The Balcony Student-Part 1

Talent finds a way

- Rita chhablani

The big, round, vermilion Bindi fixed in the center of her forehead, attired in her standard uniform - a simple, well-starched, crackling cotton Sari, and Urvashi was ready for her class.

Students started arriving. Leaving their footwear outside, they filed in one by one, and settled down on the cotton dari spread out on the floor.

Urvashi walked into the room and settled by her harmonium. “Namaskar,” she said. “Let us begin with a prayer to Saraswati, the Goddess of learning and music.”

Clear and smooth, the melodious voices rang out in the morning air. Then began in real earnest the Alankars, Bhajans and Geets, and today’s special to be taught.

For a full one hour, this Swar Ganga kept flowing. All happened with clockwork precision. These students were the best of the lot and Urvashi had selected them with great effort to participate in the prestigious ‘All India Sur Sangeet’ competition which was held every year. She was extremely proud of her students. They were disciplined, punctual and belonged to cultured families who valued music. Above all, they were focused like Arjuna -- ready to hit their target, the eye of the bird.