Demonstrative lecture on Thagarajaswamy keerthanas

The second day of the 250th birthday celebrations of Saint Thyagarajaswamy showcased a demonstrative lecture of Dr Pappu Venugopala Rao on Friday at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Music and Dance College. The event was organised by the Department of Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh to commemorate the Saint Thagarajaswamy.

Secretary of Music Academy, Chennai and Scholar, Dr Venugopala Rao described the inner meanings of the Thagarajaswamy keerthanas to the audience. He disclosed that every person can find the Bhakthi rasa in Thagarajaswamy’s Keerthanas and also those keerthanas are guidelines for leading life with values. While Pappu Venugopala Rao spoke of the meaning and expression of the keerthanas, popular musicians Malldi Suribabu and his son Ravikumar rendered the same keerthana.

“Bala kanaka mani chela” in Athana Ragam, “Nidhichala sukhama Ramuni sannidhi chala sukhama” in Kalyani ragam, “Nadaa tanumanisam” in Chittaranjani ragam, “Seetamma.. Maa Amma”, “Hecharikaga rare” in Yadukula Kambhoji ragam and other 20 keerthans were mentioned in the demonstrative lecture.

Though the singing of the Malladi was fine and melodious, many from the audience felt that the concert should’ve included a violin and mrudangam to give support to the vocals.

In a meeting organised on this occasion the Dr Palle Raghunatha Reddy, Minister for Language and Culture said it was a privilege to organise such events to remember great people. He also said that the Government is keen on promoting these art forums and steps are under process to restore the music, dance, drama and literary academies in the State. Dr Nagulapalli Srikanth, Secretary to Tourism and Culture, Government of Andhra Pradesh said public should participate in large to make these events success. Dr D Vijaya Bhaskar, Director, cultural affairs welcomed the gathering.