God in disguise

Bengaluru climate is beautiful and responsible for giving me a bad cold and sore throat. Haven't sung in ages!! Well, that's an exaggeration :) Today morning I was standing outside in my garden area talking to a friend about my New Year plans and suddenly an old man walks in smiling brightly. He spoke so softly that all I could make out was 'someone learns music in this house' and I nodded. Ya, obviously, anything to do with music in my house can be related only with me as I am the sole musician at home :)Anyways, the man self-invited himself to the sopanam and made himself comfortable . Both my aunties who love talking about the puranas and vedas and Hindu mythology were very happy to start a conversation with him. He is supposedly a dance teacher and the moment he knew about my training in dance he started to shoot questions like what does 'bharat' mean in Bharatnatyam and the like. I instantly got reminded of my school days when I used to be asked about some dry cell in Physics when I was day dreaming big time!! After a series KBC-type questions (except that there was no crores involved in this one), I gave up requesting him to pass on the knowledge he has. Very happily he told me how Hanuman happens to be the God of music and how Saraswati is the Goddess of knowledge. He went on and on and then he told something that is so vital for everyone to know. What is destined to us will only come to us and even the Gods won't be able to stop it from happening. He spoke so wisely about the Geeta and about how he perceives it to be a conversation between Sanjeya and Dritharastra . His eyes were blue and glowing with knowledge and experience and most important- confidence. He said that whatever we say, if in our mind we feel we are right, is in a way right for the ones who listen to us. But then it is for the listener to analyze it later.

Long time back when my granny was going back to Bombay after her short stay with us in Muscat my mother was nervous of leaving her alone. At the airport there was some impediment about her visa or something and there was this man who appeared from nowhere who sorted out everything in a snap that afterwards when we looked for him to thank... he was gone...just like that. That day my mom said she had witnessed God. It's such a beautiful, enlightening feeling to meet such random people who make a mark within us, teaching us, being there for us in the best and worst of situations.

Funny thing was he didn't want to hear me sing or didn't ask me about how much I have studied. The old man said he will visit us soon as if letting me know that he will come when he wants me to know something. I always believe that there is a reason as to why such things happen. I just watched him go away knowing that I will be meeting him when I need to.

The reason why I believe I stand out

Back after a 4 day trip to Chennai and Bangalore that seemed like 4 months. While I recorded 4 tracks and went bolti bandh in Chennai ..It was a smashing experience jamming with the Carnatic fusion band Agam at Kyra. Now that I am back, was settling into starting my regular practice again. As I was brushing through my notes I came across this torn page from the Chicken Soup, god knows how it landed up there, which was very thought provoking. So I decided to share it in the blog cos it really opened my eyes. I am a big-time Chicken Soup fan and have read the series several times when I felt pressure in school. This one begins with a quote by A.L.Kitselman that says

the words "I am ..." are potent words; be careful what you hitch them to. The thing you're claiming has a way of reaching back and claiming you.

Majority have ridiculed me when I used to confront their question of 'What are you exactly doing apart from music?' with 'this is it’. I don't know what it was but t'was quite funny to see people listening to and watching every possible musical shows on the Radio and TV but not being able to digest it as a profession. Anyhow, I have no other choice but to stick to music as sadly this was the only field that brought out the best in me and kept me happiest. But in today's day and age where necessities have been overstepped by luxury, money becomes the vital reason as to why people opt for safer, dignified (according to society) options. And the fact is you're not going to be happy in a place where you're forced to fit in.

Excerpt from the Chicken Soup:

I am an architect : I've built a solid foundation; and each year I go to that school I add another floor of wisdom and knowledge.

I am a scientist : Each day that passes by, I gather new data, make important observations, and experiment with new concepts and ideas.

I am a doctor: I heal those who turn to me for consultation and advice, and I bring out the vitality in those who seem lifeless.

I am a lawyer: I'm not afraid to stand up for the inevitable and basic rights of myself and all others.

I am a mathematician: making sure I conquer each one of my problems with correct solutions.

I am a jury member: judging others and their situations only after I've heard and understood the entire story.

I am a banker: Others share their trust and values with me and never lose interest.

I am a mountain climber: Slowly but surely I am making my way to the top.


P.S. Don't try to fit in when you're meant to stand out. Be proud of what you are even if you flip burgers for a living.