Nadasangamam, the music wing of Narada Gana Sabha Trust, organised a workshop on rare kritis on 21 September 2024. The session was conducted by renowned musician and scholar Pantula Rama and attended by 16 advanced students of Carnatic music. The event was graced by the esteemed presence of vidushi R. S. Jayalakshmi, who felicitated Pantula Rama.

 Known for her expertise in rare compositions of Tyagaraja and Annamacharya, Pantula Rama shared one kriti from each of these great composers. In addition, she introduced students to the lesser-known composer, Nallan Chakravartula Krishnamacharyulu , whose centenary year is being celebrated. The first kriti she presented was Manasa Mana Saamarthyamu in the raga Vardhani. Pantula Rama patiently guided the students through the lyrics, offering not only a deep understanding of the composition's meaning but also valuable insights on syllable division, pronunciation, and accentuation.

She further elaborated on the nuances of Vardhani, a janya raga of the 11th melakarta, Kokilapriya. Manasa Mana Saamarthyamemi is a deeply philosophical piece where Tyagaraja reflects on how nothing is under one's control and that the universe is, after all, Sree Rama's chariot. Pantula Rama enriched the session by offering various interpretations of the lyrics, including the prominent commentary by N. Ch. Krishnamacharyulu.

Following a brief tea break, Pantula Rama introduced an Annamacharya composition, Govinda Hari Govinda, which she had set to the raga Maand. Both with its lively tune and the literal lyrics, the piece invited devotees to engage joyfully in song and dance. The charanams delve into the cyclical nature of birth and death, with Govinda as the divine force that liberates devotees from worldly bondage.

The final composition of the day was Ehi Sannidhehi" in raga Huseni by N. Ch. Krishnamacharyulu. This, for me, was a key highlight of the session. The kriti, which extols Goddess Saraswati, beautifully showcases the composer's poetic genius and mastery of Sanskrit. Pantula Rama spoke of Krishnamacharyulu's immense contributions to music and literature, particularly his commentaries on Tyagaraja's works. She encouraged students to explore more of his compositions, each filled with lyrical and musical beauty.

The workshop concluded on a high note, leaving students inspired and deeply content after a morning immersed in music shared with fellow enthusiasts.