Udupi: Rafiq Khan, Pravin Ghodkindi weave magic on first anniversary of Parichaya
By Dr Eugene DSouza, Moodubelle
Pics by Josil Noronha
Udupi, Jan 28: As the sun was setting on the western horizon on Sunday, January 27 the remote and sleepy village came to life with scintillating music by internationally famous artists Suramani Ustad Rafiq Khan and Suramani Pravin Ghodkindi in a Sitar-Flute Jugalbandhi accompanied by equally famous ‘Shivas Fusion Band’ from Kerala comprising of renowned musicians. This was the presentation of Parichaya in a programme called ‘Swara Surabhi’ the penultimate event in the daylong series of programmes on the occasion of the first anniversary of the foundation of the association aiming at promoting indigenous art, culture and literature.
It was an experience of a life time witnessing the great artists with their special instruments and weaving musical magic that reverberated breaking the silence of the night to the great delight of the music lovers who had assembled in the ground of Shri Narayanaguru Educational Institutions, Pamboor.
The assemblage of these great artists in a rural setting was a unique and adventurous effort of Parichaya that was made possible by the generous contributions of a number of people and interest generated by the association through their various programmes during the last year that has evoked interest in classical music among the people of Padubelle as well as surrounding villages. The capacity crowd that braved the chill weather of the progressing night were seen enjoying every moment of the musical extravaganza and applauding spontaneously the mesmerizing presentation of fusion music interspersed with the Jugalbandhi by Rafiq Khan and Pravin Ghodkindi.
Along with Rafiq Khan, his disciple Ankush Nayak also played Sitar. Other musicians were-Udayraj Karpur on Tabla, Manoj George on Violin, Ben Sam Jones on Base Guitar, Benet on Electric Guitar, Tanuj on Rhythm Effects, William Francis on Key Board and Arun Kumar on Acoustic Drums. Mrs. Usha Prabha Nayak compeered the musical programme.
Before the presentation of the musical programme, Rafiq Khan paid tribute to the world famous Sitar Maestro, Late Pandit Ravi Shanker by garlanding his portrait and lighting the lamp. The principal sponsors of the programme, Ronald Saby D’Souza of Bellevision (UAE) and Remous D’Souza, proprietor of Phoenix Couriers of Mumbai honoured Rafiq Khan and Pravin Ghodkindi respectively by placing shawl around their shoulders and presenting Jasmine flower bunches and mementos. Other musicians were felicitated by Prakash Noronha, Secretary of Parichaya by presenting them mementos.
Prior to the music concert, there was a formal stage programme presided over by Prof Vincent Alva, the honorary President of Parichaya. Kasargod Chinna, President of Karnataka Konkani Sahitya Academy was the chief guest. Anil D’Sa, President of Parichaya was also on the dais who welcomed the guests and the gathering.
Pundalika Marathe, Public Relation Officer of Parichaya narrated the resons behind the foundation of Parichaya and the various activities undertaken by the association during thelast year since its inception on January 22, 2012.
Prizes were given to the winners of ‘Rasagange’, the quiz competition that was conducted for the high school students at 2.30 pm as one of the events of the anniversary programme. Students from 8 schools had participated in the programme conducted by Devendra Nayak, Senior Teacher from Shirva and Kum. Ambika, teacher from Rippon Pete. Prasad and Nagesh Prabhu from Shri Narayanaguru English medium High School bagged the first prize where as Rahul Pai and Sachin from St. Joseph’s High School from Belman secured the second prize.
In his address Kasargod Chinna lauded the efforts of Parichaya, especially those of Prof Vincent Alva in promoting and spreading the awareness about indigenous culture, literature and art in rural areas and wished him long life and good health. By quoting his own example, Kasargod Chinna pointed out how difficult it is to sustain and promote interest among the people regarding the value of indigenous arts and culture many among which are on the verge of being passed into oblivion. He wished well to Parichaya in future endeavours.
Prof Vincent Alva, in his brief address said that the credit for the foundation of Parichaya and its multifarious activities during the last year belongs not to him individually but to all the 13 members of Parichaya. He said that it was due to the inspiration of the cultural group named ‘Asakta’ founded by K S Shridhar Moorthy, the retired Kannada lecturer from St Mary’s College, Shirva led to the foundation of Parichaya by a group of persons having common interest in indigenous culture, arts and literature.
The sponsors and donors were honoured by Ignatius D’Souza, one of the committee members of Parichaya by presenting them mementos. The vote of thanks was proposed by Prakash Noronha, Secretary and the stage programme was compered by Sarita D’Souza.
The musical programme that commenced at 7.15 pm following the end of the stage programme continued till 10 pm.