CHENNAI: Innovative classicist and expert chenda master Kalamandalam Krishnankutty Poduval’s death anniversary was celebrated at Narada Gana Sabha as Gurusmaranadinam by Kalasagar in Kavalappara — the institution which traditionally honours eminent gurus in the field of performing arts. Dance maestro professor C V Chandrasekar and musical wizard TV Sankaranarayanan had the unique distinction of receiving the honours this time.
We are aware that transcending boundaries of race, religion and culture since time immemorial, the world has recognised and saluted gurus, who are knowledgeable creative trend setters dispelling the darkness.
Krishnankutty Poduval was no exception. He spread the transcendental knowledge he acquired with no desire for money or fame. Rajan Poduval, his disciple son, says, “My father was a ‘facilitator’ who opened the doors to studnets, making them excel in the dynamic environment. His constant effort was to perfect the ever-evolving art of teaching.”
Traditionally, in the ancient guru-sishya relationship, the guru was not only revered but also feared as it was the guru who alone was responsible for shaping the life of his students. But the internet and i-pad have opened new vistas of learning and enabled students to explore and augment their knowledge. Is it a good trend? Particularly, when the teacher plays the role of both the facilitator, guiding the wards in the realm of knowledge, and mentor, whose teachings lend a definite culture and set of values to students.
Rajan Poduval argues that when the harmony and symmetry of the guru-sishya relationship is broken by modernity, leaving aside the tradition, it gives rise to the crisis of identity and authority. My guru would follow the dictum that it is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken the joy in creative expression and knowledge, he says.
I feel that the concept of guru-sishya relationship should find its balance in the constant renegotiation between tradition and modernity. Both the guru and students need to take a reality check to understand the need of the hour.