My 2 G Spectrum

The crucial verdict of the Indian Supreme Court on the 2-G spectrum scandal had prompted a friend to write the following letter to me:

“I don’t understand the ways your mind works. How can you continue to post music, music and only music, when the nation’s psyche is crumbling with the burden of its filthy, corrupt ministers?”

We can understand her mind and reasons for the fury. I don’t intend to reduce the intensity of her anxiety. I respect that feeling. However I responded by offering my 2 G spectrum as a relief to any sort of anger, amazing pieces of Gajananbua Joshi and Gangubai Hangal. Friend loved the response and permitted me to post this mail.

1. Pt Gajananbua Joshi: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQCfnohmqfk
2. Vidushi Gangubai Hangal: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaJeupmwBJQ

Kaalo Jagad Bhakshaka!!! A new year thought with Gangubai Hangal

On the New Year eve, I was listening only to Raga Marwa. Three renditions were with me, the first one was of Ustad Amir Khan, the second was of Vidushi Gangubai Hangal and one by Vidushi Malini Rajurkar. While writing on Raga Marwa, Walter Kaufmann said: ‘Marwa is the overall mood defined by the sunset in India, which approaches fast and this "unrushhing darkness awakes in many observers a feeling of anxiety and solemn expectation" (The Ragas of North India- 1968- Oxford and IBH Publishing)

But what Gangubai Hangal brought to my mind was not the feeling of anxiety or solemn expectation while the Sun sets on a year end day. It was the stunning lines of Shankaracharya where he called the eternal time as the one who eats all our inner and outer worlds….

Kaalo Jagad Bhakshaka!

Ayur nasyathi pasyatham prathi dinam,

Yathi kshayam youvanam,

Prathyayanthi gatha puna na divasaa,

Kalo jagat bakshaka,

Lakshmisthoya thanga banga chapala,

Vidhyuchalam jeevitham,

Asman maam saranagatham saranadha.

Twam raksha rakshaa dhunaa.

(Shiva Aparadha Kshamapana Stothram)

I wish you a very meaningful New Year

Gangubai Hangal: http://www.muzigle.com/track/raag-marwa-khayal-vilambit-ektaal#!track/raag-marwa-khayal-vilambit-ektaal