Naada Bindu( A Musical Novel)

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’!