Guru-shishya bond comes alive during Guru Purnima music recitals in Vasco

Swar Taal Institute brings together students to make classical melodies in honour of their gurus
Renowned tabla player Mayank Bedekar performing at the Swar Taal institute's annual Guru Purnima Utsav in Vasco.
Renowned tabla player Mayank Bedekar performing at the Swar Taal institute's annual Guru Purnima Utsav in Vasco.Dhiraj Harmalkar

Dhiraj Harmalkar

"Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwarah, Gurur Sakshat Parabramha, Tasmai Shri Guruve namaha". This shloka from the ancient texts of India speaks about the greatness of a "guru" (teacher).

In this shloka, the Guru is compared to the Hindu primary gods popularly known as Trimurti, Bramha the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Maheshwar, the destroyer. The guru's primary role is to infuse knowledge into his disciple and work to destroy his flaws and egos. The guru-shishya parampara or bonding has existed in this country for ages and is relevant to this date.

We got an opportunity to witness this bond, respect and love towards the guru in a function organised by the Swar Taal Institute, located in the heart of Vasco city on the occasion of Guru Purnima on Sunday (July 24).

Renowned tabla player Mayank Bedekar performing at the Swar Taal institute's annual Guru Purnima Utsav in Vasco.
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Paying their respects

The function organised by the Swar Taal institute's students' group at Vidhyadhiraj Bhavan Vasco saw the presence of disciples and artists from across Goa to pay their respects to well-known tabla player Surya Yashwant Shetye from whom many young artists have taken tabla lessons.

During the inaugural session, Amit Parab disciple of Mayank Bedekar performed a tabla solo to perfection. The command which Parab had while performing gave one a glimpse of his guru, Bedekar.

Lavu Naik, disciple of music teacher Sharad Mathkar, performed classical vocal singing in Raag Brindavani Sarang, even as dark clouds gathered outside the hall making it a perfect setting to enjoy this raag.

Prajyot Dessai, disciple of Surya Shetye and late Purushottam Honnavarkar of Agra Gharana performing Raag Parmeshwari.
Prajyot Dessai, disciple of Surya Shetye and late Purushottam Honnavarkar of Agra Gharana performing Raag Parmeshwari. Dhiraj Harmalkar

Melodious recitals

In the second half, Shreya Mhajik, disciple of Surya Shetye and Mayank Bedekar performed taal Jhaptal much to the expectation of the audience. The speed and clarity while playing the Jhaptal were crisp and energizing.

Prajyot Dessai, a tabla player and disciple of Surya Shetye and late vocalist of Agra Gharana, Purushottam Honnavarkar, sang Raag Parmeshwari. The performance left audiences stunned. A performance of classical khyal from a tabla player is rare and was a matter of pride for his guru, Surya Shetye.

The final concluding performance was by well-known tabla player and a disciple of Taalyogi Pt Suresh Talwalkar, Mayank Bedekar. Bedekar performed Teentaal showcasing his extraordinary skills of playing the tabla with ease.

It was a real treat for the eyes to see Bedekar's fingers moving swiftly, yet firmly, on the table while performing various Kaydas of Teentaal. He played tabla bandishes of Farukhabad Gharana and other renowned players of yesteryears like Ustad Munir Khan, Ustad Amir Hussain Khan and Ustad Zakir Hussain to name a few.

Renowned tabla player Mayank Bedekar performing at the Swar Taal institute's annual Guru Purnima Utsav in Vasco.
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Guru pujan & tradtional rituals

Earlier, guru pujan and traditional rituals were performed during the inaugural function by music teacher Sharad Mathkar, Amey Chopdekar, Vice-chairperson Mormugao municipal council, Rohit Bandodkar, Prakash Chari and Surya Shetye.

After the inaugural function, Sharad Mathkar, guest of honour, advised the audience that there is no 'shortcut' to attaining success in the field of music. Rigorous "Riyaz"(training) and consistency are the keys to achieving success, he said.

Mathkar also praised Surya Shetye for imparting his knowledge to youngsters from Vasco and nearby areas.

Renowned tabla player Mayank Bedekar performing at the Swar Taal institute's annual Guru Purnima Utsav in Vasco.
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