Sanjog Flute College Guruvandana | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
The stage of the Chowdia Memorial Hall was recently covered in greenery as around 200 musicians dressed in colour-coordinated costumes performed with flutes and musical instruments. Tablagathered to present Guruvandana, showcasing what they had learnt under the tutelage of their gurus at Sanjog Bansuri Mahavidyalaya.
Located in Bengaluru, this institute has been fostering musical talents for the past two decades. Established in 2002 and inaugurated by Ustad Zakir Hussain, Sanjog Bansuri Mahavidyalaya has students ranging from five to 70 years of age. Phalut player Praveen Godkhindi teaches them how to play the flute. Flute and sings, while his brother, Kiran Godkhindi, narrates Tabla Lesson.
Talking about the legacy of the institute, Praveen Godkhindi said, “Our father Venkatesh Godkhindi had a dream to create a place where students could learn music. That is what my brother and I have done.”
The concert began with a prayer recited by the youngest students, whose tiny hands worked the notes so delicately. Throughout the evening, children and adults from various learning levels made their presence felt on stage, testifying to the patience and hard work of their teachers.
One of the highlights of the event was Jugalbandi Two separate performances by all the students including flutists and singers melody in perfect unison, followed by an explosive finale at a fast pace Tabla The performance received a standing ovation.
Sanjog Flute College Guruvandana | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
The evening’s chief guest was actress and comedian Gangavathi Pranesh, while the guest of honour was Vidwan Ananthkrishna Sharma, a renowned mridangam artist and guru of Pravin Godkhindi. Ananur spoke about the importance of preserving Indian classical music. “Programs like these encourage both parents and children to learn about our culture, which is why I think it’s important to promote and preserve our heritage.”
Praveen Godkhindi’s son Shadaj Godkhindi, who was also a flutist at the event, said, “Music is one of the oldest traditions of our country, and I want to continue his legacy like my father. When you play music, you feel every emotion – love, devotion, anger or anything else. So we need it today.”
Another well-known Tabla Renowned city artiste Pt Ravindra Yavagal, who was present on the occasion, emphasised the significance of the event for the world of classical music and the role of the institute in bringing together eminent artistes.
Pt. Yogesh Samsi gave a wonderful presentation in the program. Tabla With Yashwant Vaishnav Tabla and Milind Kulkarni accompanied on harmonium. The evening concluded with performances by Praveen Godkhindi, Yogesh Samsi, Shadaj Godkhindi and Yashwant Vaishnav.
Praveen said, “The notion that Indian classical music is a dying art is wrong. There is enough evidence to prove that Indian classical music exists. The only issue is that we have the next generation of listeners and artistes, but we don’t have the next generation of organisers or sponsors. As a musician, this is my main concern – corporates and multinationals should take up this social responsibility.”
Sanjog Flute College Guruvandana | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement
