Saturday, January 21, 2006

Soul Cola

Saturday evening. Class yet again. Groan! This was a pattern that had developed over the last couple of weeks. So, we all went through the routine, battle crowds in trains, atrocious traffic and get to class a few "pardonable" minutes late.

Inspite of all the above mentioned, I was quite looking forward to this class as it was on something that is an integral part of my life. Music. From rasas to raags, the first half of the session was informative. It showed us the evolution of world music with a specific reference to India. Mood maps were understood and applied, with a few of us being nominated as RJ's for certain hours. Apparently, I can lift up spirits with my voice for I found myself on the morning or evening slot on most people's lists. Thanks everyone, it's something else to know that you would let me make your day. :) More masti. More chaos. Well deserved break.

The post break session entailed a surprise. Just for me. As usual, my enthusiasm got the better of me and I volunteered to be one of the guniea pigs for an exercise. Three of us were picked and asked to speak under the influence of one music track. With Floyd playing as a background score, I let my mind travel to places that seem familiar now. It's rare that I let my emotions surface, it's rarer still that I choose to express them in words. Caught in a moment. A lot left to say. Family. Friends. Dog. Home. Loneliness. Cricket. Score Updates. A mish mash that made little sense to me but it seemed to connect with my audience. After all, I was speaking from the heart. :)

The four hour session ended with the class listening to a few music pieces that have left an indelible mark on human kind, irrespective of race, gender, creed or age. I would like to end with a special mention on our teacher, Utkarsh. Though i address him as "Sir" in class, it seems phony to attach a Mr. and a surname, just now. I have few role models, but with his passion, knowledge and keenness to impart all that he has experienced, he has won himself a fan for life. I think God makes fewer men like him because he thinks his efforts go unnoticed. We're listening. We're watching. We're absorbing. We're applauding. Don't ever stop, India needs many more.