Eminent luminaries of music from three different countries created a singular symphony in an international webinar organised to mark the World Music Day on June 21 by the Sangeet Tarang, a socio-cultural organisation of Rourkela.
The topic of the webinar was ‘Music for Happiness and Healing’. The presence of globally renowned flautist from Australia, Analisa Powell, internationally acclaimed Hindustani classical vocalist from USA, Surekha Deka Vaishya and two eminent personalities from India, music aficionado, Geetha Shankar and award winning writer, story teller and inspirational speaker, Ramendra Kumar made the mega event truly unique. The virtual event was attended on-line by a large number of music enthusiasts from across the country.
Each speaker shared his/her take on music to create a rich tapestry of expertise, experience and passion. Geetha Shankar spoke at length on how music has always played an important role at every stage of her life. She created a tapestry of old melodies, endearing memories and enduring the tug of music. Ramendra Kumar spoke about the power of music and how it has inspired millions.
Giving the example of Upendra Bhanja, Rabindra Nath Tagore, Sahir Ludhianvi and Gulzar, Kumar reiterated that music was also about words which touch the heart and caress the soul. He also recited a parody written by him on the occasion.
The piece de resistance of the programme was the conversation between Analisa and Kumar.
The consummate artist with a huge fan following across the globe, Analisa spoke about her musical journey and how it has helped her in braving the many adversities in life. She presented a mesmerizing flute performance on the occasion. The other star attraction of the evening from Devner, USA, Surekha spoke about her tryst with melody and the power of Hindustani Classical music from the era of Tansen to the present age. At the outset, Lion Vinod Mohunta, IPDG, 322C2, Lions Club and Chairman, Sangeet Tarang in his opening remarks elaborated on different activities and yeomen service rendered by Sangeet Tarang through music.
The programme started on a perfect note with a mellifluous invocation song ‘Teri Hai Zameen’ from the film ‘The Burning Train’ by the artists of Sangeet Tarang Tapan, Santosh and Basavadutta. It was followed by the presentation of a beautiful tune on flute by Baljit Singh, another member of the group.
The evening was filled with music with all the artists of Sangeet Tarang presenting many songs close to their hearts. Sangeet Tarang VP Sasanka S Pattanaik moderated the event. He also welcomed the gathering and proposed a formal vote of thanks.