YJ International Newsletter 2004 Vol 18 No 02

Author(s): Young Jains (UK)
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 19

Musical Metamorphosis
- By Kavit Haria -
Tune into Tabla, harmonize with harmonium, synthesize with sitar... realise rhythm!
supreme spiritual people). In this mantra we worship their virtues rather than worshipping any one particular person.
My love for rhythm has come through the Art of Tabla Playing. I have been training to play the tabla from my Guruji Pandit Sharda Sahai, for over six years and have been playing the tabla for more than seven years in total. A number of Young Jains members have also learnt or are currently learning tabla with Guruji.
Pandit Sharda Sahai is a direct descendent of Pandit Ram Sahai, the direct descendent of the founder of the Benaras tablastyle. Guruji is a co-founder of Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidyalaya.
He is an internationally acclaimed tabla player and educationalist with a career that has spanned three continents. He is respected equally for his solo playing, his accompaniment and cross-cultural work with leading musicians from all over the world. He has accompanied all the major musicians and dancers of India, and worked with John Cage, Andy Shepherd, Buddy Rich, Adzenia, Nexus - to name a few.
Pandit Ram Sahai Sangit Vidyalaya (PRSSV) is a charitable trust founded in 1987. It is named after one of the most innovative Indian musicians of the 18th century whose art of tabla playing is now practiced by amateur and professional musicians all over the world. The trust works with a range of musicians, dancers, poets and visual artists to devise work incorporating Indian classical music with the best of contemporary practice.
Activities undertaken by PRSSV include concerts, workshops, classes, and access to syllabus development for graded examinations and recognised qualifications in North and South Indian music and dance, sitar, vocal, dance and tabla training by professionals, professional development for specialist music and dance teachers, theme based projects and residencies for schools, training in arts administration for volunteers and support, advice and information for performing artists, teachers and students.
ain Education International
For more information on PRSSV, please visit www.sahai.org or contact Dr Frances Shepherd on 020 8841 1614.
Recently, a few of us went to a show called "Tiranga," meaning "Three colours." It was a short and sweet production to celebrate India's Republic Day. Five of India's most prolific Instrumentalists presented their expertise as the night was celebrated through music and poetry. In the same way, music too can be expressed through poetry. The following poem does just that.
Let the rhythm flow through your world
As you enter this wonderful world, what do you hear? The sounds are plenty, but do only bring a tear.
Searching for that inner harmony is vitally instrumental, Synergising to the melodies in style is truly magical.
Inspired enthusiastically by all souls singing in tune, Charismatically always reaching high towards the
moon.
Deeper understanding will inevitably naturally flow; The one and only truth will prevail in every echo.
Let the rhythm exuberate to the tapping of your feet, Live lovingly throughout every single heartbeat.
Deepa M Shah (Young Jains External Relations Officer)
Come along to Young Jains Sweet Harmony sessions on the first Monday of every month from 8pm to let your vocal chords experience the creative talent within you through music and song. If you have never sung, then this is the chance to learn in a great, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. Stavan sheets are in English and Gujarati, meanings are explained and musical hints are provided by the talented group leading the evening.
Kavit Haria is an A Level Student in London and an active volunteer of Young Jains www.kavitharia.com■
UK.
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