BENGALURU: Most of us Bengalureans pride ourselves on being updated with latest trends in the world of popular music. However, we cannot say the same when it comes to folk music of our own land, which is dying a slow death, despite being a gigantic treasure trove. The variety, the richness and indigenous qualities of Karnataka’s ‘Janapada Sangeetha’ traditions that have fascinated scholars and sustained our culture through generations are getting lost in the homogenous din of globalisation.
“We are concerned about this trend,” says Satheesh Gowda, one of the founders of Aviratha, a multi-faceted group which is into social and cultural activism. A first step towards revival of ethno music in relation to Karnataka’s folklore, Aviratha conducted a musical programme titled ‘Sojugada Sooju Mallige’ recently at KEA Prabhat Rangamandira, Basaveshwaranagar, showcasing various forms of ethnic Kannada music.
The jam-packed event had famed Kannada playback singers Ananya Bhat and Chinthan Vikas teaming up with a bunch of talented singers to feature a repertoire, including Manteswamy Pada, Beesokallina Pada, GeeGee Pada,Sobaney and Tathwapada. “We kept telling people that seats were sold out but they continued buying tickets and even sat on the floor,” Satheesh beams.
Prior to the event, Aviratha invited the audience to play various traditional and folk games such as Pagade, Chaukabara, Gilli-Daandu, Goli, Buguri, Chennemane, much to their delight. Some women were seen drawing intricate Rangoli patterns, while some team members sang ‘Ranga Geethegalu’. Satheesh says: “Many of our folk songs are avant-garde, akin to rock songs. With ‘Sojugada Sooju Mallige’, we tried to familiarise our youngsters with their own legacy. The team helmed by Ananya and Chinthan presented a host of indigenous as well as fusion folk numbers to cater to audience from all age groups.”
For Mukund Setlur, a management professional, who attended the event, folk music carries its own unique feel since it is music that has emerged from farms and fields, places of living and worship – not recording studios. “While a lot of this is lost, Aviratha’s musical event was a great effort to sustain what is remaining and build new bridges to with younger audience. The crew charmed the audience to cheer, clap and dance. Such experiments are much-needed.”
Bhoomika Kantharaj, a mother who was there with her daughter, had a different story to tell. “The event provided new inspiration for kids to know more about Janapada. My daughter had an English exam the next day but kept humming the folk songs and asked several questions.”
In an age where enthusiasm for music and literature is fading away, Dhananjay N, a pharma business executive feels that this is a genuine effort to deliver folk literature to the next generation. “Events like Sojugada Sooju Mallige give us hope through nuanced presentation,” he says.
Aviratha means ‘incessant’
A cohort of professionals from several streams, Aviratha is a non-governmental organisation tirelessly working since 2007 on educating girl children, a massive notebook distribution drive across the state, hosting green initiatives, primary health programmes, organising various cultural and literary events, promoting performing arts and holding social campaigns.