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MADRAS MUSIC MELA 2001

Sri Krishna Gana Sabha (KGS), one of the oldest and highly respected Sabhas in Chennai, is now sporting a new look in the Chettinad style. Over the years it has been run quietly and efficiently by a team of people, dedicated to the cause of music and dance. One of the most prominent member of this team is the Secretary, R Yagnaraman, who has served the Sabha for over 40 years now. Carnatica recently had a short chat with him to find out how the Sabha was started and how it is being run now. Over to Yagnaraman...

• When was Krishna Gana Sabha started?

Our Sabha was started in January 1954. We were initially conducting our programmes at the Hindi Prachar Sabha and Takkar Baba Vidyalaya. From 1961, we have been conducting programmes in our own premises. We renovated our auditorium this year and now have excellent acoustics arrangements and comfortable seating facilities.

• Who are the founders of the Sabha?

Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer was the founder-President and his son, Maharajapuram Santanam, was the Secretary from 1954 to 1957. I became the Secretary in 1957.

• Any particular reason for starting the Sabha?

Mambalam area needed a cultural society. To fulfill the needs of the residents of our area, Sri Krishna Gana Sabha was started.

• What are the general objectives of KGS?

One of our main objectives is to encourage music, dance, harikatha, namasankeertanam and so on. In addition, we also encourage young talents by conducting competitions. We run a music school which is as old as the Sabha.

• How is KGS different from other Sabhas?

We conduct the Gokulashtami series, which runs continuously for two months around August-September. Then we have the Natya Kala Conference in December. The morning sessions in this is unique as it is done at an all-India level. Dancers from different parts of India are invited as also foreign delegates. Our Pongal dance festival in the month of January consists of Bharatanatyam programmes by front-ranking and talented dancers. We also conduct Pongal Nagaswara Isai vizha in which we feature eminent Nagaswara Vidwans.

• What is the award that you give and what does the prize comprise?

We confer the title of Nritya Choodamani on an outstanding dancer during our Natya Kala Conference in December. The title of Sangeeta Choodamani is awarded during the Gokulashtami series in August. In April, during our Chitrai Nataka Vizha, we present an award to an outstanding dramatist. The awards consists of a gold medal, a cash prize of Rs. 25,000/-, a citation and a shawl.

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

Artistes have been chosen on the basis of merit, irrespective of their age. Popularity gained by the artistes also plays a vital role for selecting them for awards.

• Do you have any novel concerts or concepts for the season this year?

We will be featuring a special choreographic work by the Prasiddha Foundation called 'Harmony and Rhythm', which involves four styles of dance, namely Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Mohiniattam and Odissi. Another thematic presentation titled 'Sri Sakti' involving Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi and Mohiniattam will also take place this year. We have stopped organising Hindustani concerts as the response isn't good enough. Besides, the costs are also very high.

Posted on December 15, 2001

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