Parivadini – a trust for promotion of music and arts presented new instruments (three nagaswarams and a tavil) to four young teenagers, genuinely in need of assistance, at a function organised by Lalitha Ram in Chennai.

B. Balaganesh (16) and E. Chandrasekar (18) disciples of nagaswara Prakash Ilayaraja (the former is also a student at the Government music school in Vizhuppuram and G. Velmoorthy (17) learning under Chinnamanoor Vijaykarthikeyan were the three to receive Nagaswaram along with all its accessories. V. Gobeeswaram (9) the youngest of the four received a tavil to pursue his lessons under Thirurameswaram B. Radhakrishnan.

The little boy was the cynosure of all eyes. The students received the instruments from Yazhpanam Balamurugan, Sri Kalyanasundaram and Sri Prakash Ilayaraja, stalwarts in their field.

What is interesting to note is that their interest in these particular traditional instruments which do not fall under mainstream kutcheri repertoire. Practiced by traditional families in temples. These instruments are more confined to an agrarian rural set up.  It is rare to find someone keen to take these instruments as a profession.

The financial background of these boys restricted them to purchase an instrument for regular practice at home. Spotting their keen learning quest, this timely assistance towards deserving aspirants is definitely a well thought action to help them continue their pursuits. 

Truly gifts of a life time!

S Sivaramakrishnan