ARTICULATING CADENCES AND NOTES

Vishakha Hari's book, Sangita Soujanya, reveals the soul of Carnatic music, celebrating art's universal appeal, rich traditions, and power to connect hearts beyond boundaries

- AASHNA REDDY

For many, Carnatic music is a comforting presence – the sound of a morning raga filling the house, the joy of concerts during Margazhi, or the familiar lyrics of a timeless kriti. It's more than an art form; it's a way of life, a tradition that unites people through devotion and emotion.

What makes Carnatic music so special? Is it the intricate ragas, the timeless compositions, or the way it transports you to a realm beyond the mundane? For Vishakha Hari, Carnatic music's magic lies in its power to unite – transcending barriers of caste, religion, and creed, touching hearts in ways words often cannot. Her upcoming book, Sangita Soujanya, is a heartfelt exploration of this very inclusivity, a tribute to music's divine and universal nature.

Set to be launched on December 6, the book will be unveiled at the Vijayashri Margazhi Vaibhavam. Sangita Soujanya is as much a call for clarity as it is a celebration of the art form. "Carnatic music has always been all-embracing," Vishakha Hari says. "From Vedic times to today, it has united people beyond divisions. But some elements are trying to divide our music fraternity, and this book is my way of presenting the truth – that Carnatic music is for one and all."