Naada Bindu - Reformation through music
“Fake people don’t surprise me anymore, loyal people do” is
the saying that came to my mind, when I tried to delve into the mind of the
author, my Guru,
Vid. R.K. Padmanabha(R.K.P) Sir,through “Naada Bindu”.A
complete musical novel, written in Kannada, appears to be the outcome of the
author’s unpleasant experiences in his musical journey. This novel promises to
have biographical evidences pertaining to certain events and people.
R.K.P sir, being an authority in Carnatic Music, convincingly
shows the reader, how money can lure a person at the cost of one’s commitment
and dedication towards a Guru(teacher),who gives an excellent grounding in
music and is a pillar-of-strength.
Vadirajacharya is a musician and a firm believer in divinity
of Carnatic music. Being an adept musician, he finds no joy in minting money in
the name of music. His selflessness knows no bounds in his Gurukula, where he treats
and disciplines his disciples in their musical journey. Krishna and Balarama
are two of his much-loved students, who, by the virtue of their musical flair,
sheer hardwork and blessings of their
Guru, carve a niche for themselves in the field of Carnatic music. The story takes a twist when Balarama
clandestinely chooses to take up an alternate career. Hurt by Balarama’s fading
devotion and loyalty towards Carnatic music, Vadirajacharya decides to leave
things to destiny and immerses himself in his musical penance, by embarking on
a musical journey, which enables him to utilise the hidden powers of Carnatic
music for social reformation.
This novel can be analysed in so many different ways. The
reader would be impressed with the wealth of information it carries with
reference to the scientific aspects of Carnatic music. The manner in which,
people and events across religions come under the Carnatic music umbrella is heartening
and aplomb. Concepts like atheism and theism have been scrupulously
inter-twined with the technicalities of Carnatic music. The method the
trinities of Carnatic music have used to handle devotion, social reformation
and science in their compositions is astounding. My
area of interest being the science behind music, an illustration
of the therapeutic influence of the raagas on human mind is extensively
researched in this novel. The way Raaga
Kambhoji is used as a weapon to cure a mental ailment is and the extent of
exertion and determination that is required of a musician, who takes up the
task of holistic healing through music is creditable. The author clearly states
that classical music is not something that should be bargained for monetary
benefits. The sad state of this classical art form is that people have failed
to appreciate it’s values. The final level of interaction between Guru(Teacher)
and Shishya(Student) reminds me of the saying ‘Hate the sin, not the sinner’.
This engrossing novel is a
multi-levelled exploration of the hidden facets of Carnatic music that light up
our lives. Reader would be engrossed in knowing the implications of Carnatic
classical music in our day to day lives. The message is clear ‘Without devotion
in our area of work, we would be nothing more than wonder-deprived creatures’!
