Sri Jayarama Seva Mandali celebrates 60 years with gusto

Even the most amateur of classical musicians will be aware of the Sri Jayarama Seva Mandali’s legacy of presenting music, dance and discourses in the city. “Much before the building came up and the Mandali celebrated Ramanavami on a makeshift pandal, my father RK Srikantan and I would perform to packed crowds in Jayanagar. The audiences would request Kannada kritis of Lord Rama, apart from works by the trinity of composers — Tyagaraja, Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri,” recalls Ramakanth Srikantan, who accompanied his father for more than six decades on many a classical stage. 

Hindustani vocalist Pt Nagaraj Rao Havaldar’s concert this year at the Mandali was truly one to remember. Congratulating them on their landmark anniversary, Nagaraj said the institute had begun promoting art in its true spirit, even before he had started learning music.

“No organisation is small and no artiste is bigger than art itself. Many such mandalis have put in a lot of effort to collect donations, spending it on logistics and arrangements, and to pay the artistes as well. Many a time, the costs far exceed the collection; rasikas as well as artistes should support such Seva Mandalis,” says Nagaraj, who trained under Madhav Gudi in Kirana Gharana, and was inspired by the Jaipur Atrauli Gharana under the guidance of Panchakshara Swami Mattigatti.

Small beginnings

In the 1960s, when South Bengaluru began scouting for venues for cultural events, Kannada writer, grammarian and lexicographer G Venkatasubbiah (popularly known as GV) was instrumental in setting plans in motion. Later, he went on to supervise the construction of the Jayarama Seva Mandali Auditorium in Jayanagar in 1965.

Vocalist G Ravi Kiran
| Photo Credit:
GANESAN V | The Hindu

“What started off as a venue for Ramayana Paarayana and music concerts, soon had leading stars such as Balamurali Krishna, RK Srikantan and flute Ramani, Veena Doreswamy Iyengar and young violinists Ganesh-Kumaresh performing there,” says Mandali Secretary H Sundara Murthy.

He adds, “That encouraged the Mandali to carry on with their mission based on their core principles of spreading traditional values inherent in the scriptures, especially The Ramayana. Music and dance were another facet of the Mandali’s activities.”

SK Gopalakrishna, current President of Jayarama Seva Mandali, says, “In the first year of the hall’s inauguration in 1965, it was GV’s efforts that helped us hold a 15-day discourse on The Ramayana. In the years that followed, we started our publications unit, bringing music, culture and books, under one umbrella. Nearly two dozen titles have been published by the Mandali since then, including GV’s magnum opus Srirama Sambhava which was re-printed for our 50^th year celebrations.”

The latest addition to the Mandali’s bookshelves has been the Srimad Ramayana Chitramanjari, a colour illustrated version of The Ramayana, in English, Kannada and Sanskrit.

Stellar lineup

The Mandali also conducts a youth talent series every year, apart from their regular programme schedule during Ramanavami. This year’s festival began on April 6 and will continue till April 21. 

Musician Ranjani Vasuki
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Special arrangement

“Sabhas like these play a great role in taking Carnatic music to one and all,” says vocalist Ravikiran, adding, “I will perform compositions of Tyagaraja, Dikshitar and Purandaradasa, at this year’s celebrations. Tyagaraja had a remarkable approach to music — he saw the gods as an embodiment of naada. One of his kritis describes the seven musical notes as bells, and the exalted rāga as a bow.”

Ranjani Vasuki, student and daughter of Nagavalli Nagaraj, says she counts it a blessing to be part of the 60th anniversary event with her children. Her concert, she says, will be a vibrant blend of traditional and popular Carnatic compositions with improvisational elements.

“Alongside core Carnatic pieces, I will be including bhajans and a few timeless classic film hits that evoke the spirit and glory of Lord Rama.” Ranjani’s devotional thread will include keertanas, bhajans and soul-stirring compositions from Purandarasasa with ragas such as Kadanakuthuhalam, Abheri, Hindola, and a Mishra Thumri raga as well as Ragamalikas.

The Sri Ramotsava hosted by Sri Jayarama Seve Mandali, Jayanagar 8th block, will go on till April 21. Entry free. All concerts begin at 6.30pm. Call 080 22445232 for programme details