I was invited to be the Chief Guest of the inauguration of the 92nd South Indian Music Festival organized by The Indian Fine Arts Society. They have been doing fabulous service to arts since 1932....amazing in itself.
I spoke about my impressions of the current state of affairs as a music enthusiast.
My introduction to music started at home where as a young child I was introduced daily to MS Subbulakshmi's Suprabhatham and the various chants that we were involved in. I cannot sing to save my life but I took to drama and acting. A cherished photo in my household is that of my grandfather dressed up as a woman in a play that he was part of!! As I started growing up, I was amazed by Raja, mesmerised by Rafi, Kishore & Lata ...then college came and AR Rahman got added. As I traveled the world, Rock, Blues, Sufi music, Arabic, Spanish to French and Operas got me intrigued.
We moved back to Chennai, 11 years ago and a chance conversation in the living room of a friends got 5 of us starting a Sabha - Rasikapriya Fine Arts Academy. Historically the word Sabha may have meant a congregation of people for various reasons but in modern parlance it stands for any organisation that supports the performing arts. It began as a uniquely Chennai phenomenon and from then on spread to first other parts of what was then Madras Presidency and later to the rest of India, says Sriram V, a music historian.
Why start a Sabha? Are they even relevant today??
I think Sabhas play a critical role in fostering our arts.
1. Preservation of Classical Arts
- Platform for Artists: Sabhas provide platforms for seasoned maestros and emerging artists to perform, ensuring the transmission of classical music and dance traditions to future generations.
- Archiving Knowledge: Many sabhas document performances, preserving rare compositions and styles for posterity. This is something that is not acknowledged but is a ke role played by Sabhas.
2. Encouraging New Talent
- Competitions and Scholarships: Sabhas often conduct talent hunts, competitions, and workshops for young aspirants, fostering a love for classical arts from an early age.
- Opportunities for Exposure: Young musicians and dancers are often given opportunities to perform alongside established artists, motivating them to pursue the arts.
3. Hosting the Margazhi Music Festival
- Cultural Confluence: The annual Margazhi festival, hosted by several Chennai sabhas, draws audiences from across the globe, showcasing the diversity and richness of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam.
- Community Spirit: These events bring together artists, scholars, and rasikas (connoisseurs), creating a vibrant cultural ecosystem.
4. Nurturing Rasikas (Art Patrons)
- Spreading Awareness: Sabha-organized lectures, demonstrations, and thematic concerts educate audiences about ragas, talas, and compositions, deepening their appreciation for the art form.
- Encouraging Participation: Sabhas often engage local communities, schools, and colleges in cultural initiatives, ensuring art appreciation reaches all age groups.
5. Fusion of Tradition and Innovation
- New Interpretations: Sabhas embrace innovative formats, like jugalbandis (fusion performances) and thematic series, keeping traditional arts relevant to younger audiences.
- Digital Outreach: In recent years, many sabhas, including ours started live-streaming events, allowing global access and promoting Indian arts beyond geographical boundaries.
6. Strengthening Community Bonds
- Cultural Identity: By celebrating traditional art forms, sabhas help maintain a strong cultural identity amidst rapid globalization.
- Social Gatherings: Events organized by sabhas act as social hubs, where people from diverse backgrounds unite to celebrate shared cultural values. I cannot think of any other social gathering in today's technology led world.
7. Promoting Composers and Cultural History
- Focus on Heritage: Sabhas often highlight the works of great composers like Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar, and Syama Sastri, reinforcing the cultural and spiritual essence of the music.
- Storytelling: Through concerts and lectures, sabhas narrate the history, mythology, and philosophy embedded in compositions, connecting audiences to their roots.
In essence, music sabhas in Chennai are custodians of tradition and innovation, sustaining the cultural ethos while adapting to the times. Their efforts ensure that classical arts remain a vibrant, living heritage. What do you think?
Rasikapriya completes 10 years today and we have conducted over 150+ events in this decade.
All 5 of us founder trustees were an eclectic mix of people - some of us had lived abroad, some of us had deep music knowledge while others had our own businesses...but none had experience in running a Sabha.
There are 3 groups that make a Sabha - Artists, Sponsors & Rasikas.
With very little network in the arts space, the trustees were initially concerned about how to get to the Artists. Can we afford them? Why will they come and perform for an unknown Sabha that too 25 kms away from the Mylapore (heart of the Sabha culture)? But this was completely unfonded, as we were to find out quickly. The artists were thrilled to perofrm in a new venue, support a new sabha...many a times for fees, that barely covered their expenses...sometimes performing even for free. We continue to remain amazed at how supportive the Artists remain.
Sponsors make or break the Sabha. Ticket costs are usually very meagre and in many cases, events are free for all. How can a sabha cover the costs of an event? Venue costs, Audio, seats, transport and not to forget the fees for the artists....can only be covered with the patronage of Sponsors. In the old days the performing arts were dependent solely on the patronage of the rulers, noblemen and rich zamindars. This has given way to Corporates and others who have stepped into this role. We have been blessed to have had many corporates and indidivuals support us; special thanks to Olympia Group who helped start this along with us and Samunnati who is helping us grow.
Surely, if we can get access to artists and funds, then that is it...we will be able to have concert halls overflowing!!
And this is where we keep hitting roadblocks....yes, we cannot get Rasikas to fill auditoriums....forget filling, most times we have about 100-150 attend only. Surely, if we were to get world class performers, people will flock to see them....not really.
Additionally is the reducing number of younger crowd that attends the event.
Most people attending the events are on the "right" side of 50s...imagine, that I bring the average age down each time I attend..and I am 52!!
Why is this happening and what can be done??
Youth in the current generation face several challenges in embracing traditional fine arts like music, dance, painting, or crafts. These challenges stem from a blend of societal, cultural, and personal factors. Here's a closer look:
1. Pressure of Modern Education and Careers
- Academic Prioritization: With intense focus on academics, competitive exams, and career-building, students often struggle to dedicate time to fine arts.
- Parental Expectations: Many parents encourage children to pursue financially rewarding careers, sidelining traditional arts as hobbies. A big IB school in my community had 2 tracks - sciences and Arts and had 0 applications for the Arts...children want to do it but parents don't want them to.
2. Limited Financial Viability
- Uncertainty in Career Paths: Traditional fine arts often lack clear, stable career opportunities, which discourages young aspirants.
- Low Income for Artists: Emerging artists in traditional fields struggle to earn well compared to contemporary fields like IT, marketing, or design.
3. Lack of Immediate Gratification
- Slow Mastery: Learning traditional fine arts requires years of disciplined practice and dedication, which contrasts with the instant results and gratification many youth are accustomed to.
- Monotony of Rigorous Practice: Repeatedly practicing basic exercises like swaras in music or adavus in dance may feel uninspiring initially.
4. Competition from Modern Entertainment
- Digital Entertainment Boom: Platforms like Netflix, YouTube, and social media offer more accessible and engaging entertainment, overshadowing traditional arts.
- Globalized Culture: Exposure to global pop culture often reduces interest in classical and regional traditions.
5. Perception Issues
- Outdated Stereotypes: Traditional fine arts are sometimes perceived as old-fashioned or less "cool" compared to contemporary forms.
6. Erosion of Cultural Roots
- Disconnect with Heritage: Many youth lack exposure to cultural stories, traditions, and values that inspire interest in traditional arts.
- Language Barriers: Carnatic music, Bharatanatyam, or traditional storytelling often require familiarity with regional languages and their nuances, which are fading in many urban contexts.
7. Technology Distraction
- Overuse of Gadgets: The pervasive use of smartphones and gaming takes away time and focus that could be invested in learning traditional arts.
- Short Attention Spans: Social media culture fosters shorter attention spans, incompatible with the deep engagement required in fine arts.
8. Inadequate Infrastructure and Exposure
- Lack of Institutions: In smaller towns or rural areas, access to quality teachers and institutions for traditional arts is limited.
- Reduced Visibility: Traditional arts are not as prominently featured in mainstream media, leading to a lack of awareness and interest.
9. Cultural Conflicts
- Pressure to Conform: Youth may face peer pressure to conform to modern lifestyles, which can clash with the disciplined lifestyle required for traditional arts.
- Balancing Tradition with Modernity: Incorporating traditional arts into a modern identity can be challenging for young people who want to stay relevant.
How do we tackle these real issues?
We need to come together as a society. Here are 5 solutions that I have thought of...surely, if we all put our heads, we can do better...
Incentivizing Learning: Providing scholarships, grants, or prizes for young artists can encourage participation. Patrons can think of sponsoring artists for a year or more, till they establish....it is being done but needs to become more mainstream.
Using Technology Positively: Leveraging digital platforms to make traditional arts more accessible and relatable to younger audiences. I see many artists take to youtube, insta and other social media...a great start that will only continue and flourish.
Incorporating Arts into Education: Including fine arts in school curriculums can nurture interest from an early age. In a first ever, IIT Madras has introduced "Fine Arts & Culture" quota from 2025-26 academic year. A great initiative that should be followed by others too.
Encouraging Fusion and Innovation: Allowing youth to experiment by blending traditional and modern elements can keep traditions alive in fresh ways. Everyone adapts to the changing space and so should our arts and you can see this everywhere.
Community Support: Families, teachers, and institutions need to celebrate and normalize pursuing fine arts as a legitimate path. This is the most important aspect if we wish to maintain our cultural heritage.
The society can help youth reconnect with traditional fine arts while embracing their contemporary aspirations.
My fear, if we don't act ...
We will have more performers on stage than people in the audience. We surely don't want someone doing a Phd in Oxford or Harvard discussing about the demise of classical arts and how Chennai used to be a cultural hub!!
There is one simple way in which we can all contribute...
When you go to a movie, do you take someone who has already been to it or do you take someone new, who hasn't seen the movie?? Always someone who hasn't seen...However, when we go to classical events, why do we always take the same person with us??
During this margazhi season onwards, will each one of you take one new person with you to an event?
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