Sandesh Official Newsletter of SPICMACAY October 2023

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Vol. 29, Issue 2, October 2023 Official Newsletter of Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth
Aarambh the playschool module

to be launched pan India
T
hey say that both the left and right side of the brain are
important for a balanced and rounded education of a
child. This is why SPIC MACAY is introducing its newest
module for pre-schools – AARAMBH - that helps toddlers
between 3 and 6 years of age to internalise classical music
through interactive, fun-filled, body movements like yoga.
This module was personally designed by Dr Kiran Seth and
soft launched in 2017 after years of research. He has always
believed in the ability of young minds to reach unmatched
heights, once taught well. He has been devoting his time with
kids for many years and is now enthralled to unveil this module
to the whole world, “This will inspire children from a very young
age to become better human beings”, he says. Scientific research states that learning classical music at
an early age improves memory, emotional intelligence,
The devastation brought about by the pandemic delayed its
attention span and concentration. The effect that learning
pan India launch. Now SPIC MACAY is bringing it back at an
music can have on the child’s brain in her formative young
all India level.
years can contribute immensely to the development of his/her
In today’s digital world even young children are getting analytical as well as creative brain hemispheres. For instance,
fascinated and attracted to electronic gadgets. This exposes each raga or note that will be taught to children will be linked
them to a harsh world with many negative consequences. with some fun physical exercise or basic yoga technique like
Gadgets also lead to reduced concentration among kids who Padmasana to help them memorize the ragas or swar sooner.
lose focus due to prolonged usage. Aarambh is designed to
Music is also known to relieve tension, alleviate boredom
bring back the focus of children and increase their meditative
and strengthen the child’s core, mentally and emotionally.
capacity after the dark period of online classes.
With Aarambh SPIC MACAY is using the power of music
The entire module, tailored for pre-schoolers, is set to bring hidden in our culture to educate young children through
a revolution in the lives of young toddlers taking them to interactive sessions.
the root of rich Indian tapestry, by employing a prodigious
This unique educational initiative is a testament to the
combination of interactive and fun-filled educational activities
transformative power of music, culture, and education.
that incorporate elements of both yoga and classical music in
the pre-existing curriculum.
Continued on Page 3
INSIDE
Page 3 Page 4 Page 8-14 Page 15 Page 24 Page 26 Page 28 Page 30

Aarambh can A week-long Review of Chapter Shruti Amrut Dr Kiran Seth's Dr Kiran Seth In
revoluntise sojourn of 8th International Speak: concerts all India remembers his Memoriam
lives of young serenity and Convention at Reports from end after Solo Cycling gowing up days at
children spirituality VNIT, Nagpur all over India a year |
Yatra 1 SANDESH | SEPTEMBER 2019
IIT Kharagpur
AARAMBH module launch in
Chhattisgarh & Uttar Pradesh (Gr. Noida)
At Aadharshila Vidya Mandir, Bilaspur on August 22, 2023
At DPS Greater
Noida, UP on
September 30
with Vidushi
Sunanda Sharma
2 | SANDESH | MAY
OCTOBER
2023 2023
Aarambh can revoluntise
the lives of young children
HOW DOES AARAMBH WORK
This preschool module will coach young kids of the age group ALIGNED WITH NCF-2023
3-7 years to learn classical music through different bodily The National Curriculum Framework (NCF) for school
movements like stomping, marching, swaying, jumping or education (part of NEP 2020) mentions different domains
shaking. Teachers will be trained and taught how to teach
of development during the foundational phase of a
seven swaras of Indian classical music to students to improve
their phonetic control and magnify their language skills. child's growth. The Aarambh module will turn out to be a
revolutionising step in achieving these curriculum goals in
The students are taught to play a game putting their right and several areas of development.
left legs forward to the Sa Re Ga Ma ... Aarohan (Ascending)
1. Motor Development, which involves different bodily
and Avrohan (Descending) notes of Hindustani music at
different speeds. Each note is taught correctly and in a fun movements including cross-lateral movement, rocking,
way with the tanpura music running in the background, and swaying.
which activates the subconscious mind and ingrains these 2. Social/ emotional Development, through the
swars in the child's brain at a very delicate age. stimulation of the right side of the brain.
They are also taught different, basic forms of yoga with Naad 3. Language Development, by singing and practicing Yoga.
Yog - a meditation of sounds or mantras. 4. Cognitive Development, which involves the use of
rhythm and different patterns.
SPIC MACAY’s ALL INDIA NETWORK SUPPORT 5. Artistic Development, which is ensured through
We have a large network of volunteers throughout the
exposure towards Indian classical music and Yoga.
country. Therefore, the cause of instilling this kind of soulful
education in young kids can be implemented pan-India. We
aim at regularly organizing cultural events with registered
play schools that opt for this module. These events will boost twist education will ensure that they give undivided individual
the interest of kids in music. The performances by renowned attention to each toddler so that they grasp this concept in
artists will not just encourage children but also parents who efficient ways and participate better in the discussions.
can then nurture the culture at home and continue educating
HOW TO IMPLEMENT
their kids in music outside schools too.
To implement this module, a play school must:
FLEXIBILITY IN IMPLEMENTATION • Train one of its faculties through SPIC MACAY for a
SPIC MACAY gives schools the flexibility to introduce the 2-hour training program so that they become equipped to
module in any way that they deem fit. The school can opt for conduct classes on their own.
a visit by SPIC MACAY volunteer teachers who are trained in • This module requires a registration fee of Rs. 5000/- only
this module. Methods of teaching classical music with a fun to organise workshop in a play school with its teachers.
The module is being supported by various chapters across
the country and we are especially grateful to expert in special
education Smt Mamta Balasubramaniam from Jamnagar for
all her support and intputs.
SPIC MACAY invites private or public schools to join
hands in our movement to make a qualitative change
in elementary education in India. We hope to work as
an enormous and efficient national team and welcome
suggestions and feedback as alway
By Suman Doonga
National Vice Chairperson, SPIC MACAY
3 | SANDESH | OCTOBER 2023

REVIEW: 8TH INTERNATONAL CONVENTION AT VNIT NAGPUR
A week-long sojourn of
serenity and spirituality
By Manjari Sinha
T
he 8th International Convention of SPIC MACAY was
inaugurated on May 29, 2023 at Visvesvaraya National
Institute of Technology-VNIT in Nagpur.
While inaugurating the week-long Convention director of
the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR) Dr. Vinay
Sahastrbuddhe said, “Culture is a broad concept that can
be explained through music. He appealed to the youth to
make music their lifestyle and make their lifestyle music
friendly.” He added: “There is confusion between culture and
entertainment. There are several things that entertain us but
entertainment is not culture and we cannot define culture as
entertainment.”
He also appreciated the efforts of SPIC MACAY in conducting
events every year to promote Indian culture and music at the
international level.
Also present on the occasion were Dr. Krishna Kumar, V.C.
Amrita University Kochi, Smt Kanchan Gadkari, renowned
social worker and President of Seva Sadan Sanstha Nagpur
and the gracious host Dr. Pramod Padole, Director VNIT
along with SPIC MACAY national Chairperson Sh RM Tiwari.
Senior most volunteers Smt Kunda Mahurkar, Smt Sucheta
Kulkarni and Smt Mrunalini Fadnavis also shared the dais.
Renowned artists Padma Vibhushan Dr Prabha Atre, Padma
Bhushan Dr N Rajam and other dignitaries were also present
during the inaugural function.
All the guests also lighted the traditional lamp to inaugurate the
convention. Nagpur's renowned anchor Smt Renuka Deshkar
conducted the proceedings while SPIC MACAY national
Secretary Sh Sabyasachi Dey proposed the vote of thanks.
Tourism (Incredible India campaign). Many Padma-awarded
Sh RM Tiwari also read out Prime Minister Shri Narendra and renowned artists performed at the weeklong convention.
Modi’s Message sent on the occasion of the 8th International Around 1300 delegates and youth volunteers from across
Convention, “SPIC MACAY is doing an important work India and abroad attended the convention.
of connecting the public, especially the youth, with
Participating students got to experience the full glory of
the glorious cultural history embedded in classical
Indian art and tradition through this weeklong Convention
music and the arts. This work will strengthen the as the luminous legacy of Indian classical music and dance,
spirit of 'Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat' and our country art and culture, resonated vibrantly for a week.
will reach new heights of progress by enriching its
diverse culture and traditions.." Every day the ashram-like schedule started at 4 in the morning
with Hatha Yoga, Nada Yoga, and Koodiyattam practices.
This annual cultural jamboree was organized with the There were Intensive workshops, performances of classical
support of Union Ministry of Culture and Union Ministry of and folk music and dance, arts and crafts workshops, classic

film screenings followed by discussions with director/

actor, Qawwali, Gurubani and Western choir and more. All
this offered a sojourn of serenity and spirituality for the
participating delegates and art lovers who gathered at the
lush green campus of VNIT.
Day one was heralded with the auspicious music of the
nadaswaram by Sheik Mehboob Subhani and Kaleeshabi
in the morning before the formal inauguration in the evening.
Inaugural Concert: "Listening is an art, which has to be
cultivated consistently. It demands patience and grows
slowly like a flower," said Dr. Prabha Atre before presenting
raga Madhur-Kauns, her own creation. She applauded Dr.
Kiran Seth, founder of SPIC MACAY who has been striving
towards inculcating sanskara and the values of our culture
in youngsters through listening and watching intently by
taking our classical and folk arts to schools and colleges for dete hain", hence Warsi Brothers had to sing "Aaj rang hai"
more than four decades. The week-long convention proved the popular Rang of Amir Khusro.
her point beyond measure.
Mahishasura Mardini, the folk ballet in Purulia Chhau was
The afternoon sessions of film screening had a discussion presented by Sh Taradad Rajak and his troupe. The fight
with Sh Rajat Kapur after the screening of Making of scenes between the lion of Devi Durga and the Mahish
Mahatma, and with Sh Adoor Gopalakrishnan about the (buffalo) of Mahishasura, attracted children with their
film Images - Reflection on him and its director Sh Girish colourful costumes and acrobatic choreography. Pandavani
Kasarvalli. by Smt Usha Barle had all the verve and valor for the mighty
epic characters she personified in her ekaharya abhinaya
Pung Cholam by Guru Keerti Singh and his troupe from
playing multiple characters enacting stories from Ramayana
Imphal, Manipur, gave a sense of piety with the performers
and Mahabharata. Maharashtrian folk music 'Pavara' by Sh
dressed in crisp white dhoti and sapha (turban), holding and
playing Pung, the percussion instrument, and dancing all at
once. The stage felt like the pious courtyard of the famous
Govindaji Temple with this ritualistic dance performed with
devotional fervour.
Dr. Alankar Singh created the reverential aura of Gurbani
right from the opening aalap in the afternoon raga Bhimpalasi
on the melodious Dilruba played by Sandip Singh. This raga
is mentioned as Dhanashri in Guru Granth Sahib, explained
Alankar Singh, before presenting the Shabad. This Shabad
had the flavour of all, the Dhrupad, Khayal and Thumri.
This was superbly brought in by Alankar Singh supported
by Narendra Pal Singh on tabla, playing Padtal which was
a combination of Chautal (for Dhrupad), Drut Ektal (for
Khayal) and Deepchandi (for Thumri), all together!
The renowned Warsi Brothers from Hyderabad gave a
Shahir Vijay Pande and party, Kabir Gayan by Sh Prahlad
refreshing touch to their Qawwali repertoire from the very
Singh Tipanya, Choir by Neemrana Music Foundation;
beginning when they opened with 'Wahe Ali,' a Qaul of Amir
there was no end to the fascinating variety of performances
Khusro and the adjoining Tarana, instead of the oft-repeated
in the afternoon sessions. The fabulous puppet show 'Rumi'
"Mann kunto maula..." normally sung to open a Qawwali
by Sh Dadi Padumji and Gomeyetta by Sh Bhaskar Kogga
program. The next piece "Chain tumse qaraar tumse..." was
Kamath was the added attractions of puppetry too.
composed in a rare raga, like Gorakh Kalyan, which proved
their classical music background. The young listeners The morning sessions of INTENSIVE WORKSHOPS involved
wanted more even after the closing Bhairavi "Bekhud kiye Gurus like Dr. Prabha Atre (Hindustani vocal), Ust. Wasiffudin

Dagar (Dhrupad), Dr Sheshachari (Carnatic vocal), Lalgudi Similarly, the Kuchipudi Guru Vyjayanthi Kashi made the
GJR Krishnan (Carnatic Violin), Meenakshi Chitharanjan young students sit and explained the reference and meaning
(Bharatanatyam), Vyjayanthi Kashi (Kuchipudi), Prerana of the sahitya before teaching them the Krishna Devaraya
Shrimali (Kathak), Gopika Varma (Mohiniyattam), Sujata Shabdam.
Mohapatra (Odissi), Margi Madhu (Koodiyattam) and
Guru Ghanakanta Bora (Sattriya). Students also learned Sujata Mohapatra regaled the audience with an Odissi
Hatha Yoga under Swami Thyagaraj, meditation under dance performance on the penultimate evening. Opening
Brahmakumari Maneesha, Pandavani - Usha Barle, Pung with mangalacharan in raga Gurjari Todi and triputa tala
Cholam- Keerti Singh, Gurbani - Dr. Alankar Singh and invoking Krishna and Shankarabharanam Pallavi by her
Puppetry under Dadi Pudumji. ace disciple Saumya Murty, she proceeded to Jayadeva's
ashtapadi "Sakhi he..." before presenting the time-tested
It was interesting to watch these Gurus teaching totally choreography of her Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra's
novice, uninitiated boys and girls the intricacies of our 'Ramayan', with lyrics by Kavisurya Upendra Bhanja,
arts. Gopika Varma for instance, teaching hand gestures composed by Pt Bhubaneswar Mishra. Her involved
along with Sanskrit shlokas from Hastalakshana Deepika ekaharya abhinaya enacting all the characters in the epic
also told them, "No mudra is complete without your facial story from Rama, Lakshmana, and Seeta, to the golden
expressions. Moon is up there, so you look up and your deer, Ravan, Jataayu et al encompassing scenes from
eyebrows praise its beauty. A mudra gets its meaning Panchavati to Seeta-Haran and Jatayuvadha Prasang got
when the body movements and facial expressions go her a standing ovation
with it."
Nepathya Centre for Excellence in Koodiyattam
presented a riveting performance by Margi Madhu

Chakyar as Ravana. It was an engaging sequence from feather and honoured by Brahma along with the detailed
'Ashokavanikaankam,' the 5th Act from the play Ascharya story behind it. The powerful support on mizhavu by
Chudamani written by Shaktibhadra. Ravana is thinking Kalamandalam Manikandan, edakka by Dinesh Warrier,
about the beauty of Seetha after dragging her from the and talam by Dr Indu G created the most appropriate
forest and imprisoning her in the Ashoka Vatika. In a sound effects augmenting the desired emotions expressed
'nakha shika varnan' of her beauty, he starts praising the so eloquently by Margi Madhu Chakyar.
beauty of her Panchangas, five angas starting from hair to
eyes, face, breast, and feet. Ravana enacts in detail how The classical concerts by stalwarts of music and dance every
her hair has defeated the beauty of the jealous peacock evening climaxed with an overnight concert featuring
mridangam Vidwan Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman, Pt. Ulhas
Kashalkar, A. Kanyakumari (Carnatic violin), Pt. Sajan
Mishra, Vidwan D. Sheshachari, and Ustad Wasifuddin
Dagar (Dhrupad) from dusk to dawn on the concluding day
of the week-long fare of sumptuous spread of soul-stirring
performances. (Detailed report on pg 8)
The week-long Intercon was an enriching opportunity for
art lovers and also quite fascinating for the young delegates
from faraway places, who were perhaps witnessing and
experiencing these vibrant art forms, and rare instruments
like Rudraveena or Dilruba and a Koodiyattam performance
for the first time in their life.
Courtesy: NARTHAKI dance magazine

The overnight concert at VNIT

brings out vivid colors
Sunil Warrier, Resident Editor of TOI Nagpur,

wrote this beautiful piece for his newspaper about
the 'Overnight concert' at the 8th InterCon at VNIT.
E
vening was still trying to stay in the limelight as
Night tried to bulldoze it deeper into yesterday, when
Umayalpuram K Sivaraman stepped onto the stage
for a solo performance at VNIT auditorium. Was it his age –
the oldest artist at 87 — or his being the highest-decorated
performer – Padma Vibhushan — that prompted SPIC
MACAY to introduce the living legend of mridangam as the
first artist of a dusk-to-dawn concert? Perhaps it was both.
Not for nothing is he known as a Vidwan.
Even before he started performing, Sivaraman was charming
the young volunteers and guests in a beaming green room.
He showed no irritation even though his playing time – 90 were crying for a walkabout. Upper limbs were trying to
minutes - as per the schedule was set to be curtailed. Around stretch to the ceiling. While the youngsters were forced
10.15pm, the veshti, silk kurta-clad, vibhuti-annointed into obedience, many adults moved about unmonitored.
Sivaraman settled down and announced that he had an
hour to play and this included the introductory speeches. In walked the diminutive A Kanyakumari, whose smiling
“Tonight, I’m calling this performance as ‘when mridangam ‘good morning’ at 45 minutes past midnight was au
plays thayambaka’,” he said. To the puzzled audience, contraire the stern ‘amma’ look on her face. She started
Sivaraman explained that thayambaka is an art form of off with a prayer to Lord Ganesha in raag Hamswadhani. A
Kerala in which the main player is drumming solo on the song composed by Thyagaraja was next. Over the next few
‘chenda’ (percussion instrument). For the next 40 minutes, minutes, she had the back-to-ramrod-straight audience
Sivaraman had the audience, young and elderly, in a trance eating out of her dexterous hands which were coaxing
as his fingers caressed the mridangam and wooed magical soothing sounds from the violin. Kanyakumari first played
sounds from it.
The alacrity with which Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar occupied
the stage vacated by Sh Sivaraman is a study worth
undertaking for all airlines about their turnaround
time between flights. There were four other performers
for the night and this quickness ensured all got their
allotted time.
A few days ago, Kashalkar was in the cooler climes of
Kashmir for SPIC MACAY’s Shruti Amrit concert. And here
he was in hot and humid Nagpur. Three compositions in 80
minutes had Hindustani vocal aficionados in a complete
trance. It was half past midnight. Heads, shoulders and
eyelids had started drooping. Restless derrieres were
constantly shuffling in their resting places. Lower limbs

‘Humko man ki shakti dena’, the song immortalised by bandish ‘Jaane na doongi kaanha basiya bajaye bina’ and a
Jaya Bhaduri’s peek-a-boo face, Vani Jairam’s voice, bhajan ‘Chalo mann Brindavan ki or’.
Gulzar’s lyrics and Vasant Desai’s music in film ‘Guddi’.
The jugalbandi of thavil and kanjira by the accompanying Sajan ji’s sonorous voice would have brought the structural
artists meant one didn’t need cups of tea to stay awake. engineering students of VNIT running to the auditorium as it
threatened to bring down the building.
Next from Kanyakumari was Mahatma Gandhi’s favourite
hymn ‘Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram’ and Meera bhajan ‘Payoji Most in the audience were tucked deep into the arms of Lord
maine ram ratan dhan payo’. The audience needed a gentle Morpheus, their bodies contorted into various shapes. Head
prod from her to sing along. Did she realise that her allotted over heels got an entirely different meaning. Carnatic vocal
time was running out? A faceless finger in the wing indicated artist D Sesha Chary, who was up next, needed a cup of tea
one last song and Kanyakumari played three more, including on stage. It’s not known whether he was trying to find his
the melodious ‘English note’ composed by Harikesanallur voice or fight his sleep.
Muthiah Bhagavathar. Vande Mataram was finally final. After an hour of euphonious singing by Chary, Dhrupad
Kanyakumari gestured ‘The End’ to the smiling faces. The singer Us Wasifuddin Dagar came on stage at 5.20am and
time was 2.15am, Sunday. started off with the morning raag Bairagi Bhairav.
Pt Sajan Mishra took just 10 minutes to settle down. At 6.50am, Dagar politely signed off saying, “Today I will stop
Swaraj, his son, occupied the space bequeathed by the death here, will sing more on another occasion.”
of Pt Rajan Mishra, Sajan ji’s elder brother. “I have been
associated with Spic Macay for 44 years and I am proud of it,” Outside, the sun was moving at great speed in the only
Sajan ji announced. direction it knows. Inside, a petal from the mogra garland
adorning a head that shook vigorously all night fell after
“It’s the third phase of the night, so I will sing Raag Jogkauns,” Saturday’s freshness finally wore off.
Sajan ji added. The bandish went thus: ‘Kahe kare ghuman
baanwre’. Around 4am, he concluded with a Rajan-written Courtesy: The Times of India

Volunteers from different parts of

the country share their experiences
from SPIC MACAY’S 8th InterCon.
I am honoured to share my experience of the recently held

SPIC MACAY Convention in Nagpur. I was fortunate to have
attended it with my school mates. The convention is a place
of great memories. It is where people who admire Indian
culture would love to be. One of the best things about the
convention was meeting students from different cultural
backgrounds, ethnicity, religion etc. thus creating a sense
of unity, caring and sharing amongst all. Although due to
Life can be simple or complicated, depending on what kind
sudden change in life style, it was difficult for many to wake
of lifestyle you are provided with and how much you are
up so early or eat at appointed time but it was worth it.
used to it. The seven days of SPIC MACAY’s 8th International
Learning Mohiniyattam from Smt Gopika Verma was also convention at VNIT Nagpur was the toughest time I have
an honour. Spending time away from our phones in this ever lived till date, at the age of 36! I have always been in the
technology-driven era also gave me a much needed break comfort of home and was completely oblivious of a ‘hostel
and made me feel relaxed. The routine was tough to follow life’. This was the first time I was going to experience that and
and pushed me out of my comfort zone. But devoting time more! I hadn’t imagined a life without AC in peak summers,
to meditation, yoga, classical concerts provided me with sleeping on a hard mattress, using a common washroom, a
the energy and boosted my serotonin. It also helped me tiny table to stack your personal stuff. Being used to a kind
remember the importance of sticking to our Indian roots of luxury and then suddenly to be thrown into a dilapidated
and exploring its diverse and rich cultural heritage. On the room surely makes a huge difference.
last day, we visited Ramtek and enjoyed learning about the
A holistic life for 7 days with simple living, mind calming
heritage of the place and Nagpur city…
performances of renowned artists, witnessing our culture so
Prisha Malhotra, Class IX, Salwan Public School, New Delhi. closely, the enchanting art forms, meeting new people from
Our trip to Nagpur was a memorable event. We enjoyed a lot. all over India, spending time with self and also sneaking
Most importantly we got trained under many big artists and a bit into cafés at nights, it was all so very healing and so
it was a sheer pleasure to see them from close. Within a week very soulful. Away from my daily worries, anxieties and
we experienced many things, learnt from our workshops complexities of life, I will remember this forever.
and witnessed great performances. I feel blessed to be a part Ms Priyanka S from Kolkata Chapter
of this and want to thank my school for providing me this
It was my first SPIC MACAY Convention and I got to learn so
opportunity.
many things that I can’t believe I had not known about them
Kanak Khanna, Class VIII, Salwan Public School, Gurugram earlier.. Waking up early in the morning at 3:30, then going for
My trip to Nagpur was full of learning. I learnt discipline and yoga was new to me but satisfying. After doing yoga our body
its importance in life. Everything there was great but meeting would get fully relaxed both externally as well as mentally. My
artist and learning music from them was the highlight. Only intensive workshop was Bagh Printing. I got to know about this
one thing which needs improvement is bit of management. traditional crafts for the first time in my life. We were taught
Every student who attended this convention was very lucky. by master craftspersons Sh. Mohammed Yusuf Khatri and by
Sh. Mohammad Billal Khatri. They were friendly and taught
Nitya Soni, Class VIII, Salwan Public School, Gurugram us beautiful prints of Bagh Printing. I also vividly remember
This event was beautiful and gripping. Each performance watching the many legends perform live, such as Gombeyatta
was unique in itself. Children thoroughly enjoyed it. We were by Shri Bhaskar Kogga Kamath, Qawwali by Warshi Brother,
not only watching the world renowned artists perform but Pandavani by Usha Barle and many more.
also learning from them. We felt blessed to get this enriching It was a huge opportunity for me to watch so many artists
experience. live. All the members and volunteers from all over India
Ms Jyoti Chadha (Teacher), Modern Public School Gurugram were nice to us and helped us with any doubts. I am sure to

attend the next convention too and will advise others to join many more! I learnt some important values like not wasting
this movement too. food, eating healthy, leading a disciplined life etc. and really
Mr Ayan Saikia, B.A.Performing Arts, 4th Sem, felt as if I was living in an ashram.
Assam Downtown University I felt at peace after coming back home and almost had no
First of all, thank you SPIC MACAY for organising this stress!! This experience made me realise that back in time
convention and giving us the opportunity to attend it and life was more peaceful and 'drama-free'. This event in my life
to become aware about our ancient, rich heritage. I am full will be forever imprinted in my heart!
of gratitude for having this exposure. It was my first time Aditi Rajput, Class IX, ASN Sr Sec School,
attending a SPIC MACAY convention and now I am ready to Mayur vihar, Delhi
attend every such convention in the years to come. The early Participating in the 8th SPIC MACAY convention at Nagpur
morning yoga, holistic food, concerts and the workshops was a rollercoaster of an experience, comprising both ups and
were so good that I enjoyed each and everything. We learnt downs. I was able to imbibe a healthy way of living through
new art forms and also got a chance to present our learning the rigorous schedule and holistic eating. Walking long lengths
in front of other students and artists. Yes, it was difficult to plus yoga early in the morning helped me become stronger
adapt to the new, tough, daily routine but I feel it was quite internally. In a short span of time we were able to learn a whole
effective. The volunteers were really sweet and students that dance routine under the guidance of the amazing Gopika Verma.
we met from all over India were the sweetest. I made many All of this, combined with letting go of our mobile phones for
friends and came to know about their traditions and culture. the entire week, helped us become one with nature. We were
Anushka Rajput, Class XII, ASN Sr. Sec. School, also privileged to witness performances of some of the greatest
Mayur Vihar, Delhi classical singers and dancers.
The experience I had while staying in Nagpur was Among the few downsides of the event were long durations
magnificent. I am so happy that I got this opportunity to of the concerts, especially the overnight concert. Perhaps,
participate in SPIC MACAY’s International Convention and because we are not used to it and even though the concerts
learn how to lead an ashram-like lifestyle. The workshops were enriching, because they were long, out of exhaustion
were excellently executed. I participated in Miniature one was not able to enjoy it fully. There were other small
Painting workshop where I made a painting with a lot of issues like food and accommodation quality. Bonafide
detailing! It was made possible because of our experienced I would like to thank SPIC MACAY for giving me this truly
guru Sh Jaiprakash. He made us learn the tricks to paint a
once in a lifetime opportunity.
miniature. The VNIT campus was very peaceful. It fulfilled
all our basic needs. I also got the opportunity to watch Gurbani Kaur, Salwan Public School,
famous artist perform like Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Odissi and Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi

A VOLUNTEER'S ODYSSEY
At the 8th International Convention 2023
By Meenu Sankar
S
tepping into the lush green campus of VNIT, Nagpur, I was also deeply honored and excited to have had the
for the 8th International Convention of SPIC MACAY opportunity to share the stage for a Q & A session with Sh
was like returning to a second home. As a four-time Rajit Kapur, after the screening of the film, The Making of
convention attendee and a proud SPIC MACAY volunteer, The Mahatma. He played the lead role for which he won the
my experience this year was enriching and transformative. National Award.
Participating in the "Natural dye Indigo Block printing" But the pinnacle was being the moderator for a conversation
workshop led by national awardee Sh Brij Ballabh Udaiwal between two living legends of film making, Padma Vibhushan
felt akin to an avant-garde art class. Amidst colorful dye awardee Sh Adoor Gopalakrishnan and Padma Shri, 14 time
spills and creative mishaps, we discovered that volunteering National award winning director Sh Girish Kasaravalli, after
also encompasses the art of turning accidental chaos into the screening of the documentary film Images/ Reflections
masterpieces. that Girish ji made on Adoor ji as his inspiration! This
huge privilege of engaging in discussions and facilitating
Volunteering with SPIC MACAY is not just a commitment;
dialogues with such accomplished personalities from the
it's an adventure. Here we became the architects of an
world of cinema was truly humbling.
ashram-like schedule that began with the serenity of Hath
Yog and Naad Yog practices at 4 a.m. It demanded patience In essence, my journey at the 2023 International Convention
and coordination, but it was a labor of love that set the encapsulated the essence of volunteering – an artful blend of
tone for each day. As daylight waned and fatigue set in, the commitment, adventure, and the joyous satisfaction of witnessing
most rewarding facet of volunteering was witnessing the minds nurtured, young, and old alike, through the prism of
transformation in the young attendees. Their wide-eyed culture and creativity during the seven days of the ashram-like
convention life. Interacting with legends was the icing on the
wonder and genuine curiosity reaffirmed that our efforts
cake, making the experience even more extraordinary.
were sowing seeds of inspiration. Dr. Kiran Seth's vision
of "summiting the inner Mount Everest" through the arts This annual pilgrimage to my second home continues to be
became a reality before our eyes. an indelible chapter in my life's odyssey.

Press coverage of 8th International
Convention at VNIT, Nagpur

<< CHAPTER SPEAK >>
UTTARAKHAND
SPIC MACAY Uttarakhand chapter has been earnestly
striving to bring the glimpses of the rich art forms of the
country to the students and youth in this ‘Devbhoomi’. The
Chapter organised 60 programs, including 18 workshops &
42 lecture Demonstrations (Lec-dem) across 30 institutions
from July to September. Around 40 artists of different
artforms reached out to more than 4000 students across the
state.
In July, five programs of Gotipua, the folk dance of Odisha,
Dr. Vandana Shiva’s talk on envrironment & economy
were held in the schools of Rishikesh & Dehradun from July
was very inspiring for the students. They were amazed by
11 to 15. That was a new experience for many students to
the Kathak performance of Sh Vishal Krishna, Gotipua
witnessed Gotipua performance.
performance by Nakshyatra Gurukul, Carnatic Vocal by Sh
In August, Pt. Ronu Majumdar performed at three venues Sandeep Narayan and the breathtaking performance by Pt
in Dehradun and inspired the students by his amazing Flute Tejendra Majumdar on Sarod.
performance.
The last day of the state convention ended with melodious
September was a vibrant month bustling with activities. Flute performance by Pt Rakesh Chaurasia & a Kuchipudi
performance by Guru V Jayarama Rao.
UTTARAKHAND STATE CONVENTION 2023
was hosted at Unison World School of Dehradun from There were a total of 18 workshops of different folk arts,
September 1 to 3. It was attended by students from schools music & dance including Odissi by Geetanjali Acharya, Kathak
of different parts of Uttarakhand. The State Convention by Moumala Nayak & Sweety Gusain, Kuchipudi by Abhinaya
was inaugurated by Sh Ramesh Pokhriyal, former Union Nagajyoti, Sattriya by Anwesa Mahanta, Mohiniyattam by
Minister of Education, GOI and former CM of Uttarakhand Vishnupriya Marar, Bharatanatyam by Priya Venkatraman,
while the closing day was graced by Minister of Culture Hindustani Vocal by Ojesh Pratap Singh, Tabla by Mithilesh
(Uttarakhand) Sh Satpal Maharaj. Jha, Sitar by Vishal Mishra, Pattachitra painting by Purna
Chandra , Miniature art by Sneh Gangal, Leather craft by Jigar
Day 1 of the convention started with Tibetian Music by Nazar , Thanka Tibetian art by Amit Thapa, Sanjhi art by Ram
Sanjor Tsokpa. Several artists like Dr. Madhuri Barthwal Soni & Cheriyal mask by D Vanaja were assimilated by the
(Garhwali Folk), Dr. N Rajam & Dr. Sangeeta Shankar (Violin),
Pt. Ulhas Kashalkar (Hindustani Vocal) & Dr. Anwesa
Mahanta (Sattriya) gave mesmerizing performances on the
first day of the convention itself.

State Reports
students through the structure of intensives. The students at Government Girls Senior Secondary School Bhondsi and
not only got an exposure to several skills but also made the Kherla while Smt Rama Sunder Ranganathan gave two WDs
most by learning them. of Hindustani vocal at Govt Schools Bajghera and Alawardi.
At each of these govt school students were extremely excited
Pt Rakesh Chaurasia & Pt Ulhas Kashalkar also gave lec dems and happy to experience these demos as they hardly get any
at two venues in Dehradun in the middle of September. opportunity to know about indian classical arts from close
Smt Kavita Dwibedi took workshops of Odissi dance for quarters.
school students across four institutions in Dehradun on In September Smt Swati Sinha did two Kathak WDs at GGSS
September 15 & 16. Month ended with the intensive Lecture Kaderpur and Tikli and Smt Lipsa Satpathy (Odissi) did two
Demonstration of Manipuri Folk, Pung Cholam & Thang Ta WDs in schools around Manesar. Smt Ragini Chandrashekhar
at seven venues across Dehradun from September 25 to 27. performed Bharatnatyam at HDFC School. Gotipua folk
dance from Odisha was performed by Natyashastra Gurukul
GURGAON of Bijoy K Sahu at DAV Public School, Sec 49, Vidya School,
Suncity Sec. 54, Lotus Valley International School and
SPIC MACAY Gurgaon held a total of 26 programs between Suncity School Sec. 45.
July and September this year that included a variety of
programs ranging from classical music and dance to The 4th edition of Morning Raaga, this time also celebrating
calligraphy workshops, folk theatre, folk dance, special Pt Kumar Gandharv’s 100th year, saw a concert by his
Outreach programs and workshop demonstrations. daughter and noted Hindustani vocalist Smt Kalapini
Komkali, at the Museo Camera on September 24.
In July we had four programs of Koodiyattam by Guru Margi
Madhu Chakyar in the top schools of Gurgaon - CCA School, Calligraphy workshops by Smt Qamar Dagar continued at
Heritage Experiential Learning School, Shiv Nadar School Red Roses Public School and Smt Sunanda Sharma gave a
and GEMS International School. Hindustani vocal demo at Amity International School.
In August the third edition of the very successful public Report by Rupi Mahindroo
outreach program Morning Raaga was held by Pt Vishwa
Mohan Bhatt (Mohan Veena) on August 13 in the beautiful
KERALA
ambience of the popular museum of photography art - The state chapter has been trying to consolidate its new
Museo Camera. It was attended by eminent people like version recently. Kerala Chapter's activities from July
Ambassador of Lithuania HE Ms. Diana Mickeviciene and onwards started with Purulia Chhau the traditional tribal
CEO of Nagarro digital services co. Sh Manas Fuloria among martial – folk dance from Bengal. Leading Chhau artist Tamal
others. Kanti Rajak and his 16 member troupe gave very intense
presentations that left students spellbound. The artists
The Suncity School held a calligraphy workshop by the captivated everyone by performing folk dances wearing
very popular expert Miss Qamar Dagar & Workshops traditional masks of peacock, lion, buffalo etc. Artists mainly
Demonstrations (WD) in classical vocal were conducted by Sh portrayed Mahishasur Mardini – incarnation of Goddess
Saptak Chatterjee at two government Schools in Badshahpur. Durga, who had taken birth to kill the evil devil Mahishasur.
A Bharatnatyam demo by Smt Priya Venkatraman was held

State Reports
The Purulia circuit was held from July 17 to August 4. It

covered the districts Pathanamthitta, Kollam, Kottayam,
Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad. Institutions include a few
Kendriya Vidyalayas and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas.
During August (7 – 12) the state chapter organised a
classical circuit of Carnatic Flute by Vidushi Sikkil Mala
Chandrashekhar, accompanied by Sh Idappalli Ajith Kumar
(Violin) and KMS Mani (Mridangam). The circuit covered
several major institutions such as Amrita Campus (Kochi),
Asian School of Architecture, Sree Sankara University of
Sanskrit, Chinmaya College,IIT Palakkad, NIT Calicut, Amrita
Campus Ettimadai. The highlight of this circuit was the
maximum number of Higher Education Institutions and
covering adult students of colleges most.
Lec Dem session of Tholpavakoothu – traditional shadow
puppetry from Kerala - was conducted at Baselious College,
Kottayam on August 18 by Sh Ramachandra Pulavar.
An Odissi Lec Dem circuit by Su. Arushi Mudgal was held in
Kannur and Kasaragod districts. It was really an overwhelming
experience for the students. She visited Govt. Medical College
and St. Jospeh’s College at Kannur while in Kasaragod she
visited Chinmaya Vidyalaya and Central University.
Some artistes leave behind their foot prints on the

hearts of students. Some artistes go an extra mile Spontaneous gaiety and deep respect for Father of the Nation
to convey their impressions with much warmth and marked Gandhi Jayanti celebration by Kerala chapter at a Home for
touch us deeper. Odissi dancer Ms Arushi Mudgal did Girls in Trivandrum. Smt Uma Govind presented
just three day-long circuit in Kerala. However, after Bharatanatyam WD there.
going back home she sent the following message
which inspires all those involved in planning and
organizing her programs. RAJASTHAN
“It has been a wonderful trip. The high point is always STATE CONVENTION - jkT; vf/kos'ku
the interaction with the students. I thoroughly enjoy that.
On the whole it was a fruitful experience for all. Thanks nf{k.k jktLFkku esa mn;iqj esa lj in~eir fla?kkfu;k fo'ofo|ky;
for being so personally invested in our trip, appreciate esa nks fnolh; jkT; vf/kos'ku dk vk;kstu 5 ls 6 vxLr 2023
all your efforts very much. Unni ji is a kind and simple dks vk;ksftr fd;k x;kA
man. And there was an amazing person we met from St
Joseph College - Mr. Tommy Jacob. You will love him, I am vf/kos'ku esa jktLFkku esa uofufeZr ftyksa esa fLid eSds ds pSIVj
sure. He is a beautiful soul. All the people we met were [kksyus ,oa vkxkeh dk;ZØeksa dh :ijs[kk ij ppkZ gqbZA u;s pSIVj
so warm and kind. Very happy! Thank you once again..” dksfMZusVj dk euksu;u fd;k x;k] lkFk gh fnYyh dh dRFkd
- Arushi Mudgal dykdkj Lokfr flUgk dk u`R;] dksydÙkk dh 'kkL=h; xkf;dk
vfætk cklq }kjk fgUnqLrkuh 'kkL=h; xk;u ,oa HkhyokM+k ds QM+
In the first week of September chapter had the Indian fp=dkj dY;k.k tks'kh dh QM+ isfUVx dk;Z'kkyk dk vk;kstu
Oil (IOCL) Workshop Demonstration series. It started fd;k x;kA bl vf/kos'ku esa t;iqj] dksVk] HkhyokM+k] mn;iqj]
from Calicut by Smt Deepti Parol and in Kannur by Smt fpÙkkSM+x<+] fljksgh] vyoj] vtesj] tks/kiqj] >kykokM+] ckM+esj]
Theertha Poduval (Bharatanatyam). In Ernakulam we had
tSlyesj] fcdkusj vkfn dbZ ftyksa ds çfrfuf/k;ksa us Hkkx fy;kA
Dr. Swathi Narayanan (Kuchipudi) and Kalamandalam Veni
(Mohiniyattam) and in Thrissur district it was Mohiniyattam fo'ofo|ky; esa fLid eSds dk LFkkbZ lsUVj LFkkfir djus dh Hkh
lec dems by Smt Aparna Marar. ckr gqbZA bl vf/kos'ku esa fLid eSds ds jk"Vªh; v/;{k vkj-,e-
frokjh us Hkh vius fopkj j[ksA
Report by Unni Variar

State Reports
blh rjg HkhyokM+k esa odZ'kkWi MsªeksLVªs'ku dk;ZØe ds rgr ftys flrEcj 2023 rd f'kokfydk dVkfj;k ¼dRFkd½] dyke.Mye fo".kq
ds lHkh ljdkjh fo|ky;kas esa dRFkd u`R;kaxuk Jh cUnksik/;k; dh fç;k ¼eksfguhvêEk½] 20 ls 27 flrEcj 2023 rd u;fudk ?kks"k
dRFkd dk;Z'kkyk,sa 17 ls 22 tqykbZ 2023 ,oa nhikatuk nÙkk dh ¼dRFkd½] 09 ls 12 vDVwEcj 2023 rd fnO;k ek/kou ¼eksfguhvêEk½
vksfMlh u`R; dh dk;Z'kkyk,sa 22 ls 27 tqykbZ 2023 rd vk;ksftr ,oa dksVk] ckjka] >kykokM+ ftys ds ljdkjh fo|ky; eas dk;ZØe
dh xbZA blh J`a[kyk esa dksVk] ckjka] >kykokM+ esa Hkh odZ'kkWi vk;ksftr fd;s x;sA
dk;ZØe MªseksLVªs'ku dk;ZØe ds rgr Js;k Hkêkpk;Z ¼dRFkd½] 31
blh J`a[kyk esa 25 ls 29 vDVwcj 2023 vtesj fLFkr es;ks dkWyst
tqykbZ ls 5 vxLr 2023 rd js[kk lrh'k ¼dqPphiqMh½] 31 tqykbZ ls
esa :fpjk dsnkj ¼'kkL=h; xkf;dk½] lkouh ryoydj ¼rcyk½ dh
4 vxLr 2023 rd vafdrk dkSf'kd ¼HkjrukVîe½] 7 ls 20 vxLr
dk;Z'kkyk,sa çLrkfor gS-
2023 rd vfætk cklq ¼'kkL=h; xk;u½] 16 ls 18 vxLr 2023 rd
MkW- enØkark jkW; ¼HkjrukVîe½] 21 ls 23 vxLr 2023 rd Js"Bk fjiksVZ% jk"Vªh; dk;Zdkfj.kh lnL; dSyk'k ikfy;k
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11 ls 18 flrEcj 2023 rd tylk pUæk ¼HkjrukVîe½] 18 ls 23
KARNATAKA
After Dr Kiran Seth cycled through coastal Karnataka,
we organised a circuit by Hindustani flautist Sh Pravin
Godkhindi accompanied by Pt Ravindra Yavagal (SNA
awardee). They had a superb start at Govt Engineering
College, Karwar, followed by a programme at INS Kadamba,
the naval base.
The artists were extremely accommodative as they travelled
through the hilly region in the rain to perform at institutions
in Ankola, Kumta, Kadtoka, Honnavar, and Vishnugupta
Vishwavidyapeetham in Gokarna, where the focus is on

teaching the Vedas alongwith contemporary education.
Swami ji graced the occasion and blessed everyone.
In capital Bengaluru, we continued to organize myriad
programmes: Gurukul Anubhav Scholarship Scheme
coordinators Aditya and Vidya informed that two students
would be sent to senior tabla artist Pt Ravindra Yavagal to
learn from him. Sarvesh from Nagpur had learnt tabla for

State Reports
some time and young Satya of 8th standard from Varanasi

was a novice. Yavagal ji is a great guru – gentle yet firm –
and ensured that the students practiced for 3-4 hours
every morning and another 3-4 hours in the afternoon.
The students were keen to spend more time with the Guru,
so they requested permission to join him for his morning
walk and were happy to get some extra pearls of wisdom.
Volunteer Krishna Setlur organised their stay at an ashram
nearby and checked on them regularly to ensure their
comfort and safety.
Three more students spent a month learning from Kuchipudi
dancer and SNA awardee, Vidushi Vyjayanthi Kashi. She had
them present on the last day at her home studio and they did
a fantastic job!
very impressed by the way the faculty and Principal of
National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), JNV welcomed us, their warm hospitality and the
Bengaluru director Ms Susan Thomas has always welcomed arrangements they made.” This circuit was coordinated by
SPIC MACAY activities and guided her staff and students to chapter VC Parth Shah.
attend them. In continuation of our association, Vidushi
Carnatic flautist Vidwan Shashank Subrahmanyam
Vyjayanthi Kashi (Kuchipudi) accompanied by Smt
added another feather to his cap in July as he was bestowed
Harshitha (vocal) , Sh Krishna (violin), Sh Tumkur Sashi
Knighthood and the title ‘Chevalier de L’Ordre des Arts des
Shankar (mridangam) and Prateeksha Kashi performed here
Lettres’ by the Govt of France. Shashank ji flew in from
to begin the academic year.
a tour in Europe directly for the SPIC MACAY circuit in
Hindustani violinist Dr N.Rajam performed at three places Bengaluru and Hosur where he was accompanied by Vidwan
in Bengaluru along with Kumari Ragini Shankar on the H.N.Bhaskar on the violin and mridangam legend Vidwan
violin and Sh Ajeet Kumar Pathak on tabla. At Edify School, Patri Satish Kumar. This circuit was coordinated by Secretary
Kanakapura Road, the Principal, who had attended SPIC Bengaluru chapter Nikhita Sampath.
MACAY programmes during her own college days in Delhi,
Karnataka team supported the Hosur chapter, Tamil Nadu
encouraged her students to volunteer and told them how
led by Ms Uma Srinivasan because of its proximity. On 19
to take care of the invited artists. Young Ragini Shankar
and 20 July, Hosur chapter organised progs of Shashank
was touched by the warmth and honour displayed by the
ji at M.S.Dhoni Global School, Maharishi Vidya Mandir,
students. Dr Rajam exclaimed, “This is true SPIC MACAY”.
Mathagondapalli Model School, The Ashok Leyland School.
Carnatic vocalist Vidushi M.S.Sheela gave an enriching The superb performances at each of the venues were a true
lec-dem at Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bagalur. She was inspiration for the young minds to start appreciating the
accompanied by Sh Sindhu Suchethan on violin and Sh rich treasure of Indian classical music. The interactions
Adamya on the mridangam. Sheela ji said, “It was very with the artistes added value to the purpose and gave them
heartening to see the students listening so intensely. I was opportunities to ponder further on this genre of music.

State Reports
The information shared by Shashank ji on the different This was followed by Shehnai workshops in August by Sh
flutes, his conversations with the students and the Sanjeev Shankar & Sh Ashwani Shankar at Sant Atulanand,
management were well received and appreciated by one PN Inter college, Ramnagar.
and all.
The SIDBI Tabla Workshops have been quite popular among
Partner schools have also been actively taking part in hosting music students since last year. They were resumed in July
SPIC MACAY online programmes like Rendezvous series and and Pt Kameshwar Nath Mishra and Pt Pundrik Bhagwat
the Great Masters Series.This is a good module to introduce conducted them at Sant Atulanand, Happy Home, Dallims
a new institution to the joys of SPIC MACAY and interaction Ramkatora and Sunbeam Varuna.
with artists. The regular SPIC MACAY Workshop-Demo sessions were
Volunteer Vijay Trasad announced a full-fledged Dharwad held by Smt Geetanjali Acharya, Smt Gauri Diwakar,
chapter at a press conference addressed by sitar maestro Pt Rudrashankar Mishr from July 25 to Aug 8 in and
Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan on August 30. His programme around Varanasi & Prayagraj. The main host of all these
that evening at SDM University was a resounding success WDs were UP governmnet’s Composite Schools. These are
with Ustad ji playing the alaap for more than half hour in front Chief Minister’s Model Composite Schools in 57 districts
of 1000+ audience consisting of students, connoisseurs and of Uttar Pradesh. As per the govt plan, in each of these 57
eminent artists from Dharwad & Hubli. The Vice-Chancellor districts, one educational institution will be upgraded to
promised to set up a SPIC MACAY Heritage Club and ensure Chief Minister Abhyudaya Composite School in due course
regular activities. of time and will have all required facilities to impart quality
education in rural areas.
This was followed by the monthly programme at Indian
Institute of Science, Bengaluru where the hall was Some of the composite schools that hosted these WDs in
overflowing with students, some standing for the entire Varanasi district were at Kersirpur Rohaniya, Maheshpur,
duration of the concert to hear him. The Q&A session went Bhullanpur, Zafrabad, Kerakatpur Lohata, Allauddinpur,
Mehmoorganj, Sunderpur, Shivpur, Harhua, Kabirchaura,
on for 20 minutes, a unique feature of the SPIC MACAY
Maldahiya and Mangari Pindra.
concerts. Volunteer Rajendra took full ownership of this
series and coordinated it efficiently. In Prayagraj dist the schools that hosted the WD were at
Palpur, Dandupur, Badi Naini, Arali, Tighnauta, Purva Khas,
There is a lot of work that happens behind the scenes
Masika, School ITI, Lavyan Kala and Bongi.
with tickets, hotels, cabs being booked; gifts & food
bought, posters being designed and reworked through Ayodhya: A five-day workshop of Gond Painting was
multiple versions to satisfy all stakeholders, social media held From May 3 to 17 and in August Kalamandalam
and other publicity, accounts, venue coordination, etc. Mohankrishna (Ottanthullal folk dance) performed in the
Volunteers Pramod, Meenu, Divyashri, Prakash, Lokesh, city. Dhrupad was presented by Pt. Prashant & Pt. Nishant
Ram, Narayanan, Supriti, others, and every institution’s Mallick from September 5.
administration, faculty, staff, students contributed to
making these programmes a success.
GUJARAT
UTTAR PRADESH A new SPIC MACAY heritage club was inaugurated at
Karnavati University, Gandhiangar. They hosted Pt
The association between SIDBI & SPIC MACAY has been Jayateeth Mevindi and Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia for a musical
going strong. We had a number of workshops and other evening “Sanjh” on September 24.
events in Prayagraj, Varanasi and Ayodhya and nearby rural
Pt. Jayateerth also did a small circuit wherein he performed
areas in the last few months. at three other institutions in Ahmedabad.
Kathak workshops were conducted in Varanasi by noted
Kathak dancers Sh Vishal Krishna and Sh Rudra Shankar
Mishra at Sant Atulanand School from July 10-14, Sunbeam BIHAR
Laharia (July 18-22), Kasturba Balika Inter College (July 18-
The state chapter has been quite active, conducting multiple
22), Happy Home Khajuri (Aug 8-12) KFI Rajghat (Aug 31-4) progammes since the beginning of the new session in July.
and at Dallims Rohaniya (Aug 8-12). It has also tried to bring in newer institutions where SPIC

State Reports
MACAY has never been before. For the first time a lec dem by worshipping to the graceful peacock dance and a riveting
Hindustani violinist Ustad Johar Ali Khan was conducted battle between an elephant and a crocodile His heart-
at the famous Panorama Public School in Dist. Supaul, Bihar pounding finale was a chakkar of 40 spins that enthralled the
on July 5. Khan sahab also visited few others schools in the audiences immensely! On October 5 he went to Litra Valley
region during that period. School and on October 6 at Magadh Mahil College Patna and
Indirapuram Girls School.
On July 22 Vidushi Anjana Nath gave a lec dem at Magadh
Mahila College, Patna University, She was accompanied by All these activities have helped in involvement of students
Sh Mallar Goswami on Tabla. into the movement where they get a chance to engage
with the performers thereby fostering a deeper sense of
Pt Tarun Bhattacharya (Santoor) went on a successful tour appreciation for our cultural heritage.
of state from August 22 to 25. He was accompanied by Pt.
Ramkumar Mishra on table. They performed at LN Mishra
Institute Patna, St Xaviers Patna, GMJ Convent High School,
Sonpur, ABC College Patna, Amaltas Niketan, village Tilothu,
DELHI –NCR
Dehri on Sone, DPS Gaya and Nalanda University, Rajgir. The National Capital and surrounding cities have started off
the new season on a positive note with activities ranging
Pt Pravin Godkhindi (flute) accompanied by Pt. Mithilesh
from orientations, heritage walks to Lec Dems and special
Jha on Tabla toured the state from Sept 11 to 15. He performed
at Manav Bharti International School, Patna, NIFT Patna, events. The chapter has also resumed its Saturday meetings
Seth MR Jaipuria School Danapur, LN Mithila University- regularly at Modern School, Barakhamba Road which had
Darbhanga, Mithila Public School Araria, Vidya Vihar Res. been affected during Covid.
School Purnea. The lec dem at Ravibansh Narayan Mishra So far a number of artists have performed all over NCR in
Memorial Auditorium at the famous Vidya Vihar Residential the period July to September, including Pt Salil Bhatt, Pt.
School, Purnea was memorable as it treated not only the Shubendra Rao, Bharti Bhandu, Pt. Ritesh Rajnish Mishra,
young students to an enchanting recital by Pt. Godkhindi but Smt Deepti Omchery Bhalla, Pt. Sajan Mishra, Smt Shruti
also the esteemed citizens of Purnea city, who came over to Sadolikar, Sh Prashant Mangraj, Smt Megha Shirodkar,
immerse themselves in the melody of classical music. Smt Gauri Diwakar, Smt Ragini Chandrasekhar, Smt Kavita
The entire atmosphere was filled with the soul-stirring tunes Dwibedi, Sh Margi Madhu, Smt Rekha Satish, Smt Geeta
of flute, captivating every heart present. Chandran and Smt Malti Shyam.
Pt. Bhola Nath Mishra (Hindustasni vocal) performed at IIT All leading institutions in the city are now participating in
Patna on September 19, at JNV Lakhisarai on Sept 20 and SPIC MACAY activities NPTI Faridabad at GNEC-IITR Greater
Sudershan Central School, Kankarbagh, Patna on Sept 21. Noida, NPTI Faridabad, IIT Delhi, Maharaja Agrasen College,
Lady Irwin College, Shri Ram Millennium School Delhi, The
Pt Ronu Majumdar (flute) toured Patna from Sept 21 to Modern School, Kundli, Daulat Ram College, GD Goenka
23 and performed at College of Commerce & Arts Patna, Public School, Ghaziabad, Apeejay School road no 42, Sainik
Arcade Business College, Krishna Niketan and Patna Central Vihar Pitampura, Queen Mary's School, Delhi, Shiv Nadar
School. On 22 September Arcade Business College, Rajendra School, Faridabad, Govt SSS Subash Nagar, Deen Dayal
Nagar, Patna organized a special program at the 'Popular Upadhyay College, DU, Pragyan School Greater Noida &
Hall', Rajendra Nagar. It was attended by students, guests Pacific World School, Greater Noida
and common citizens alike who were left mesmerized by the
musical waves created by Ronu da. Sh. Hrishikesh Majumdar
accompanied him on the flute and Sh. Abhishek Mishra on TELANGANA
the tabla.
The two-day Shruti Amrut concert was held at Bharatiya
Bihar has also been hosting the Navodaya Vidyalaya Lec- Vidya Bhavan’s Auditorium, Basheer Bagh, Hyderabad, on
Dem series 2023 regularly and on September 27 it had July 30 and 31 as part of the collaboration with Azadi Ka
Purulia Chhau by Tarapad Rajak. This was followed by a Amrit Mahotsav campaign, an initiative of Ministry of Culture
tour by Sh Vishal Krishna (Kathak) from October 3 to 6 and SPIC MACAY.
where he performed at Darbhanga Central School and LN
Mithila University, DPS Bhagalpur and DPS Patns East. The beauty of Indian classical music with an enthralling
Sh Vishal Krishna was accompanied by Sh Uday Shankar line-up of eminent artistes from across the country was on
Mishra on tabla and Raghvendra Sharma on harmonium and display here. The performance were unique and a memorable
vocal. He presented traditional Kathak pieces from temple experience for all music lovers.

On Day 1, we had Vid Malavika Sarukkai presenting Praveen Sparsh (Mridangam) at the famous Plym Auditorium,
Bharatanatyam performance, followed by a Santoor concert Temple Buell Hall on Sunday, October 1.
by Pt. Satish Vyas and aSitar recital by Pt Niladri Kumar.
The concert was sponsored by Sri Raja Mathangi School of
On Day 2, Bijoy Sahoo and team from Odisha gave a Music and Center for South Asian & Middle Eastern Studies
performance of the Gotipua dance. Later, Tarapad Razak and Centre for South Asian and Middle Eastern Studies,
and team from West Bengal performed Purulia Chhau. Illinois USA
The UC Berkeley chapter organised it’s own Fall 23 concert
on October 6 by Sh Vignesh Ishwar (Carnatic vocalist) on
SPIC MACAY ABROAD at Morrison 125 from 7-9 pm. The concert was supported
Our University of Illinois UC chapter had its Fall 2023 by Laya of Berkeley (Indian music club) Bahwan CyberTek,
Concert by Sriranjani Santhanagopalan (Carnatic vocalist), Berklee Music and co-supported by ASUCLA Benefits U and
accompanied by Sayee Rakshith (Carnatic violin) and UC Berkeley Graduate Assembly.
A UNIQUE CELEBRATION ON GANDHI JAYANTI

As part of SPIC MACAY'S initiative to promote Mahatma Gandhi's vision
and thoughts, On Gandhi Jayanti (October 2), SPIC MACAY chapters
organised an online interaction with renowned actor Sh Rajit Kapur
who portrayed Gandhi in the famous movie Making of The Mahatma by
Sh Shyam Benegal. More than 300 schools across India joined in along
with 150 JNVs, to screen the movie.
In another event, Dr Kiran Seth paid rich tributes to Mahatma Gandhi
along with noted Gandhian Sh Padam Charan Nayak in Bhubaneswar,
Odisha, during his solo cycling mission.

SPIC MACAY EUROPE On the second day we had the celebrated Hindustani
vocalist Smt Shruti Sadolikar who presented Raag Desh
Our Netherlands chapter under SPIC MACAY Europe and Purykalyan while the final performance of the two day
organized the first concert of the year at University of event was by Dr. N. Rajam, (Hindustani Violinist), along
Technology Delft (TU Delft), the oldest and largest public with her daughter, Dr. Sangeeta Shankar and granddaughter
university in the country on May 14, 2023. Ustad Bahauddin Ms Ragini Shankar (Violinist and Mechanical Engineer). The
Dagar gave a Rudraveena concert. After the concert he gave a three generations of Rajam family enthralled the audience.
short demo of his instrument and also held a brief Q&A with Dr. N. Rajan performed Raag Khamaj, a Thumri and a bhajan
students and faculty. - Payoji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo.
HARMONY 2023
A very soulful classical music concert called Harmony 2023
Soulful Strings -was organized by our European chapter on SPIC MACAY TO CONDUCT
07 July 2023 at Hooglandse Kerk, Leiden in the Netherlands ACTIVITIES IN 300+ JNVs
with two wonderful artists: Us Sabir Khan (Sarangi) and
Sh Maysore Manjunath (Carnatic violin) with a plethora of UNDER PM SHRI SCHOOLS
accompanying instruments. It was a transcendental music Considering the long experience that SPIC MACAY
experience for all the students and common public who has in the realm of promoting culture and heritage
attended.
amongst young students, the Navodaya Vidyalaya
Hooglandse Kerk is a Gothic church dating from 1315, Samiti, an autonomous organization under Union
which is dedicated to St. Pancras that regularly supports and Ministry of Education, in August 2023 appointed
conducts religious and social activities. us to carry out regular cultural activities in all JNV
schools in the country that fall under the PM Shri
Schools scheme.
MAHARASHTA The activities will include classical dance & music lec-
Shruti Amrut concerts under the Azadi Ka Amrit Mohotsav dems, folk art, puppetry, classic cinema screenings,
campaign, celebrating 75 years of independence and heritage and nature walks etc. There will also be
unsung heroes of freedom, was held from at Manthan orientation sessions for students to inculcate moral
Hall, Maharashtra Institute of Technology, Chhatrapati and cultural component of art and culture.
Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), Maharashtra from July 1-2.
It was a greatly successful event that had approx. 2500 SPIC MACAY firmly believes that cultural
audiences attending the concerts on both days. education should be an integral part of our regular
education where students not only become more
The Chief Guest for the concert was Dr. Pramod Yeole, aware about our arts, heritage and their own
Vice Chancellor of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada roots but also take back a lot of life learnings
University, Aurangabad. Among the other dignitaries present from it.
were Dr. Y.A. Kawade, President G.S. Mandal, Dr. S.S Lomte,
Director, Prof. Munish Sharma, Director General, Prof. Bijlee These activities will continue till the end of the current
Deshmukh, Director, Dr. Santosh Bhosle, Director, MIT. academic year 2023-24
The first performance on day 1 was by the internationally Phase 2 of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat Lec Dem series
renowned Puppeteer Sh. Bhaskar Kogga Kamath from 2023 in Kendriya Vidyalayas starts in Maharashtra
Karnatraka and his companions! Yakshagana Puppet has region
created the rhythm and science of puppetry that uses
Wooden puppets which are 18 inch high. Their costumes are The 'second phase' of our annual Ek Bharat Shreshtha
exactly like those worn by the characters from Yakshagana Bharat Lec-Dem Series with Kendriya Vidyalaya
Bayalata folk dance, with the same elaborate make-up, high Sangathan (KV) schools in the Mumbai region which
and colorful Head gear and Heavy jewelry. includes different cities of Maharashtra and also Goa
began in September 2023 and will go on till middle
The second performance was of Pandvani presented by of November! A numbe of senior as well as upcoming
Dr. Usha Barle. Pandwani is a folk ballad form performed
artists are participating in the series.
predominantly in Chhattisgarh. It depicts the story of the
Pandavas, the leading characters in the epic Mahabharata.

Shruti Amrut concerts end with
grand shows in Lucknow & Ahmedabad
S
PIC MACAY's almost year long collaboration with Union
Ministry of Culture called Shruti Amrut concerts under
the Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsav campaign, celebrating 75
years of independence and unsung heroes of freedom, had
one of its FINAL acts at Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Lucknow
on August 4 -5, 2023.
The aim of these concerts that have been held all over India
since October 2022, was to raise awareness about different
aspects of Indian classical music and culture and inspire
young minds to imbibe the values and art embedded in our
cultural heritage.
Day one of this concert saw a performance by the versatile
Thullal exponent Kalamandalam Mohan Krishnan along on the strings. He concluded with a lullaby which had been
with his troupe. His performance was based on an episode written and composed by his grandmother.
of Mahabharata where Bheem met Hanuman. The stunning
costumes and splendid make up excited the audience. The final performance of the two-day programme was
Although the narration was in Malayalam but the language a soulful and divine rendition by one of the doyens of
barrier did not prevent the audience from enjoying the Hindustani music Pt. Sajan Mishra. He was accompanied by
performance owing to the vivid expressions and gestures. his son Pt. Swaransh Mishra, Sh Arvind Azaad on the Tabla,
The sparkling amalgamation of wit, humour and satire in the Sh Dharam Nath Mishra on harmonium, Sh Alok Jaiswal and
performance was mesmerising. Sh. Abhishek Mishra on the tanpura. The maestro began his
session with Saraswati vandana which was followed by Raag
The chief guests of the day was Mr. Rakesh Mishra GM Jog. The audience was in rapt attention as the father-son duo
Indian Railways and Mrs. Mandavi Singh, Vice Chancellor of showcased the intricacies of the raaga. The performance
Bhatkhande University. came to an end with a Bhajan based on Raag Gauri.
This was followed by a Thumri recital by the very renowned The SECOND FINALE event of Shruti Amrut concerts
vocalist from Lucknow itself, Smt Malini Awasthi. The was held at Gujarat University, Ahmedabad on August 5
recital left the audience spell bound. The evening did leave -6. The two-day event offered a taste of blissful experiences
its indelible mark on the minds and hearts of the audience. through folk music, Hindustani vocal, Santoor and sitar
On Day 2 we had Mr. V Anand, DIG, ITBP grace the ocassion
as the chief guest The concert began with an Odissi recital by
Smt Madhavi Mudgal who danced along with her disciple
Arushi Mudgal. Their exquisite abhinaya and delicate
movements won great appreciation. Arushi Mudgal’s
presentation of Gundekare Pallavi, an intricate dance
presentation on Radha-Krishna Nritya was the highlight.
This perforamance was based on a poem choreographed by
the legendary Odissi Guru Sh Kelucharan Mohapatra.
The dance was followed by a mellifluous Sarangi performance
by Ustad Sabir Khan. He was accompanied by Ustaad Nazar
Khan on Tabla. He set the pace by playing Raag Malkauns
followed by a famous composition created by his father late
Us Sultan Khan. The deft and skilled performance enthralled
the audience as the maestro glided his fingers effortlessly

performances with an enthralling line-up of eminent artists
from all over India.
Day 1 witnessed Thumari, Kajari and Dadra in Desh, Pilu and
Tilak Kamod by Smt. Malini Awasthi. She was accompanied
by Pt. Ram Kumar Mishra on tabla, Pt. Vinay Mishra on
harmonium and Ustad Murad Ali on sarangi.
She was followed by Smt. Manjusha Patil, who won the
hearts of audience with the beautiful and uplifting bhajans
of Sant Tukaram, Sant Gyaneshwar and Mirabai in Yaman
and Bhairavi.
Day two opened with a mesmerizing Megh Malhar on
Santoor by Sh Satish Vyas. He was accompanied by Sh
Aditya Kalyanpur on Tabla. The second performance of the
evening was by Hindustani vocalist brothers Sh Ritesh and
Rajneesh Mishra. They were accompanied by Sh Shailendra
Mishra on tabla and Sh Sumit Mishra on harmonium. They
sang Miyan Malhar and few other compositions.
The last and final performance was of Sitar maestro Ustad
Shahid Parvez Khan, who enchanted audience with the
rendition of Jhinjhoti and Kaafi. He was accompanied by Sh
Jigar Mistri on harmonium and Sh Aditya Kalyanpur on the
tabla.
The traveling Shruti Amrut concerts may have ended for
now but have surely presented a unique and a memorable
experience for all music and dance lovers across India in the
last few months, leaving behind a permanent place in the
hearts of the audiences.

PHASE-III
DR KIRAN SETH’S SOLO CYCLING

MAHARASHTRA Vivek Sonar, Sh Saji Menon, Shri Arvind Kumar Azad, Shri
After finishing with the 8th International Convention at Sharvyl viadya, Sh Sudhakar Sneh, Sh Ravi Chary, Smt Alka
VNIT Nagpur, Dr Kiran seth resumed his solo cycling yatra Gujar (Sitar) Sh Srinivas Hare Krishna and Smt Kalyani
(Phase III) and headed to Mumbai and reached there on Sundar.
July 12. In the city he met students, educationists, ministers,
We would like to thank Sarita Jain Umap for helping organise
donors & media to spread his message.
the program and entire team of Spicmacay- Nitie and SPIC
Before that he held a Maharashtra State Meet and a MACAY Mumbai chapter volunteers for the successful visit
regional meet on July 9 at NITIE Mumbai, Powai. In that of Dr Seth.
week Dr Kiran Seth also visited a number of prominent
institutions in the city like Narsee Monjee Institute of
Management Studies (NMIMS) in Andheri, IIT Bombay,
CHHATTISGARH
TIFR, KV Schools, Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan and others. After spending three months in Maharashtra and covering
He had a great interaction with students at NMIMS. He was almost 1500 km, Dr Kiran Seth entered the state of
accompanied by Sarangi maestro Ustad Kamal Sabri there. Chhattisgarh – at Chichola village, Rajnandgaon on August
18. Here he visited a government Higher Secondary school.
During this trip Dr Kiran Seth also met several artists like
Next day he visited the city where he went to Vedang Public
Abhang singer Shri Ganesh Kumar who also heads Insync
School and the popular Chakradhar Kathak Kalyan
TV channel, the only TV channel purely promoting Indian
Kendra and met students. He was also accorded a grand
classical music and dance in the country.
public welcome at Fountain Chowk in Jamatpara area.
Dr Seth then reached Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh on
August 20. Here he stayed for two days and visited Ravi
Shankar Shukla University, NIT, KPS Dunda and visited a
popular play school ‘Plum n Cherry’ to launch our newest
module – Aarambh for toddlers.
Dr Seth and a few of our senior volunteers also had the
opportunity to meet the Hon’ Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh
Sh Bhupesh Baghel who assured his full support to the
movement and appreciated the efforts of Dr Seth.
Dr Kiran Seth resumed his yatra after spending a fortnight
On July 15 he met around 40 renowned classical artists in at Kanha Tiger Reserve. On the occasion of Teachers
the city who came together to honour Dr Seth and support
his cause. Senior artists welcomed Dr. Seth to Mumbai. It
was a momentous occasion as the artist community came
together to hail Kiran ji's efforts in preserving and promoting
Indian culture and his ongoing all India solo cycling yatra.
Dr. Seth also honored and thanked all the artists present
at the occasion. We are highly grateful to all those present:
Dr N. Rajam, Smt Darshana Jhaveri, Smt Ashwini Bhide
Deshpande, Pt Ronu Majumdar, Smt. Rajashree Shirkee, Pt
Ajay Pohankar, Ustad Kamal Sabri, Smt Sangeeta Shankar, Sh
Ganesh Kumar, Smt Anuradha Pal, Sh Nandesh Vitthal Umap,
Ustad Raja Kale, Ustad Raja Miyan, Pt. Rupak Kulkarni, Ustad
Fazal Qureshi, Sh Pradeep Barot, Pt. Kalinath Mishra, Shri

Day on Sept 5, he attended events at Columbia Global
School Raipur and Columbia Institute of Pharmacy and Dr. Kiran Seth meets heads
Venkateshwar Signature School, Raipur.
Dr Kiran Seth reached Bilaspur on September 7 and held a
of State Governments
press meet. He stayed there till September 10 and attended
various programs. On Sept 8, Dr Kiran Seth visited another
play school at Aadharshila Vidya Mandir Bilaspur and
demonstrated how to practice our newest Aarambh Play
School module where toddlers are introduced to basic notes
of classical music through body movements in a fun way. He
had earlier inaugurated the module in Raipur on Augst 22.
In the presence of Dr. Kiran Seth a new executive group of
10 members for Bilaspur chapter was also formed. Mrs.
Gitanjali Tiwari was appointed its Chairperson, Ms G.R. On July 16 Dr Kiran Seth and a few
Madhulika and Ms Anamika Shukla Sharma will be the vice volunteers met Governor of Maharashtra
chairpersons, Ms. Shruti Prabhala is secretary and Abhay Sh Ramesh Bais in Mumbai.
Dubey, Priya Tiwari, & Priyanshu Dubey will be the joint
secretaries. This executive committee will run from 2023
-2025 and will organize SPIC MACAY activities in schools and
colleges, hold weekly meetings at Vidya Mandir. An advisory
board has also been formed whose secretary will be Dr. Ajay
Srivastava and members will be Dr. Kiran Pal Singh Chawla,
Mr. Vivek Joglekar and Dr. Supriya Bhartiyaan.
By September 16 Dr Seth was in Raigarh and visited
Shaheed Nandkumar Patel Vishwavidyalaya Raigarh. He
was accorded a warm welcome there by VC Prof Lalit Pateria
and his team. This was Dr Seth's last day in the state before Dr Kiran Seth and senior volunteers met
he entered Odisha. Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh
Sh Bhupesh Baghel on August 22
ODISHA
On September 17, Dr Seth reached Odisha's Jharsuguda.
After passing through Sambalpur, Titilagarh, Redhakhol,
Bainda, Angul, Athagarh, he reached Bhubaneswar on
October 1.
Till now, he has reached out to various prominent educational
institutions of the state like ODM School, Sai International,
KV Central School 3, KIIT University, Srusti Academy,
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Century University, AIIMS,
Amrita School, IIIT, NAIZER & IISER., promoting Indian
cultural heritage and appealing to all to keep it alive. Dr Kiran Seth and
At Ravenshaw University, in the presence of its VC Prof. senior volunteers met
Sanjay Kumar Nayak and other senior faculty, Dr Seth Chief Minister of
conducted a session about his yatra, about volunteerism and Odisha Sh Naveen
other issues leaving all highly inspired. Patniak on Oct 12
From Cuttack he will move on to Chandikhol, Bhadrak,

Baleswar, Jaleswar and will then travel towards West Bengal On October 3, Governor of Odisha Prof Ganeshi Lal
by reaching IIT Kharagpur by end of October. feliciated Dr. Kiran Seth at the Gandhi Peace Centre.

"IIT Kharagpur put me on the road
to discover the alpha domain"
A book on IIT KGP alumni, THE CRUCIBLE: TALES OF IITKGP ALUMNI AS TOLD BY THEMSELVES,
has been published recently. This excerpt is from Chapter 2: And God Said Let There Be Light- Years
of learning in Hijli.
By Dr Kiran Seth, 1970 Mechanical

Engineering, Azad Hall
IIT Kharagpur gently introduced me to the alpha domain. I
grew up in Hijli. My father, Dr. B.R. Seth, was amongst the
first professors of an IIT.
A jungle was being cleared to setup India’s first IIT in the

Hijli neighborhood of Kharagpur, Bengal. One happy result of
this new settlement near the forests was that my elder sister,
brother and I got to witness wildlife in the backyards of our
A-2 and A-7 bungalows on a regular basis- a Bengal tiger, a
runaway elephant, a deer, cobras and of course rabbits and
lovely birds were some of the sights one remembers vividly. Dr Kiran Seth recently visited the house
I also remember some of the great professors from abroad at IIT Kgp campus where he grew up as a child
who had come to develop the institute (IIT) into one of
excellence and lived in our neighborhood. There was Prof. my batch mates made a comment saying that I could never
Mikhailov, a great chess player with a lovely great beard, from dream of running like that. I had never participated in
the USSR Academy of Sciences in bungalow A-5, Prof. (Mrs.) athletics before but I resolved to prove my detractors wrong.
P.H. Nelson, electronics engineer from the United States in During the summer vacations that year, I practiced hard,
bungalow A-11, Prof. Norbert from Poland in bungalow A-6 running barefoot on tarred roads. I got training books sent
and others. Mrs. Norbert passed away passed away while in to me by Mrs. Nelson who had by then returned to Santa
Kharagpur and lies buried in a cemetery there. Barbara and I used to have my dad’s Hindustan Ambassador
pace me.
At IIT-Kgp I was also exposed to the flora and fauna of
Bengal and to the great academicians from across the globe. Slowly I increased the distance I ran till I was running 10
I remember St. Agnes School where I learned, most of all, km daily. When the intra-IIT athletics meet came along, I
discipline and cleanliness. was confident of doing well. I started with the road race. I
lost badly. Next, a similar fate befell on me in the 10,000 and
My second phase with IIT started when I joined it as a student 5,000 meter races. I was crestfallen. On the last day we had
in 1965 in the department of mechanical engineering. My the 1500 the 800 meter finals and I was sure I would lose
father had shifted as a Vice Chancellor to Assam and I shifted again. But never say die! So on the last bend of that 1500
to the Azad Hall of residence with three of my classmates meter race, I found myself running third and soon with a
(Rahul Mehra, Harshvardan Nayyar and Deepak Ghai) from little effort, to my utter surprise, I was second behind who
Modern School in Delhi, where I did my last 4 years of else but Richard whom I could never beat. A similar thing
schooling. Unfortunately, Deepak passed away quite young. happened in the 800 meter event. These were life changing
events that taught me that there is nothing one cannot do if
One day I was admiring Richard D’Souza running so
one puts one’s heart and soul into it.
beautifully on the tracks of IIT Kharagpur when a few of

There were many other beautiful events I experienced at IIT audience 5 minutes before the program, maybe 10 when it
that shaped my life. started and it was back to 5 after the first raga!!!
Opening my books every day, even if it was for a short But once again ‘never say die’.
time, taught me how to reach the depths of a subject, how
I had fallen in love (not the usual type which has its
to do well in whatever I was doing. The many avenues to
repercussions!) and there was no looking back!!! Next year it
experiment with, made available to us, brought me to
was MEFYS (Mechanical Engineering Final Years) present…
basketball and swimming and to music and dramatics.
This time, learning from our mistakes, we were marginally
The Green Amateurs Night, an overnight session of Indian successful.
classical music planted a seed in me which spouted and
After this the 'Movement' spread organically, first to other
is still growing into a majestic tree.
colleges and schools in Delhi, then to other towns and then
All these powerful inputs into the sciences and the arts to cities abroad and took on the name, SPIC MACAY (Society
made me do very well at Columbia University in New York for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture
City which I joined for higher studies after graduating Amongst Youth).
with a B.Tech from Kharagpur in 1970. While I was there,
The journey has been a tough one with more failures than
I saw a small advertisement that stated that Ustads Nasir
successes, but when you are in love you: ‘Bhul jaata khan
Aminuddin Dagar and Zia Fariduddin Dagar were going to
paan, roop rang, aan baan’ (you forget everything – food,
give a Dhrupad recital at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in
your looks, your status..!).
New York.
What IIT Kharagpur gave me was the best I could possibly
I went to ‘see’ the concert but came out of the concert hall
get during the most formative years of my life. Besides
walking one inch above the ground and not knowing how
academics, which were world class, Kharagpur put me in the
it happened. It was like the black box – I walked in and out
company of some of the brightest and most thinking minds
and did not know what exactly took place within me in the
in terms of my fellow students and faculty members, who
intervening period - but I figured that if it could happen to
were continuously striving hard for excellence.
me, it could happen to anyone!
All this put me on the road for trying to discover what I call
I decided to invite great Indian artistes to the university
the alpha domain, within myself, the domain of creativity
under the aegis of the India Club of Columbia University
and what lies beyond it, which is abstract, subtle, inspiring
to give a similar experience to the students there. I cannot
and most importantly, mystical.
forget the great Ustad Ali Akbar Khan playing the sarod in
the Wollman Auditorium of Columbia University. May our alma mater do something similar to those there and
for generations to come.
After graduating from Columbia with a Ph.D., I joined Bell
Laboratories, where after a two year stint, I returned to
India in 1976, joining IIT Delhi. by now I had been bitten by
the classical music bug so one day I asked the students in my
class if anyone had heard just the name of one of the greatest
sitar players alive at that time – Pandit Nikhil Banerjee. Not
one student in the whole class had heard his name.
I now decided that it was time to do something and I sat down

with Arjun Malhotra (at his mother’s place in Maulana Azad
Medical College)and two of my other friends, Mahendra
Malu and Babi Barua and planned out a course of action.
Soon, I got the whole class involved in a program which we

fixed at IIT Delhi in the Convocation Hall having a 1000+
capacity. It was called MEFORG (Mechanical Engineering
Final Year Operations Research Group) presents... !!! Come
the day of the program there were about 5 people in the

in memoriam public and took instead to teaching children dance at home.
Following her IAS husband's transfer to Delhi in 1972, she
again started performing publicly like at the Lion’s and
Rotary Clubs for free. She later established the Ganesa
Natyalaya in 1974. She was supported by well-wishers like
then LG of Delhi Mr Jagmohan and other sponsors and a
proper building for the Natyalaya was built in 1988. Besides
SAROJA dance students at the Natyalaya are also taught languages
like Tamil, Hindi and Carnatic vocal music to give them a
VAIDYANATHAN holistic understanding of Bharatanatyam.
Vaidyanathan was a prolific choreographer and had to her
credit 10 full-length ballets and nearly 2000 individual
Bharatanatyam pieces. She undertook a cultural tour of
South East Asia in 2002, accompanying Prime Minister Atal
Bihari Vajpayee's visit to the ASEAN Summit in 2002. She
Saroja Vaidyanathan was a choreographer, guru and a also published her renditions of Subramania Bharati's songs
notable proponent of Bharatanatyam. and poems and set some of her works to dance.
Saroja Dharmarajan was born in Bellary, Karnataka in 1937. A genial personality endeared her to many, and she did much
Her father worked with the British Air Force in UK and her to train the next generation through her institution. After
mother was a teacher and an author. Her mother Kanakam the great Yamini Krishnamurthy retired from active stage
Dharmarajan was a writer of detective fiction in Tamil. engagement, Saroja ji was the senior most Bharatanatyam
She received her initial training in Bharatanatyam at the exponent in New Delhi in the last decade.
Saraswati Gana Nilayam in Chennai and later studied under She was conferred the Padma Shri in 2002 and Padma
guru Kattumannar Muthukumaran Pillai of Thanjavur and Bhushan in 2013. She also received the Sahitya Kala Parishad
Lalitamma. Both these gurus encouraged her to learn and even Samman from Government of Delhi, Kalaimamani title by
recorded compositions and gave them to their disciples. It Tamil Nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Manram and Sangeet Natak
was unimaginable in those days that a guru would record her Akademi award among others.
compositions and distribute it. She also studied Carnatic music
under P. Sambamoorthy at Madras University and had a D.Litt She passed away on September 21 in Delhi and leaves behind
in dance from Indira Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya, Khairagarh. scores of students, chief among them her daughter-in-law
Smt Rama Vaidyanathan who is taking Bharatanatyam to
Vaidyanathan gave up dancing after her marriage, following new heights. She will be remembered as a genial soul and a
conservative and adverse reactions to her performing in dance devotee who got along with everyone.
Born in 1957 in the Awadhi aristocratic family of Mumtaz

Husain and Kaniz Mehida in Lucknow, Husain was their only
child. The family later moved to Delhi. Husain went to Mayo
College, Ajmer at age ten and later studied history at St.
Stephen's College, Delhi. He was always interested in acting
AAMZIR RAZA or direction and acted in various college plays, working with
HUSAIN renowned directors such as Joy Michael, Barry John and
Marcus Murch.
Husain also appeared in an English film Kim (1984), starring
Peter O'Toole which was based on Rudyard Kipling's novel
Kim. Much later he acted in a few Hindi films too.
Aamir Raza was a veteran theatre actor and director, noted Flamboyant, outspoken and ambitious, Aamir Raza Husain
for his large outdoor stage productions. He was also the was the master of the magnificent theatre in India, even
creative director of Stagedoor, a theatre company established when he was doing a bedroom farce or a thriller. Over the
in 1974, which staged over 100 productions and more than years he produced several plays staged at outdoor locations,
1,100 performances across the world. such as Sare Jahan Se Achcha- 1947 Live and Satyamev Jayate

(1999) at the Hauz Khas monument in Delhi as a backdrop. In of the play was performed before the President of India APJ
1998, he and his troupe along with Delhi Tourism organized Abdul Kalam on 1 May 2004.
the Chaudvin ka Chand festival between the historic Red Fort In 2007, he acted and directed One into Two, a comedy play
and Fatehpuri Mosque in Chandni Chowk. written by Peter Season and which was staged in five cities
Think of an audience sitting in the open air while a stage across India, including Mumbai.
moved around them on rail tracks, and you would have The In 2010, he revived his production Move Over, first staged
Legend of Ram, made in 1994, which was an epic retelling of at the official farewell of President Shankar Dayal Sharma
the Ramayana. Then, there was the grand spectacle The Fifty in 1997 under the banner of "Welcomtheatre." it was
Day War, made in 2000, which was based on the Kargil War performed in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and many other cities
and reportedly featured 140 performers and a budget of Rs in India.
70 lakh, besides a life-sized helicopter and two MiGs taking
off on cables. Husain was awarded the Padma Shri in 2001 for his
contribution to theatre.
The Legend of Ram was again staged for four months in 2004
on a even larger scale with 19 outdoor sets spread over three On June 3 Aamir Raza Husain exited the stage one final time.
acres, 35 characters and a 100-member crew. The last show He was just 66.
In the words of Sikkil Neela’s nephew, noted

vocalist Sikkil Gurucharan:
“Neela maa’s music was feisty and boisterous whereas her
sister Kunjumani’s was somber and structured reflecting their
distinct personalities, creating a complementing musicality
SIKKIL NEELA that aligned perfectly. Mutual love, respect for each other’s
music along with a healthy competitive spirit formed the crux
of the solid bond that enmeshed the two sisters in a career
spanning more than 60 years as award winning performers.”
Sikkil Neela’s portrayal of ragas like Natabhairav,
Karaharapriya, Kanada, Kapi, Sankarabharanam, Khamboji,
Sikkil Neela was one of the first female Carnatic flute (Venu Kedaragowla, Sindhubhairavi and Kalyani had a tinge of
flute) players in the country. She and her sister were together adventure with a unique aesthetic sensibility. There was
famously known as the Sikkil Sisters. tradition written all over, peppered with surprising sangatis
Sikkil Neela was the younger one and was born on and flourishes that seemed unimaginable. It would be more
September 6, 1940. Her father Azhiyur Natesa Iyer was a lakshya-based than lakshana, and that was something both
mridangam player. Her elder sister Skkil Kunjumani started sisters believed in.
learning music first from her father initially and then learnt Both the sisters were the top artistes of All India Radio and
flute from her maternal uncle Azhiyur Narayanaswami Iyer. gave hundreds of performances at sabhas, for television and
Neela followed in her sister’s footsteps and learnt flute from elsewhere, both in India and abroad.
her. Kunjamani began giving concerts from the age of nine The sisters were honoured with many awards like
and Neela from the age of seven. Sikkil Sisters started giving Kalaimamani by Tamil Nadu Iyal, Isai, Nataka Mandram,
concerts together from 1962. Special Honours by Music Academy-Chennai, Sangeet Natak
For a long time the Sikkil sisters remained India’s only female Akademy award, Sangeetha Kala Sikhamani by Indian Fine
duo to have excelled in an instrument difficult to master - Arts Society, Chennai and a special honour by Sri Thyaga
flute. They achieved the pinnacle of technical perfection Brahma Gana Sabha, Chennai.
in their renditions and earned high respect from music Sikkil Kunjumani died in 2010, at the age of 83 and Sikkil
critics and musicologists. They were known for their innate Neela died on September 17, 2023 at the age of 85. Sikkil
sense of shruti and laya, expansive manodharma, excellent Mala Chandrasekar, daughter of Vidushi Neela, is following
tutelage in the classical idioms and blending of tempos as a in her mother's footprints as a flautist.
mark of their great vidwat.

became her student after the former heard the latter sing.
She continued to learn from Amonkar for 16 years. Bhide
learned alongside Suhasini Mulgaonkar, Arun Dravid, Meera
Panshikar, and others.
Though a devout follower and admirer of Amonkar, Bhide's
MANIK BHIDE relationship with her guru was challenging and demanding.
Under tremendous stress and Amonkar's infamous
temperament, she accompanied Amonkar to every concert
for over a decade but stopped learning from her after a
fallout. After 1981 she dedicated her musical life to teaching.
While Bhide did not have a full-blown performing career,
Manik Govind Bhide was a Hindustani classical music she did sing regularly for AIR and record her music. Her
vocalist, composer, Guru. She was known for being Kishori renditions of many ragas such as of Bihag and Nayaki Ka
Amonkar's student and Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande's guru were beautiful.
and mother. She was an exponent of the Jaipur-Atrauli Endowed with a rich and mellifluous voice, her style
gharana. was fluid and had strong adherence to ragdaari, whilst
Born Manik Potnis in Kolhapur, she was encouraged by her maintaining a rich sense of aesthetics and a highly emotive
parents to learn music. She began her early classical training quality. The influence of Kishoritai was clearly detected in
with Madhukar Sadolikar of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana. the lilting feel that her gayaki created. Maniktai was also a
composer, having set many Abhangs to tune, many of which
Later, she married scientist Govind Bhide. In 1964 the
were recorded and released by her daughter and disciple, Dr.
couple relocated to Mumbai. A family friend brought the
Ashwini Bhide-Deshpande.
young couple to meet Mogubai Kurdikar. Though Kurdikar
wasn't present, Manik Bhide met Kishori Amonkar and soon Manik Bhide died on September 13 at the age of 88.
Taking advantage of a three-year scholarship that came her

way from Rajasthan Sangeet Natak Akademi, she finished
her Sangeet Nipun from Ajmer Music College, studying
music under the guidance of Pt. Govindrao Rajurkar, noted
disciple of Rajabhaiyya Poonchwale of Gwalior Gharana,
and his nephew, who was to become her future husband,
MALINI RAJURKAR Vasantrao Rajurkar – her lifelong guru. The couple migrated
to Hyderabad after marriage and made it their city.
Malini was noted for her command over the slow Tappa
and the Tarana genre. She also sung light music, devotional
songs and folk music, and played the harmonium too.
Notwithstanding her specialization in tappa, Rajurkar was
an exponent of the expansive Khayal system. She was noted
Malini Rajurkar was a Hindustani classical singer of Gwalior for her adherence to Gwalior gharana. Pundits also noticed
gharana. a healthy eclecticism in her style thanks to her capability to
Malini was born in 1941 and grew up in Rajasthan. Her assimilate ideas and techniques from a range of stalwarts.
parents were avid music lovers; apparently, the root cause Malini began her concert career in 1964 and regularly
of her interest in the field of music. She completed her performed in all major music festivals across India, like
graduation in the field of Mathematics from Savitri Girl’s Gunidas Sammelan (Mumbai), Tansen Samaroh (Gwalior),
College, Ajmer. Despite her talent in music, she was expected Sawai Gandharva Festival (Pune), and Shankar Lal Festival
to get settled, do a job and look after the needs of her family. (Delhi). She even visited US, UK, Canada and Middle East
So, she took up a job of teaching Maths at Savitri Girl’s High regarding the same.
School & College and continued the same for three years.
Her renditions of Marathi natyageet like Pandu-Nrupati
But this couldn’t keep her away from changing the musical
Janak Jaya, Naravar Krishnasamaan, Ya Bhavanatil Geet
world’s destiny.
Purane were particularly popular.

Malini Rajurkar had several qualities that one associates
with stalwart musicians. During a public event in Pune,
veteran actor Shreeram Lagoo mentioned his fondness for
Malini Rajurkar’s deep, meditative singing. The adjectives,
deep and meditative, were carefully chosen. They were
evoked repeatedly to describe her gayaki and her demeanor.
She received various awards including the Sangeet Natak
Academy Award 2001. Rajurkar died in Hyderabad on
September 6 at the age of 82.
SANKARANARAYANA
MENON CHUNDAYIL
Sankaranarayana Menon, popularly known as Unni Gurukal

was a Kalaripayattu gurukkal (teacher) from Chavakkad, SENIOR JOURNALIST,
Kerala. FORMER EDITOR OF
Menon was born in 1929 to Mudavangattil Sankunni
Panicker and Chundayil Kalyanikutti Amma, in a family of
SPIC MACAY SANDESH
Kalaripayat experts at Niramaruthur near Tirur in present NAVTAN KUMAR IS NO MORE
day Malappuram district of Kerala. The family has a legacy
of leading the army of the king of Vettathu Nadu in Malabar. SPIC MACAY family is deeply saddened at the untimely
In 1955, family came to Chavakkad in Thrissur district. His demise of our former volunteer Sh Navtan Kumar. He
family was traditional leaders of the army of the king of was a senior journalist having worked with various
Vettathunadu in Malabar. In 1957, the family established a newspapers like The Hindustan Times, The Telegraph
Kalaripayattu school called Vallabhatta Kalari in Chavakkad & The Economic Times. He had also been the Chief of
which went on to become world famous. Bureau at the Sunday Guardian. He was presently
At the tender age of six, Menon started learning Kalaripayattu associated with the Union Transport Ministry's
from his father. He made his debut at Mudavangad Kalari communication wing.
at the age of 14 and became a Kalari guru at the age of 16, Navtan was an active volunteer of SPIC MACAY in in
which was a great record. Under his leadership more than
the 1990s in Delhi and later in Ranchi. He was also
100 young trainees have learnt the art form. He was the
the former editor (second) of our national newsletter
senior-most person from the Mudavangtil family who taught
Kalari. Sandesh! His deep sense of commitment and
dedication to the movement was unparalleld. Navtan
Unni Gurukkal spread Kalaripayattu across the world and was instrumental in organising seveal memorable
have 17 branches in US, UK, UAE, France and other countries.
programmes of noted artistes in both Delhi and Bihar
The Vallabhattu Kalari established by his family has trained
and also helped in raising funds for the cause.
over 5,000 people till now. He received several awards
including Kerala Folklore Academy Award and Padma Shri Our deep condolences to his family and heart-felt
in 2021. He passed away on June 6 in his hometown. tributes to him.

35 | SANDESH | MAY 2023
COMING SOON: SPIC MACAY WINTER CONVENTION
refister today
Team Sandesh
Editor : Anshuman Jain
Asst. Editor: Suman Doonga
Team : Neha Sharma, Rachna Atri Saxena
Design : Ashok Joshi +91 9999395562
Printing : Imagica Graphics, Okhla, New Delhi
Send your views, contributions and queries to:

Editor, Sandesh c/o SPIC MACAY,
41/42, Lucknow Road, Delhi - 110054
OR call 011-23323826, 9810000874
Email : sandesh@spicmacay.com | visit: www.spicmacay.org
Takshila Educational Society

recognizes the invaluable efforts of SPIC MACAY in keeping alive India’s
rich cultural heritage. To support the movement Takshila has taken the
onus of publishing Sandesh.
36 | SANDESH | MAY 2023

Sandesh Official Newsletter of SPICMACAY October 2023

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fLid eSds

TO INFORM & INSPIRE lwpuk ,oa çsj.kk gsrq

Aarambh the playschool module

Page 3 Page 4 Page 8-14 Page 15 Page 24 Page 26 Page 28 Page 30

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film screenings followed by discussions with director/

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The overnight concert at VNIT

Sunil Warrier, Resident Editor of TOI Nagpur,

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Volunteers from different parts of

I am honoured to share my experience of the recently held

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The Purulia circuit was held from July 17 to August 4. It

Some artistes leave behind their foot prints on the

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Vishwavidyapeetham in Gokarna, where the focus is on

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some time and young Satya of 8th standard from Varanasi

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A UNIQUE CELEBRATION ON GANDHI JAYANTI

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DR KIRAN SETH’S SOLO CYCLING

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From Cuttack he will move on to Chandikhol, Bhadrak,

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By Dr Kiran Seth, 1970 Mechanical

A jungle was being cleared to setup India’s first IIT in the

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I now decided that it was time to do something and I sat down

Soon, I got the whole class involved in a program which we

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Born in 1957 in the Awadhi aristocratic family of Mumtaz

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In the words of Sikkil Neela’s nephew, noted

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Taking advantage of a three-year scholarship that came her

32 | SANDESH | OCTOBER 2023

Sankaranarayana Menon, popularly known as Unni Gurukal

33 | SANDESH | OCTOBER 2023

Send your views, contributions and queries to:

Takshila Educational Society

36 | SANDESH | MAY 2023

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