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MADRAS MUSIC MELA 2001
   
Tyaga Brahma Gana Sabha, one of the age-old Sabhas of Chennai, has become synonymous with its venue, Vani Mahal, one of the landmarks of T Nagar today. Run quietly and efficiently by the four Secretaries J Krishnamachari, N Ramasubramanyan, N Krishnamurthy and S Parthasarathy, this Sabha retains its old-world charm even today. Pushkala Ramakrishnan in a chat with Secretary, S Parathasarathy...
    
  • When was Tyaga Brahma Gana Sabha (TBGS) started?

We started the Sabha in 1944. In the beginning we used to conduct our programmes in the Hindi Prachar Sabha premises. From 1945, however, we have been conducting programmes in our own premises, namely, Vani Mahal.

  • Who are the founders of TBGS?

Ramaswami Naidu (who was the Mayor of Madras), film actor V Nagiah, S Sundararajan and V Rama Iyengar were the founders.

  • Any particular reason for starting the Sabha?

Actor V Nagiah once attended a concert at R R Sabha, and on his way back thought, "Why not we start a Sabha on our own?" That's how this Sabha was founded.

  • What are the general objectives of TGBS?

Our objectives are to promote music and other related arts.

  • How are you different from other Sabhas?

We conduct concerts of top artistes.  This Sabha has a unique reputation of being a 'Rasi' Sabha, that brings luck to artistes. Thus, lots of them like to have their first performance in our Sabha. A few years ago, most drama troupes used to have their inauguration function at Mylapore Fine Arts and their first performance in our Sabha. Even now, Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan likes to perform in our Sabha on January 1st every year.

Our evening concerts start at 6.30 pm and generally goes on till 9.30 - 9.45, which is a very convenient time for many people. Thus we have a good set of rasikas, who do not even stir during a concert.

  • What is the award that you give and what does it carry?

Since last year we have started giving the title of 'Vani Kala Sudhakara' for 4 artistes, 3 from the music field and one from the drama field. The award carries a purse of Rs. 3,000 each, a shawl, a silver-coated memento and a citation.

  • What is the criterion on which the artistes are chosen for this award?

The criteria differs from person to person. It is sometimes based on age and experience or on popularity on reputation at others. In the latter case, we don't worry about the age. Basically, we ensure that it goes to deserving artistes.

  • Did you have any new concepts/concerts during the music season?

T M Krishna who used to sing in the 4.30 pm slot sang in the 6.30 slot.  Other than that we didn't have anything unusual.
   

Posted on January 28, 2002

   
   

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