Striking strings of hearts

(This interview of Pt Shivkumar Sharma was published in The Hitavada on July 12, 2008)

LOOK back in time, fifty years ago the name ‘Santoor’ was not known outside the area of Kashmir and nobody had seen this instrument. And when he started performing, it’s nothing short of a miracle. Santoor and Pandit Shivkumar Sharma become the synonyms.
“According to me, music is not for entertainment. It is the generating force behind the life. The study of Indian classical music is a meditation. It is our heritage. The new generation should strive to preserve it,” said Panditji while speaking with The Hitavada after his performance at B R A Mundley High School Auditorium on Friday July 11. The programme was organised by SPIC-MACAY organisation for young students. Panditji spoke in brief about his musical journey, present scenario of Classical Music and on Nagpur. Here is the treat for all classical music crazies! :

His father Pandit Uma Datta Sharma, who was his first Guru, passed on Santoor to Shivkumar with the responsibility of establishing it on the concert platform.
“Whatever I am today, is because of my Gurus. Indeed, the music is the thing we have to learn from Guru. It takes time to acquire fineness. Unfortunately, the new generation lacks this patience,” he lamented.
On his worldwide popularity, Sharma said, the music is one all over the world. “Only notations differ. The language of heart is same.” Yet, Indian classical music is supreme. “Our Ragas relate to life, Nature and sentiments, which makes makes it best!” About the city, he said, “Having students here, I always like to perform.”
Fir Mulaqat Hogi, he said, in the end with which, wonderful Maruvihar, he played earlier resumed in mind.

Maestro relives the legend of Santoor

(This is the report of his concert held on Friday July 11 at Nagpur.)


Santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma’s pleasant performance filled the hearts of Nagpur audience with spiritual satisfaction on Friday evening. He gave the inaugural performance of the West Zone Convention of SPIC-MACAY organisation at BRA Mundle School Auditorium. Panditji presented a wonderful Maruvihar in front of the audience, mostly comprised of youngsters. The question-answer session with school students held at the end of the performance revealed various aspects of Panditji’s personality.
He stepped in with shining white Kurta, the same coloured shawl and his trademark curly white hair amongst the laud applause of orange city audience. As the programme was already late due to additional load-shedding, Panditji started tuning his santoor without wasting time. “You all are waiting since long? Thak gaye kya?,” he asked and “No,” was the spontanious reply of the audience.
Panditji started with Raag Maruvihar’s aalap to made everyone familiar with the tune of his santoor. Later, the beat of the performance was formed in Jor and finally, the fast track version of the aalap enthralled the audience. With Pandit Ramkumar Mishra on tabla, and Walmik Dhande on Tanpura, Pandit ji presented Raag Maruvihar firstly in Roopak taal and then in Trital. The hour-long presentation created the spiritual atmosphere and everybody was bound to clap when Panditji hit the concluding note.

The performance was the first in the series of cultural events to be organised by SPIC-MACAY. (Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth), an international organisation’s Nagpur city chapter. At the outset, Dr Kiran Seth, Founder of the organisation and his mother Teji Seth was welcomed and felicitated by local chapter members. The degnitaries including Group captain Mujumdar and Om Prakash Prajapati were also feted. Dr Seth delivered the inaugural speech and guests elighted the traditional lamp to formally inaugurate the convention. Sakhi and Ridhi convened the programme. Ravi Satfale, Dr Nisha Kulkarni and others worked hard for the success of the programme.



(All Photos by The Hitavada Photo-journalist Anil Futane)