World of Music and Dance

In the Toastmasters meeting at Mathworks last week, one of the speakers talked about her recent introduction to classical music. Then she went on to demonstrate with graphs and equations, the science behind music- the pitch, amplitude and frequency. I was enthralled by the speech to say the least. I have always relished such amalgamations-music and technology, athletics and nutrition, philanthropy and capitalism,  better known in recent times as philanthrocapitalism.

Coming back to music, it's one of my passions, dance following a close second. Even during the toughest of time, if I close my eyes and experience music, everything feels okay-whenever I lose myself in music, be it in solitude or in front of an audience, there is hardly any occasion when I don't feel the divine presence and the reminisce of the time when my mom gently prodded me along my journey into the realm of music.

My mother  introduced me to Odishi Sangeet through my first guru (and most revered teacher) Ms Binapani Nayak. Miss as I addressed her fondly had first met Mummy in Capital Hospital when she had gone for a Tonsilitis consultation. When my mother learned that her patient was a music veteran and also gave group classes, she invited her to our place with the hope that Miss would agree to give me private training which she did later.  And so began my discovery of the world of sounds.

Mummy in the center- the tallest girl among the kids

Starting out, I wonder whether I had any artistic talent or discipline-it was probably my mom's genes and surely her dedication that inspired me to persevere. I remember when initially I was wary about starting music classes, my parents tried to allure me: they took out a medal that Mummy had won in her younger days. I don't recall the exact nature of the award. Although I succinctly remember being awed by the medal and the fact that it had "Sabita Mitra" inscribed in gold.  Mummy started learning Odishi Classical dance from Late Kelucharan Mahapatra in Kala Vikas Kendra.

I believe somewhere along the course of life, either during med school or after marriage, she stopped pursuing her dance aspirations. Nevertheless, she wanted the legacy to continue through me. Besides, we had just relocated from Algeria. She  hoped I experienced our culture through the arts. I joined Stewart school and was trying to settle into my new environment. So it would be fair to say that I started out learning music as early as I began formal education. Although I was a shy kid, looking back now I wonder how did I end up in so many stage performances and competitions, in both music and dance, starting from annual functions in school to Suchana Bhawan to Rabindra Mandap. Not too hard to surmise who tricked me into it, is it?  Years have passed by since then-the groups, the audience  and location continue to change- the only constant all along has been my mother and her encouraging presence!