Music's soothing touch in conflict-ridden world: VP M Venkaiah Naidu
CHENNAI: Asserting that Indian classical music is a treasure trove of a rich legacy we have collectively inherited, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu said music is capable of providing the “much needed soothing touch” in a “conflict-ridden world.”
“In our increasingly conflict-ridden world, music can provide the much needed soothing touch. In a world of emotional turbulence it can bring in a sense of melodious balance. Indian classical music especially Carnatic music, has woven noble thoughts, ennobling emotions and melodious notes into a unique seamless, delightful experience. This blending needs to be appreciated,” he said while paying rich tributes to the legendary singer and musician D. K. Pattammal.
Addressing the inaugural of DKP’s centenary celebrations here on Saturday, the Vice President said Indian classical music has constantly been enriched by great musicians like Pattammal. “This cultural heritage and unified holistic perspective on life needs to be celebrated. This is, in my view, a moment to again recall this illustrious heritage and one of the most remarkable icons of this heritage, D.K. Pattammal. In celebrating her music, we pay a tribute to the melody, the words and the thoughts that make us all proud inheritors of this rich legacy,” he said.
Congratulating the organisers of the centenary celebration for their endeavour, Mr. Venkaiah said, “Let the melodious notes of this great musician pervade the world ushering in greater peace, harmony, understanding and good will.”
D.K. Pattammal, Mr Venkaiah said is a gifted artist who rose to become one of the female trinity of Carnatic music, the other two being the legendary M.S. Subbulakshmi and iconic M.L. Vasanta Kumari. This musical icon on whom numerous honours and awards were bestowed was probably the only musician to have trained a Chinese student to hold a Carnatic music concert.
"To Pattammal, music was divine, transcendental, cutting across gender, age, caste, language and national boundaries. Behind her achievements was a child like simplicity. She continued to be the perennial student and typical Indian housewife, taking care of her husband, children, grand children and great grand children. Her extended family included several students, who are now spearheading this centenary celebration," he added.
If one were to ask oneself about her contribution to music, probably what comes to one's mind is Pattamal's uncompromising adherence to tradition when values were fast changing; her dedication to the art, without aspiring for returns and her judicious selection of musical offerings in her concerts.
