The 182nd Aradhana Utsavam of Nadajyoti Sri Muthuswamy Dikshitar, one of the trinity of Carnatic music, was organised at Birla Academy. Guruguha Sangeeth Sammelan, the students’ wing of Sri Guruguha Gana Vidyalaya presented Sri Dikshitar’s composition based on the theme — Sri Krishno Maam Rakshatu. The young students of the Vidyalaya, under the able guidance of Guru A Srividya and her team, presented such beautiful compositions in vocal, veena and violin.

Among them, solo renditions of kritis like Balakrishnam Bhavayeham in ragam Gopikavasatam, Sri Krishnam Bhajare in ragam Roopavati, Vasudevam Upasmahe in ragam Malavapanchamam, Govinda Rajam Upasmahe in Mukhari, Sri Sundararajam in ragam Kashiramakriya and the Dashaavatara Ragamalika, a composition in 10 ragams need special mention. A few Aradhana kritis of Sri Dikshitar including Sri Nathadi in ragam Mayamalavagowlai, Manasa Guruguha and Kamalamba Samrakshatu in ragam Anandabhairavi and Suryamurte Namostute in ragam Sourashtram were presented by groups of students in the morning session.

A solo vocal recital was presented by P Aravindan as the final artiste. After a varnam, Roopamu Juchi (Dikshitar, Todi), alapana and kriti, Parimala Ranganatham (Hameer Kalyani) Aravindan’s main piece was Sri Krishnam Bhajare in ragam Todi. His neraval and swara-prastharas, with intricate calculations, were enthralling. He concluded with Sri Venugopala (ragam Kuriniji). Seasoned violinist S Ranganathan played a very melodious Hameer and emotive Todi. S Venkatraman’s solo rounds on the mridangam were enjoyable. With a group rendition of Meenakshi Memudam (Poorvikalyani), followed by the Mangala Arati, the Utsavam came to a close.

In memoriam

Rhythm dedicated its annual programme to the late Queen of Thumri, Girija Devi at Dr Triguna Sen Auditorium. Veteran vocalist Kuber Sengupta, tabla maestro Sujit Saha and Inranath Pal paid emotion-charged tributes to the legendary doyenne of the Benares Gharana.

The first part of the evening showcased rhythm by presenting a tabla ensemble by 13 talented students of the institute. It culminated in the solo tabla recital of their mentor Sujit Saha who played self-composed kaida, challan, gat, rela and farmaishi chakradhar along with some traditional gat-kaida, baant and rela belonging to his gharana with effortless flexibility and clarity. He was ably accompanied by Hiranmoy Mitra (harmonium).

Turning to vocals, the evening saw young turk Nabhodeep Chakraborty singing khayals in raga Kedar and Malkauns and a Pahadi dadra with the ornate Patiala Gharana flourishes. Surajit Saha’s tabla and Pradip Palit’s harmonium offered sensitive support. Finally, veteran vocalist Mandira Lahiri enthralled all with her pleasing version of raga Puria Kalyan followed by a lilting thumri to the seasoned accompaniment of Pandit Samar Saha (tabla) and Hiranmoy Mitra (harmonium).

Music for wellness

Well known playback singer-actor Mousumi Das is also the lifeline of the Pet Wellness Society. With only nine members and limited resources, she has worked on it since 2012, spreading the good word of “Save trees and Love Animals” through her musicals and innumerable contacts. On her initiative this noble cause tied the knot with music and became a unique musical revolution for nature and animals since 2015.

Its third award show was inaugurated at Satyajit Ray auditorium (ICCR) by Member of Parliament Subrata Mukherjee who is also the chief advisor of Pet Wellness Society. It has the mission to recognise the Indian local breed and build a super specialty hospital for animals. Pulsating with music of animal-loving singers, composers and musicians like Pandit Anand Gupta, Swagatalakshmi Dasgupta, Saikat Mitra, Debasish Dasgupta, Sudesh Bhosle, Kalyan Sen Barat, Pratap Roy and several others from Mumbai and Kolkata, who enthralled the listeners with their performance, the event saw several dignitaries from all walks of life receiving awards for their dedicated works. Among them Dr Amalendu Chakraborty won the lifetime achievement award while for animal loving activities, young Prantik Chatterjee, Simantani Mandal, Amal Mahato and Sharmistha Das were felicitated. Renowned photographer Prashant Arora was awarded for his creative support to the cause.

Famous anchors Shakil Ansari and Susmita Chatterjee stringed the proceedings of the event beautifully.

Twilight zone

Bandish Music Foundation, despite its classical music orientation, is also known for its dedicated services towards various philanthropic works under the guidance of vocalist Indrani Chowdhury. On the last Sunday morning of October, the organisation focused on the hues of the twilight zone — so caringly preserved within the periphery of the Tollygunge Home. The residents, all senior citizens, rose to the occasion and actively participated in the musical presented by budding musicians Ishani, Prarthita, Nibedita along with Shankar Dasgupta and flautist Dipankar Roy. Among them Shishir Majumdar (brother of renowned lyricist Prabir Majumdar) won hearts with his self-composed songs. The Foundation also distributed gifts as the token of a day spent in loving melody.