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		International Music Seminar
	The following paper was presented by Vasumathi Badrinathan during the International Music conference organised by Chembur Finarts, Bombay, INDIA ________________________________________________________________ INDIAN MUSIC - GEARING UP FOR THE 21st CENTURY AND BEYOND By Vasumathi Badrinathan As the world is making way to take the turn of the century in its hands, music makers need to appraise their situation too. Seeking ways to ameliorate the lot of classical music, devising ways to widen its perspectives and most importantly, the onerous task of undertaking to preserve for posterity what has already admirably withstood the challenge of centuries. As we progress in time, one just cannot deny the changes that manifest themselves in society. As music is inextricably linked to life, it is bound to undergo changes in its fabric. Not that it hasn't. The question is, if we are going to do disregard the consequences of the tumultuous changes that are certain to occur over the next century and ahead, it could prove disastrous for classical music in the long run. The task is to allow the free rein of classical music despite these changes and to make a large effort to sustain its potency, vibrancy and popularity. To shift the cursor more directly to Carnatic music, in my opinion it is time to cast a serious look upon the impact that change has already wrought towards Carnatic music, and the direction it could take in the future and what measures could be taken to sustain Carnatic music. The increased forms of entertainment in society, coupled with the bane of stressful modern living has bred a certain neglect towards classical music. How ironic that music which alleviates stress should itself get victimised by it! While commercially, it is getting to be a more viable proposition, people are losing hold of the depth of the content which many a times is succumbing to shimmering surface brilliance. While purists and flag holders of tradition will guard those posts, nevertheless efforts have to be made to invigorate the general zest towards classical music. Changing life styles are not solely responsible for lack of turnout at cutcheris, making an interval of a Tani Avartanam or even rarely listening to recordings within the cosy confines of homes. Even attitudes have altered, are changing and will get further shuffled in the future which has resulted in a change of approach towards classical music. To preserve Carnatic music, efforts have to be taken to propagate it. The wider the net is cast, the bigger the catch. In this the role of the media is fathomless. There has to be a greater attempt at de-mystifying Carnatic music, making known its elements of profound beauty, highlighting the many aspects that set it apart and bringing its unparalleled virtues to the fore. In this angle the print media are very effective. In bringing to the fore Carnatic music, its musicians and elevating their media status. While every other film star or pop singer is a celebrity, few classical musicians attain the same status. True there is always going to be hiatus between the more easily comprehensible forms than the more complex, classical ones. Still, larger press talk, especially of Carnatic music would work wondrous benefits in my opinion. Television needs to exploit classical music itself in a better way. While privatisation has given way to programmes with mass appeal, on channels where it exists, the 'dawn or dusk' timings would hardly serve to heighten the status of classical music. Programme makers need to re-shuffle priorities or essay to dish out classical fare in a more palatable and educative form. After the entire visual medium is one of the largest information carrier systems in the world. In an era virtually smothered by the computer revolution, one cannot disregard the use of the World Wide Web (Internet) in publishing and propagating music. By virtue of its expansive and far-reaching coverage that links the world sitting at the computer terminal, it is one of the best tools to talk of Carnatic music, delve for sources of information and research data. There are several sites existing on the Internet on Carnatic music and certain basic information is available at these Home Pages. This allows easy access to the subject and one can publish with the aid of technology, music on the Net. Therefore Carnatic music lovers can think of exploiting the Net as a vehicle to propagate this system and have it reach a wider, far-reaching and international audience in an easier manner. This moment demands more of light thrown on Carnatic music. As people listen less, they are getting more estranged from the form. The more alien it becomes, the less they associate with it. Lecture-demonstrations on a regular basis by cultural organisers on the global aspects as well as on the intricacies of Carnatic music could dissipate a lot of fears concerning the complexity of the form and would serve in creating a more elite and conscious listener. It is also the responsibility of every musician to elevate the status of music with a responsible approach towards the art. It is well in his bounds to create a more enriched and motivated listener. Rather than adopting technique dictated by popular taste, if the musician could provide sincere fare, it would certainly create a more aware rasika, who would in turn keep the flame of interest towards Carnatic music burning in a sustained way. And this in indeed the need of the hour. Classical music is certainly not the 'in thing' amongst the young of today, leave alone Carnatic music. It would be a shame to not allow them to taste the grandeur of this legacy. If they make few attempts then, the motivated lot needs to do it. There is no point in shifting the blame. If Dil to Pagal Hai infiltrates the air and subsequently the mind, then logically Carnatic music should be able to do that. Therefore lure the young with an enhanced music atmosphere at home, induce them to attend cutcheris and lec-dems, provide them reading material on the subject. After all, they need to be tomorrow's audience. Above all, a colossal change in attitudes. Of the listener in appreciating the artiste's efforts as a professional who has mastered a difficult art, to say the least. Of making Carnatic music an important thing on the agenda on par with movies, shopping… Of the artiste towards the art. In attempting to raise the audience to his level, rather than the inverse, which would help preserve the richness from getting diluted. Of the organiser in looking at the seriousness of preserving Carnatic music while propagating it and therefore making committed efforts in the direction which would entail looking beyond merely the commercial gains. Copyright - SuviBadra Features, Author : Vasumathi Badrinathan

	my home page		Vasumathi Badrinathan vasumathi@cheerful.com