I am stunned and have no words to express....these were the candid words from the tabla mastero Ustad Zakir hussain and these were exactly the same words of everyone who had the opportunity to witness ALVA'S VIRASAT 2007. The huge stage, large gathering, January's cold breeze and in total, the ambience of SHOBHAVANA(a 100 acre botanical garden of Alva's ayurvedic college which consists of many herbs on a small hillock near mudubidre) was befitting for a musical and cultaral event of such stature. Ustad Zakir hussain was presented with VIRASAT award later, while the previous VIRASAT awardee Padmavibhushan Sonal Man singh inagurated the 4 day cultural fest on j
anuary 4th. It was astonishing to see music lovers flocking the remote village of mijar (where shobhavana is situated) in the dusk. As sun was setting in the arabian sea, the colorful lights in the bamboo pyramid structures lit up illuminating the entire hill, venue of Alva's festival. Few fire crackers were burst to indicate that VIRASAT of 
the seson had begun. The wee hours witnessed magical tabla-mridangam-flute jugalbandi of Ustad Zakir Hussain, Satish Kumar and Master Shashank. The whole gathering was electrified with the jadoo of music by these artistes .The programme received wide applause from the audience. The whole idea behind this VIRASAT to strengthen the rich cultural heritage and legacy of india. And the effort is put forward by a single force called Dr.Mohan Alva, founder president of Alva's education Foundation (AEF).
Its his commitment, that gives opportuny to the students and public to witness international reputed artists. The strength of this man lies in converting dream in to reality.
(pics by R.K.Bhat)
Its his commitment, that gives opportuny to the students and public to witness international reputed artists. The strength of this man lies in converting dream in to reality.
(pics by R.K.Bhat)
6 comments:
Venu, the report is nice but keep updating it now and then. In fact the report at least in this part of the state was worth seeing as many here not heard about the legacy of Alva's Virasat and its cultural influence. Thanks for the verisimilitude report.
thanks niranjan for appreciating the write up. i'll see that blog is updated at least once a week.
You mention views of the Arabian Sea and Shobhavana college. To confirm, is this located in the Jain area (meaning, a lot of Jain temples) near Mangalore? I visited Karnataka in December, but didn't have time during that part of my trip to venture toward the sea (until I was in Gujarat and Maharashtra).
ashley, a small clarification. Shobhavana is not a college its an arborqatum(garden consisting herbal plants).the garden is named after the late Shobha Alva, wife of Dr.Mohan Alva.Mudubidre and its nearby town Karkala is known for Jain culture, you can find many jain temples(Basadis). 1000 pillar basadi in mudubidre is world famous, and you must have a look at it while touring this part
Ok. Thanks for the clarification.
Venu, the setting sun....illuminated bamboo structures......magical music......sounds extremely tempting...feeling jealous of you...lucky you could be there......Hey baba, put the pictures full size...don't squeeze the text along the sides...that makes it difficult reading......I am reading your blog after long.....
Write more often....Since as reporters you guys can meet so many people and see so many places....
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