric patients and for people with digestive problems.
Among Toliya's earliest memories are of concerts in his home, given by musicians hired by his parents. Although the family was not wealthy, Toliya says-rather they played and then accepted what was offered.
"Vardhaman Bharati' is doing the work of the spread of culture even being away from Gujarat and this being useful for the masses and Society, is highly commendable.
"We offer whatever we can, out of love. We treat them as holy people", he says.
"Triveni". Loksatta-Jansatta by Dr. RAMANLAL JOSHI
(Editor 'UDDESH")
Like the musicians he heard in his childhood, Toliya never sets a price for his performances. He lives on whatever is donated.
Ahmedabad, 22-3-1992 Translated from Gujarati)
This is his third trip to the United States; he is staying with the family of Hans Maru in Brook-field before going to New York to speak at a world conference on Hinduism. Then he will travel to several cities nationwide to lecture on music, vegetarianism and spirituality.
(*) Also in Gujarati and now in English, titled: "IN THE MYSTERIOUS LAND OF MY MYSTIC MASTER" : A Seeker's Voyage to Hampi.
In all, he has produced 24 record albums and 55 cassette tapes of classical Indian music, folk melodies and music for meditation. He sings in six languages.
The spiritual power of music is just part of Toliya's philosophy. He also believes in non-violence-including "non-violent food", and eats no meat.
• GHI JINA-BHARATI
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