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Carnatic Music Genius Saint Sri Thyagaraja celebrated in Colombo

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

‘Every Kirtana is a beautiful temple in which the great composer has installed the God of his heart for worship by those who sing and those who hear’- Rajaji.

All musicians and music lovers gathered to pay tribute, and sing and play the Gems of Thyagaraja. Men and women of all age dreesed gorgeously, and sat cross-legged on the ground. Five Keerthanams are known as the “Panchrathna Keethnanam”. The ‘Pancha Rathna Krithis’ are sung during the Aradhana. They are Jagadananda of Natai Ragam, Dudukugala of Gowla Ragam, Sadinchanae of Arabhi Ragam, Kanakana Ruchira of Varali Ragam and Endharo Mahanu Bhavulu of Sri Ragam. The Pancharatna Kritis of Tyagaraja are in praise of his beloved deity, God Rama and are extremely skilful and beautiful musical compositions. They are all set in Adi Thalam and each ragam represents the mood of the song and the meaning of its lyrics. They are actually set in the style of a Ragam Tanam Pallavi (RTP) with the charanas (stanzas) substituting for the kalpana swaras (improvisatory passages) in the pallavi section of the RTP.

Saint Thyagaraja was a prolific artist and highly influential in the development of the South Indian classical music tradition

Carnatic Music Festival to celebrate the genius of Sri Thyagarajah was held at the Indian Cultural Centre in Colombo on February 15th 2008 at dusk. Thyagaraja Aradhana was held for the second time in Sri Lanka.

The 161st annual Sri Thyagaraja Aradhana celebrations were held in Thiruvaiyaru on 27th of January 2008. Musicians from all over the state gathered and, sat before the Saint’s Samadhi on the banks of river Cauvery, sang “Pancharatna Kritis” and paid homage to him.

Saint Thyagaraja was born on May 4th 1767 in Thiruvarur in Thanjavur district. He was born as the third son of Ramabrahmam and Seethamma. His father’s was a story teller. His family moved to Thiruvaiyaru soon after Saint Thyagaraja was born. Saint Thyagaraja got married to Parvaty in 1784, when he was 18 year-old. His wife Parvathy died in 1789, when he was 23 year-old. He married her sister Kamala in 1790, and got a daughter. Saint Thyagaraja named his daughter Seethalakshmi. It is believed that on January 6th 1847 would be the day when he was excepted to become Mukthi. He attained Samadhi on Pushya Bagula Panchami in Thiruvaiyaru.

Saint Thygaraja was an eminent composer in classical music, poet and a philosopher. He was an extraordinary personality born to teach humanity through music and Rama Bhakthi. He saw Rama as a chief, as a saviour of mankind and a s a Lord of whole universe. Saint Thyagaraja praised him, cajoled him, taunted him, served him and cried for him,

He studied Sanskrit and astrology. He was very well versed in his mother tongue Telugu. Saint Thyagaraja has composed several Kritis. He made use of 200 ragas to compose different Kritis.

The Divyanama Sankeerthanas and Utsava Samprathaya Kritis composed by him are melodies. He composed 1,800 Kritis.He has created two operas namely “Prahlada Bhakthi Vijayam”, ” Nowka Chittram” and “SitaRama Vijayam”. He He wrote most of the Kritis in Telugu, and the rest in Sanskrit.

Saint Thyagarja’s music delights and inspires everyone. The Sri Thyagaraja Aradhana is a solemn tribute of all Carnatic artistes to one of the greatest composers ever. It’s a unique festival.

Saint Thyagaraja is considered as the “Music Trinity” of Carnatica music.His compositions are greatly popular due to their simple language, sincere lyrics and very high quality music. He has composed hundreds of devotional songs in praise of the Hindu God Rama

Kids singing “Pancha Rathna Kritis”

Nesan Thiyagarajah is perfoming at the festival

All musicians under one roof to perform at the festival

Section of audience

A percussion instrument called Morsing is played at the festival. It’s also known as “Mourching” or” Morching”.This instrument is mainly used in the Carnatic musc. The Morsing is an Indian version of the Jew’s harp. It’s also used in folk music.

Little daughters enjoyed the festival while their mothers were singing

Kalasoori Arunthathy Sriranganathan is performing along with her students and fellow musicians

It’s an annual festival by the musicians for the music genius Saint Thyagaraja

Veena performers at the festival

Most of the spectators joined in singing the Gems of Thyagaraja

It’s a festival of enchantment for all music lovers

Veena, Violin, Miruthangam and Morsing players performed with the vocal musicians

The spirit of festivity is shared by all

It’s a rare event to witness and be a part of it, where many musicians gather and perfom together

Email:dushi.pillai@gmail.com

6 comments February 16th, 2008

Remembering the legacy of Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The 3rd Annual Nahammal Kasipillai Memorial Oration was delivered on January 16th 2008 at Sivananda Nilayam, Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam, Wellawatte.

Deshabandu Nahammal Kasipillai, as Principal dedicated over thirty years in building up one of the finest institutions of learning in Sri Lanka today. She passed away on 8th of December 2005.

[Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai Served as Principal of Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam 1937 to 1969, National leader Transcendental meditation-1975 to 1995 and she was honoured with Deshabandu award from President of Sri Lanka, in 1993]

The educator is remembered for many of her contributions to learning that span over generations of students, parents and teachers and leaving behind a legacy that is praised of embodying “a purity of purpose, a perseverance of effort, and a passion for service”.

The event was chaired by Retired Supreme Court Judge C.V.Wigeswaran and the Memorial oration was delivered by Ms. Sivanandini Duraiswamy.

Aaranie Karthikeyan, recalled the lifelong teacher and matriarch’s sound guidance to all those to sought it, in her vote of thanks at the Memorial Oration.

[Portrait of Ms. Nahammal Kasipillai, at Sivananda Nilayam, on Jan 16, 2008]

Full Text of Vote of thanks, delivered by Aaranie Karthikeyan:

Chairperson Justice C.V.Wigneswaran, Keynote speaker Mrs Sivanandini Duraiswamy, The Principal, Staff and students of Siva Mangaiyar Vidyalayam, President of The Past Pupils Association Ms Sarojini Kanendran, committee members, members of the Alumni and past students, Uncle Thilakan, family members, relatives, friends and well wishers of late Miss.Nahammal Kasipilliai.

Good evening,

It is an honour and privilege as a grand niece of Late Ms Kasipillai whom we fondly called Kasi granny/ or Periyamma to propose the vote of thanks today. Before I set I about the task of expressing our sincere thanks to those organising this evening’s memorial lecture, I ask that you indulge me in recounting a few cherished memories I have of her.

I would like to quote a particular verse from the Thirukurral Chapter 45 “Periyaarai Thunai Kodal”.

It translates to “it will be the rarest of rare good fortunes if though can secure to thyself the kinship of a worthy person”.

Accordingly from a tender age I was always conscious of the rare privilege that was bestowed upon me in the form of Periyamma’s close guidance, love and friendship. Her life long commitment to the empowerment of women was apparent to me both in her conversations and the countless persons who would visit her at her Vivekananda road residence for personal advice, and reassurance. A sound listener in her role as counsellor, she provided non-judgmental and sound guidance to all those to sought it. As a mentor to many, she was quick to identify the talents and capacities of all those who came before her, always encouraging of efforts demonstrating discipline, perseverance and hard work.

She would often quote to me Poet Bharathiyar’s words on the role of women in society.

My awe and respect for her life’s work took form in an essay I wrote for my Grade 8 Tamil class on the 15th July 2001 titled ‘Naan Virumbiya Periyaar’. I don’t wish to bore you with the entire contents of the essay, but just an excerpt demonstrating my admiration and appreciation of her personality at that age.

At 13 years of age, these words were a tribute to her virtues of discipline, ethics, and uncompromising stance on perseverance, hard work and honest intention. I am indeed very fortunate to have enjoyed the privilege and benefit of being a member of Ms Kasipillai’s intergenerational family. It has enabled me to appreciate and hopefully embody the maturity, wisdom and experience demonstrated by Miss. Kasipillai with regard to the essence of life.

At this juncture I believe it appropriate to express our sincere thanks on behalf of the Kasipillai family to the following persons, who have enabled us to commemorate Miss. Nahammal Kasipillai, by organising this memorial lecture on her 92nd Birthday anniversary today.

I’d like to thank Justice Wigneswaran for chairing today’s proceedings. Your thought provoking words on the role of women through South Asian history, and the transition from a community based identity to an individual rights based identity, is a topic that dominates much of the contemporary global discourse on human rights regime.

I’d like to thank Ms. Sivanandini Duraiswamy for her keynote speech. Your keynote address on the multiple roles played by Hindu women from ancient times to date, their potential and capacity which had been given a pride of place in Hinduism, conferring a dignity, respect and freedom for women, the reasons that have led to the deterioration of their status and the need for women to become agents of change-aid us to challenge the status quo, empower ourselves and to chalk out new course based on Hindu values. You have very succinctly stated how these obstacles could be overcome by the adoption and practice of Hindu values, UN declarations on women and principles of good governance by individuals, society, state and the international community. These words are a personification of the values and principles Ms Kasipillai stood for. You can be assured that your words were reaffirming to most of us here today, of our inherent capabilities and capacities to combat the challenges of our day-to-day lives.

Thank you Mrs Sarojini Kanendran for your welcoming words and nostalgic memories of Ms Kasipillai’s time as your teacher and principal.

I’d also like to express our sincere gratitude to Saiva Mangaiyar Kazhagam, the Principal and her staff, Mrs.Sivanandini Duraiswamy, and the Past Pupils Association lead by Sarojini Kanendran and her team who were instrumental in undertaking the necessary arrangements to make this event a memorable and successful one.

And last, but not least we appreciate the presence of all those who have participated in today’s memorial lecture, despite their heavy daily schedules, particularly during times of great uncertainty and concern due to the prevailing security situation in the country.

I’d like to conclude with a few words from Swami Vivekandana on servant leadership, which I believe articulate, the essence of Ms Kassipillai’s legacy.

“One must be a servant of servants and must accommodate a thousand minds. There must not be a shade of jealousy or selfishness, then you are a leader”.

Miss. Kassipillai embodied all these and more in her life’s work-a purity of purpose, a perseverance of effort, and a passion for service. She was a shining example for every one of us striving to find real value in life. May her blessings be with us.

Thank you.
______________________
Email:dushi.pillai@gmail.com

1 comment January 24th, 2008

Christmas hopes from Jaffna

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“I have come to bring good news to the poor,
to set the oppressed free” (Luke 4:18)

As the bells toll around the globe, getting ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, a rare event of sharing experience in Jaffna was initiated by two individuals who visited Jaffna recently. “Christmas hopes from Jaffna was initiated by Ruki Fernando and Angelica Chandrasekaran. It was held on December 21st 2007 at the Centre for Society and Religion in Maradana.

Experiences shared by the individuals at the event are compiled below:

Ruki Fernando:

“I attended a Hindu wedding while I was in Jaffna. Someone told me at the wedding that they are married; they will have children; and they have to worry about their children not getting killed, abducted or conscripted. The people of Jaffna are worried; they just want to lead a normal life”.

Angelica Chandresekaran:

“People of Jaffna do not need anything except peace. They have learnt to lead a life with what is available. But they want long-lasting peace”.

Reverend Father Tissa Balasuriya OMI:

“Many Sinhalese do not know that they are the cause for the idea of “Tamil Eelam” to be created. Bandaranaikes, Jeyawardenas and Chelvanayagams opposed each other’s proposal. Sinhalese are mislead; and they are the reason for the division of the country”.

Reverend Rohan Silva OMI:

“There are Sinhalese who care for the Tamil brethren. The presence of Sinhalese brethren in war torn Tamil areas is essential. Voice for peace is quiet. When we met the people in Jaffna they wanted the Sinhala Catholic priests to stay with them. They felt comfortable sharing their stories with us”.

Dr. Anita Nesiah:

“The streets go deserted after 3pm in the afternoon due to curfew. I was told that a cylinder of LP gas is sold for Rs. 5,000/= in Jaffna. People of Jaffna are frightened; they are helpless and voiceless”.

Sivanandini Doraiswamy:

“Civilians who surrender themselves to the Human Rights Commission due to life threats are kept in prison along with the accused. They get contracted to contagious disease like chicken-pox in prison cells”.

Later a drama was performed by women who have been victims of war. The drama depicted despair, displacement and difficulties in a conflict situation. Most of these women who performed were unborn babies, when the conflict began three decades ago.

Prayers were said for peace and justice; songs of ‘Happy Christmas (War Is Over)’ by John Lennon, ‘Fallen Leaves’ by John Denver and ‘I want to live’ were played. An exhibition of photographs and reports from Jaffna was also held. The event of attend by Catholic priests, nuns and concerned citizens of Sri Lanka.

The participants have decided to fast on Christmas eve in solidarity with the victims of war.

Photographs and reports of Jaffna are displayed

Drama performed by the victims of war

Participants at the event

Reverend Father Tissa Balasuriya OMI sharing his views

Glimpses of life in Jaffna

Newspaper advertisements which appeared in the Colombo based newspapers during the season were displayed to compare the contrast in Colombo and Jaffna

“I have carved you on the palm of my hand” ((Isaiah 49.16)
This structure is in the compound of Fatima Church in Maradana

Banner for peace in the compound of Fatima Church in Maradana put up by CARITAS and Seth Sarana
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Email:dushi.pillai@gmail.com

December 22nd, 2007

Sri Lanka Public Service Journalism Awards 2007

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The Public Service Journalism Awards 2007 was much-awaited event among the provincial journalists in Sri Lanka. The glamorous event was held on November 16 th 2007 at the Galle Face Hotel.

Last year 521 applications were received for the awards. There were 748 applications received for this year’s awards. Applications were received from all nine provinces - North, East, West, South, Central, Uva, Sabaragamuwa, North Western, and North Central.

Apart from Public Service Journalism Awards, awards were also presented for tolerance. Awards for tolerance were presented for the first time in Sri Lanka. Public Service Journalism Awards ceremony is a landmark event in the history of Sri Lankan media. The initiative is appreciated by the journalists, and activists, which encourages the provincial journalists.

Seremdi Adi troupe was introduced at the event to understand and respect ethnic diversity. Cartoon depicting media freedom which appeared in Sinhala, Tamil and English were hanged at the venue, and caught the attention of the attendees.

The event was organized by the Centre for Policy Alternatives with the support of the Free Media Movement, Sri Lanka Working Journalists Association, Federation of Media Employees Trade Union, Sri Lanka Tamil Media Alliance and Sri Lanka Muslim Media Forum with the collaboration of International Federation of Journalists.

The Public Service Journalism Awards was inaugurated in 2006.

Candles werelit and a minute silence was observed to pay tribute to the colleagues who have paid the price for journalism

The awards night began with the beat of the drums

Near a sign directing towards Jaffna, A civilian: “Oh no, it looks like the war has erupted”
Another civilian: “Dont you know; it’s Journalists from Colombo proceeding”

This cartoon appeared on Thinakkural newspaper on 24th June 2006, which was displayed at the awards venue

N. Parameshwaran, journalist from Jaffna received his award from the Editor of Maubima newspaper Kuruvita Banda. He was awarded the first place in Public Journalism for writing a piece on the shortage of milk powder in Jaffna peninsula.

C.Ranasinghe, Medigiriya provincial journalists of Lankadeepa received his award from the News Editor of Sunday Thinakkural R. Bharathy

The Public Service Journalism Awards Ceremony is held to encourage the provincial journalists

The winner of Western Province B. L. D. Nandasiri, Moratuw area journalist of Lakbima received his award from the Director of Sri Lanka Press Institute Ranga Kalansooriya

Media personnels covering the event

Ajith Vasantha Yapa, journalist of Uva Community Radio, received his award from the Chief Editor of Young Asia Television Mrs. Sharmini Boyle

Comedy item by Wijaya Nandasiri and Rodney Warnakula

“The journalists in Sri Lanka are still courageous amidst the current situation in the country” commended a Western journalist recently

“Journalists outside Colombo are at greatest risk as violence escalates. They have less security and are more vulnerable to violence from all sides. On top of this they receive less support, resources and pay from their employers”, said Jacqueline Park, Director, Asia-Pacific, International Federation of Journalists - speaking at today’s event.

V. T. Sagathevarajah, Amapara area journalist of Virakesari received his award from the Editor of the Sunday Virakesari P.Devaraj

Ranjith Jayasundara, Vavuniya area journalist of the Lankadeepa received his award for tolerance in Northern Province from the Chairperson of the Neelan Thiruchelavam Trust Mrs. Sithy Thiruchelvam

Audeince at the event

Radhika Devakumar, journalist from Pirai FM in Batticaloa received her award from the Consultant of Centre for Policy Alternatives Dr.Devanesan Nesaiah. She was awarded National Tolenrance Prize. She was also awarded an award for tolerance in Easterne Province

Seremdi Adi troupe performed and African fusion. Their forefathers were from Africa, and the current generation is living in North Western Province

The National Winner of thrr Publci Service Journalism 2007 was Premalal Wijesinghe of the Kandurata Radio. He received his award from International Federation of Journalists Asia Pacific Director Jacquie Park

Public Service Journalism promotes journalists who strive to adhere public service values in their journalistic practice

National Winner of the Public Service Journalism Awrads 2007 Premalal Wijesinghe of the Kandurata Radio was greeted by the convener of the Free Media Movement Sunanda Deshapriya

Group photo of the winners

Journalists in Sri Lanka have united and decided to voice together against the suppression of media freedom

PSJ PROVINCIAL WINNERS

UVA

1 Ajith Wasantha Epa

2 Samarakoon Bandara

3 Sujeewa I.Kumari

Central

1 Premalal Wijesinghe

2 Nimal Bogahawatta

3 Asela Kuruluwansa

North Central

1 C.Ranasinghe

2 Sarath Manula Wickrama

3 Karunaratne Gamage

Western

1 B.L.D.Nandasiri

2 Vineetha Manel Gamage

3 S.Madawala

Sourthern

1 Sajeewa Wijeweera

2 S.A.R.Mathangaweera

3 Lalith Chaminda

North Western

1 Sunil S.Pellandeniya

2 Sunil Kahagalla

3 Hiran Priyankara

Sabaragamuwa

1 N.H.Piyasena

2 Nimal Abeysinghe

3 U.R.A.Bandara

Northern

1 N.Parameshwaran

2 Suneetha Gamage

3 N.Nawaratnerasa

Eastern

1 Thilak Alahakoon

2 V.R.Sagadevarajah

3 Mangalanath Liyanarachchi

PSJ TOLERANCE WINNERS

UVA -

Central - Premalal Wijesinghe

North Central - Sarath Manulawickrama

Western -

Southern - Dhammika Ranaweera

North Western - Sunil Kahagalla

Sabaragamuwa -

Northern - Ranjith Jayasundara

Eastern - Radhika Devakumar

PSJ & TOLERANCE NATIONAL WINNERS

PSJ

1 Premalal Wijesinghe

2 Thilak Alahakoon

3 Sunil Pellandeniya

TOLERANCE

Radhika Devakumar

o Full Text: Speech by Jacqueline Park, Director, Asia-Pacific, International Federation of Journalists, Colombo, Sri Lanka

o Full Text: Speech by Dr.Devanesan Nesiah

o Welcome Speech: By Sunanda Deshapriya, Convener of the Free Media Movement
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Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com

November 22nd, 2007

ODEL Unveils 2007 Festive Theme

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

Welcome to Paradise

The Christmas theme at ODEL is a much awaited event, and the department store does not disappoint with its 2007 theme- “Paradise Found”. The theme for this festive season was unveiled on November 15 th. The entire store has been transformed into an exotic garden with bejeweled parrots, stunning peacocks and sequined butterflies.

Adding to the vibrancy of the display, the product range this season will definitely excite the most avid shopper. An entire range of products featuring the “Paradise Found” theme will be available in all departments along with many more new products. Accessories, clothing, food items, exquisite gifts, Christmas decor and home furnishings are just of the new ranges, which will be available during the season.

Whilst this theme will appeal to everyone, it will be of particular interest to the foreign visitors to Sri Lanka, who hope to take a bit of a local paradise back home with them. ODEL is also targeting to promote its department store to the many foreign visitors will visit the country this season, with an offering of a sensory retail experience filled with local flavour that has been embodied in an iconic and glamorous way.

“Every year our team works for nine months to create a new theme, and adds new lines for the benefit of our valued customers” said the Chief Executive Officer of ODEL Ms. Otara Gunewardena.

She further explained the concept saying, “Every year, what we put together becomes a complete contrast of the previous year’s theme. The store has added a gadgets room to the gents section to include all kinds of accessories, and shower gel and baths, while ten fit on rooms have been added to the ladies section”.

ODEL has showcased several highly popular themes in the past such as “Red”, “Bling”, and “Fairytale Unfolds” campaigns. The department store will become the centerpiece of the city’s Christmas celebrations

A view from the escalator of the “Paradise Found”

Christmas decor at stores

The store is featured with vibrant colour scheme in blues and greens along with a series of fashion photography scattered throughout the store

Chief Executive Officer of ODEL, Ms. Otara Gunewardena posing for photojournalists

ODEL has taken Christmas celebrations out of the realm of the norm by creating a world of fantasy this season

The Christmas shoppers will be completely mesmerised at the transformation, which ODEL has undergone for the festive season

Christmas shoppers will indulge themselves in a glamorous and exotic shopping experience

ODEL is a popular destination for sightseeing, especially during the Christmas season

[HumanityAshore.org]

Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com

November 18th, 2007

Navarathri at Sri Lanka College of Journalism

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Navarathri” literally translates nine nights. These nine nights are devoted to Goddesses. The first three nights are devoted to Goddess Durga symbolizes power and triumph. The next three nights are devoted to Goddess Lakshmi symbolizes amplitude and wealth, and the last three nights are devoted to Goddess Saraswathy-knowledge and wisdom.

The festival began on October 11th 2007 and ended on October 20th 2007. Hindus decorated their houses and temples for the festival. Cultural events were held during the ” Navarathri”.

Sri Lanka College of Journalism, Sri Lanka Press Institute and Sri Lanka Press Complaints Commission celebrated ” Navarathri” on October 19th 2007 at the premises of the Sri Lanka College of Journalism.

“Kolam” tradidionally drawn design by the students of Sri Lanka Press Institute and Sri Lanka College of Journalism

A female student welcomes and places a “Pottu”-traditional dot on the forehead of Mrs. Kamalini Selvarajan

“Niraikudam” - full pot is placed to welcome the invitees. It’s a symbol of prosperity. “Niraikudam” is gesture of greeting.”Niraikudam”- a pot is filled with water, a coconut is kept on its mouth, five or seven mango leaves are arranged in circular form. The pot is kept on a bed of paddy or rice placed on a banana leaf.

“Thoranam”- tender coconut leaves are plaited together, and mango leaves are attached to the rope

Sri Skanthan Kurukkal from Chunnaakam performing pooja

Sakalakalavallimaalai” being sung by the students

Student of Sri Lanka College of Journalism Dinesh, Director of Sri Lanka College of Journalism Arjuna Ranawana and Journalist of Shakthi TV Aruna Sellathurai attending pooja

The whole building was decorated and in festive atmosphere

All were blessed by the priest

People from all ethnicities attended the festival

Savouries served at the festival

Rajitha wishes her fellow student

Flower garlands add beauty to the hair

“Navarathri” is rich in meaning

Students and lecturers enjoyed the festival

October 20th, 2007

In Pictures: Colombo Department Store Unveils Latest Collections

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

ODEL, Sri Lanka’s only department store has unveiled its latest collection for the season.

A catwalk came alive on August 12 th 2007, unveiling wide range of formal and causal wear. ODEL’s latest collection of clothes was worn by eight models with appropriate accessories.

In 2007, ODEL successfully launched its Sari Bar. It attracts clients to a wide range of classic collection, as saree being a traditional attire in Sri Lanka. The shelves of Sari Bar are filled with unique and trendiest designs to choose.

Stunning new fashions, trendy styles and surprises….