Master On Masters (An Old And Rare Book)

India is the only country in the world which has two traditions of classical music-those of the south or 'Carnatic' and the north or 'Hindustani'. However, I prefer to call it just music. The basis of all music in the world is the same-seven notes. Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Dha Ni in Indian classical music and Do Re Me Fa So La Ti in Western classical. If we include the half-tones that are the sharps and flats, we get a total of twelve notes. Music connects the whole world; it does not belong to any one race or religion.

The future of Indian classical music will always be bright. We are fortunate to have had such strong pillars of music as Swami Haridas, Swami Purandara Dasa, Swami Muthuswami Dikshitar, Syama Sastri, Swami Thyagaraja, Swathi Thirunal, Miyan Tansen (from whom my family gets its musical lineage) and Baiju Bawra in our country. They are responsible for the solid foundation of music in both north and south India. With their blessings, there are a large number of talented young musicians in our country today. Indian classical music has always been, and will continue to be, an integral part of our identity. It does not belong only to the world of entertainment; it is a way of life based on dedication, surrender, faith, trust, spirituality, religion, and rigorous practice and discipline. No matter which gharana or student of Indian classical music belongs to, they must surrender completely to their guru and to the Almighty. It is almost like entering a dark tunnel with the hope of seeing the sun someday. It might sound impractical, but this is how it is. There is no formula here. Many times, people ask me if their son or daughter will 'make it' as a classical musician. 1 have no answer to this question because there never was and never will be a magic mantra.