culture and the gen next « Amaara: Get Inspired

culture and the gen next « Amaara:

I’m home after a wonderful lecture demonstration (spic macay presentation) of Kathak by Smt .Sushmita Banerjee.Every month we volunteer with the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music And Culture Amongst Youth, often known by its initials (SPIC MACAY) , a non-profit organization which promotes Indian classical music, Indian classical dance, and other aspects Indian culture.

On our part , we bring in unprivileged children to watch such shows.

The amazing thing abt these shows is that it is tailor made so people who have no understanding abt our art forms get an insight and get inspired.And who better than the maestros..brilliant artist in each art form to do it.

As a child I have watched Sri Vempatti Chinna satyam (kutchupudi)Veenai chitti babu,Sri Balamuralikrishna, Mandolin Srinivas so on and so forth perform…explain and advocate the importance of appreciating our art and culture .I did not become an artist ..but I learnt to be proud of it.

Let me clear any preconceived notions abt me.I am a very contemporary Indian woman.I do listen to world music …everyone including Bryan Adam and Greenday.But I also love every Indian music and dance form.

Our Gen Next is growing up very fast.Constantly exposed to hip-hop , rap ,alternative, trance music and the list goes on.They have acquired a taste for such music and I do not say that it is wrong but their interest in what is their own is at it’s lowest levels at this point of time.Interest is only acquired through constant exposure or learning an art which makes people relate to it.At this point of time ..none of which is happening.

Soon the various krithis of Tyagaraja…Muthuswami Dikshitar …Syama Shastri will only be found in archives.I dread to think of a future where Indians will not know anything abt Indian music or dance.

Eminent artists like Pandit Birju Maharaj, Vidushi Sonal Mansingh, Pandit Jasraj, The Dagar Brothers, Dr T.N. Krishnan, Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman, Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma Ustad Amjad Ali Khan are doing their bit to take their kala to the youth.It our duty to understand , appreciate and be part of this effort.