A nostalgic moment of a lifetime

Thoudam Imomacha Singh *

Despite Panditji's benign favour All India Radio Imphal, (AIR Imphal) could not arrange to materialize the recording/interview with the virtuoso. The author till now feels measurable about the loss of that golden opportunity granted by the indomitable exponent of Hindustani Classical Music due to circumstances beyond his (author's) control. The excitement of such a tryst with a rare celebrity of the "Musical Firmament" on the soil of Manipur as early as 1987 would ever remain the everlasting joy in the author's lifetime.

The author still preserves the memory of an exciting moment of a tryst with the doyen of Indian Classical Music, Pandit Ravi Shankar in quite a refreshing manner. The year was 1987, the author and some individuals then working in All India Radio Imphal, (AIR Imphal) had heard about the presence of Pandit Ravi Shankar in Imphal.

Later on, it was understood that he had come to Imphal in connection with a concert of Hindustani Classical Music being organized under the aegis of Imphal Chapter of Spic-Macay, (Society For Promotion Of Indian Classical Music Among The Youth), an outfit of innovation to promote performing art.

The author could vividly recollect that one of his senior colleagues in AIR Imphal namely the late Chandam Gopal Singh, a refined broadcaster and musicologist were extended invitation to attend the music concert to be performed by Pandit Ravi Shankar and his musical entourage in the afternoon of that day. There was also information that Pandit Ravi Shankar was staying at the Imphal Raj Bhavan as the personal guest of the then state governor, Gen K.V. Krishna Rao (Rtd.), a former army chief of staff.

On the day of the concert, the author along with Chandam Gopal Singh rushed to the Imphal Raj Bhavan around 2.30 pm. to seek an audience with Pandit Ravi Shankar, the musical wizard. When they reached Imphal Raj Bhavan, they met the special secretary to the state governor (one Mr. Lamba by name). They were advised that at that time Panditji was having his siesta and he (Panditji) would be ready for public audience by 3.00 pm. and they had to wait for the fateful moment. They were given a cup of tea during the wait.

After almost half an hour, lo! Panditji appeared before them in an immaculate attire (a gold-coloured Punjabi and white pyjama). Beaming himself with a gesture of welcome Panditji expressed his desire to know the credentials of his guests, (the author & Chandam Gopal Singh), then self-introduction of the guests to Panditji followed. Panditji and Chandam Gopal Singh exchanged a few pleasantries in typical Bengali and the author was gazing the situation with subtle interest. Then, Panditji graciously turned to the author and humorously uttered "hellow my dear young man, why not you tell me something?".

Taking advantage of his sympathetic gesture the author responded with a humble plea… "Sir, now you understand you have two humble guests from All India Radio Imphal, (AIR Imphal). It would be very considerate of you if they are permitted to record your (live) concert."

After hearing the author's statement, Panditji observed "you know, my relationship with All India Ratio, (AIR) has not been so very good for the last many years. On top of this, I am not at all going to allow any recording of my (live) concert today at the R.M.C. (Regional Medical College) Complex at Lamphelpat."

He continued Imphal Raj Bhavan has also requested me to record my concert. But I did not permit them to do so. Of course, I promised them to send a piece of my music freshly recorded for the listening pleasure of my friend Gen. Rao, (Rtd.). After that turning to me he said "you come here (Raj Bhavan) tomorrow at 9.30 am. before I leave your place. I would offer you whatever you want. I would answer your question, if asked any. I could even give you a piece of my music so that you would be able to record it as you had already expressed you desire to do so."

Despite Panditji's benign favour All India Radio Imphal, (AIR Imphal) could not arrange to materialize the recording/interview with the virtuoso. The author till now feels measurable about the loss of that golden opportunity granted by the indomitable exponent of Hindustani Classical Music due to circumstances beyond his (author's) control. The excitement of such a tryst with a rare celebrity of the "Musical Firmament" on the soil of Manipur as early as 1987 would ever remain the everlasting joy in the author's lifetime.

By 5.30 pm. that day the author and Chandam Gopal Singh reached the marquee erected at the RMC (Regional Medical College) complex at Lamphelpat. Before the commencement of the show a number of do's and don'ts were dictum by Panditji for the audience to follow during the musical session. There were no chairs for the sitting arrangement of the audience. The entire audience settled on the sprawling carpet spread over the make-shift auditorium.

Panditji advised the audience to keep restraint in applauding a performer while in action so that the concentration of the artiste might not be distracted. There was a harmonious atmosphere in between the audience and the artistes throughout the classic show of music. The author still remembers Panditji playing a raag of his own creation and baptized as "Sugha Sugharai" as the concluding symphony.

The ingredients of the composition were in the tune of kirtan, folk and rock musicals. It was, indeed, an amazing piece of the musical don. In fact, it was a momentous occasion for all the music lovers of Manipur in general and more particularly for those lovers of Hindustani Classical Music. Kudos to the Imphal-Chapter of Spic-Macay.