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Guruguha Gana Vidyalaya Turns 80

Sri Guruguha Gana Vidyalaya was founded in Calcutta in 1943 by A. Ananthakrishna Iyer.  His legacy was carried forward by his son Late A. Anantharaman Iyer and daughter Late A. Champakavalli and is still nurtured under the protective wings of the Founder’s granddaughter Guru A. Srividya. Every year, she presents a unique theme-based event that educates and entertains. As the school completed 80 years, it takes pride in students who have succeeded as erudite Carnatic musicians, including Bengaluru-based Revathi Sadasivam.

 

To celebrate its 80th year, Guruguha Sangeeth Sammelan organised an event at Uttam Manch. This musical evening featured Revathi on the veena and Debashish Bhattacharya on the chaturagui, also known for his four modified guitars, including Pushpa veena and chaturangui. Both came from different worlds of Carnatic and Hindustani classical music for jugalbandi.

 

They began with 'Ganesa-vandana' in Hamsadhwani, set to Roopaka tala (six beats). While playing the composition together, Revathi displayed gamakas of varied grains, and Debashish added long meends, and staccato note combinations. Ananthakrishna Iyer, ravaged by pox in Benares, had composed Sheetalamba pahi mam (Vasanta, misra Chapu), extolling Sheetala Devi. This beautiful composition was embellished with individual alaps and taans by both artists. They presented Haimavati next, blending the two versions and showcasing the brilliance of the raga in the alap, taanam (jod), pallavi (composition). Mridangam vidwan Tumkur B Ravishankar and tabla maestro Samar Saha were their supporting pillars, striking delightful camaraderie with their percussion.


pc: Shilpi Ravi

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