News from Pondicherry
An Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies
A Session under progress
An Orientation-cum-Study Course on Sri Aurobindo Studies was organised by the Society at the Beach Office, Pondicherry, from 31st March to 5th April 2004. About 30 persons from different parts of the country participated. The Course was co-ordinated by Dr. M.V. Nadkarni. It consisted of 30 lecture sessions followed by discussions and questions and answers. The Course was designed to give the participants a systematic introduction to as many facets of the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother as possible. It is hoped that such programmes will motivate the participants to take up, for a deeper and more intimate study, one or more aspects of the teachings of the Master and the Mother.
A View of the Participants
The resource persons and the themes they dealt with in their lectures on this course were as follows:
Dr. M.V. Nadkarni - 'Introduction to the course', 'The Present Evolutionary Crisis', 'The Future of Humanity', and 'Work as Sadhana'
Dr. Alok Pandey - 'Religion, Morality and Spirituality', 'Integral Yoga & its Limbs'
Shri Pradeep Narang - 'Sri Aurobindo Society and Its Work'
Prof. Kittu Reddy - 'Sri Aurobindo on Indian History', 'Social Psychology of Human Development' and 'Sri Aurobindo on Human Unity'
Shri Ajit Sabnis - 'Evolution of Consciousness' (a Power Point Presentation)
Prof. R.L. Kashyap - 'Sri Aurobindo & the Vedas', 'Sri Aurobindo & the Upanishads' and 'Sri Aurobindo and the Gita & other scriptures' Smt. Sumita Khandpal - On 'The Mother'
Shri Hemant Kapur - 'What is New in Sri Aurobindo's Yoga'
Dr. Ananda Reddy - On 'Prayers & Meditations'
Shri Matthijs Cornelissen - 'Parts of our Being' and 'The Triple Transformation'
Shri Sraddhalu Ranade - 'The Mother in Sri Aurobindo's Yoga'
Shri R.Y. Deshpande - On 'Savitri'
Ms. Neeltje Huppes - 'The Psychic Being'
Shri Vijay - 'Sri Aurobindo & the Mother on Education'
Shri Sheshgiri Kulkarni - 'Sri Aurobindo's Plays & Poems'
It is proposed to run such Camps on a regular basis.
All India Education Camp-Cum-Workshop 2004
This year the annual All India Education Camp-Cum-Workshop was organised at the Beach Office of the Society from 20th to 27th May 2004, with two more days' optional programmes. About fifty participants including teachers, educationists, principals and management people from various parts of the country attended the Camp. The details of the Camp will be given in the next month's Newsletter.
Annual Conference of Sri Aurobindo Society - 2004
This year's Annual Conference of the Society will be held at the Beach Office in Pondicherry from 12th to 14th August 2004.
News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad
Singapore Centre
Members of the Singapore Centre meet weekly every Sunday. They collectively meditate and recite bhajans. Occasionally, talks are also held on different topics in the light of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
News from India
Tour of Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee
Sri Gopal Bhattacharjee went on a tour to Jamshedpur, West Bengal and Assam on 27th March 2004.
On 30th March, at Jamshedpur, he delivered two lectures, one on "Vision of Sri Aurobindo for the Future Human Society" and the other about "The Mother and the purpose of Her creating the Sri Aurobindo Society". Both the talks were attended by large crowds and given good coverage by all local dailies.
From 2nd Apirl, in Assam, he visited Tinsukia, Margerita, Leedo and Digboi. At Digboi he gave a lecture at the India Club of Indian Oil under the title "All Life is Yoga". He also conducted some group discussions at the premises of the Society.
In Kolkata he attended a meeting of the State Committee of West Bengal Sri Aurobindo Society to discuss the future programme of the Society in West Bengal. He also addressed, on the 1st of April 2004, a large gathering at the Central Kolkata Centre of Sri Aurobindo Society at 15-J, Behari Doctor Road, Kolkata.
Porbandar Branch (Gujarat)
Inauguration of the Youth Camp - Lighting the Lamp
The Porbandar Branch organised a Youth Camp on 15th and 16th May 2004. About 150 students participated in the Camp. Some booklets of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, the book 'Ideal Child' and the pamphlet 'Science of Living' were given to all the participants at the beginning of the Camp.
A Session during the Camp
The sessions of the Camp consisted of prayer, self introduction, talk on Sri Aurobindo & the Mother by Jyotiben Thanki, warming-up exercises, surya-namaskaar, group discussion on 'Science of Living' of the Mother, Q&A session with Jyotiben, talk on "My darshan of Sri Aurobindo" by Devpurkarji, learning of Vande Mataram song, guided meditation and responses. The Camp concluded with the distribution of certificates to all the participants. The programme was given good coverage by the local Media. It was the first youth camp by the Society in Porbandar, and a very successful one.
Baroda (Gujarat)
On 12th March 2004, 65 students from different schools of Baroda participated in a debate competition in Sanskrit language at the Nivas.
On 14th March, a lecture by Sri Hira Ratan Manek on "Sun-gazing" was arranged. Shri Manek informed the audience that the Mother in 1965 had advised him to practise Sun-gazing. The function was well attended.
The Sanskrit language course was completed on 21st March 2004. 38 students received the certificates.
Sirsa Branch (Haryana)
Shri Pawan Manak, the Chief Guest, along with themembers of the Managing Committee, Sirsa
24th April, the Mother's final arrival day, was celebrated by the Sirsa Branch. The children of the local school Mother India presented a cultural programme on the "Worship of Mahasaraswati". Shri Pawan Manak, the Principal of the Mother India School was the Chief Guest.
Indore Branch (Madhya Pradesh)
On 8th March the Indore Branch organised a programme for women on "Health and Self Development". Dr. Suman Kocher spoke about the importance of balanced and natural food. While speaking on the importance of self-development, she advised the audience to practise in their life the central principles of the Poorna Yoga of Sri Aurobindo.
On 15th March, Dr. Suman Kocher spoke to the women about the Role of women as revealed by the Mother.
On 29th March, the Mother's first arrival day at Pondicherry was celebrated at the Centre. On this occasion Bhajans were recited, followed by collection meditation.
Yoga and Dhyan Shivir was held for women from 15th - 22nd April 2004. Dr. Suman Kocher conducted classes in Yogasanas, Pranayama and Dhyana. She delivered talks on different topics related to Sri Aurobindo's Writings.
On 24th April a one day Shivir for women was organised in the Child Development Centre, Pagnisapaga. Women from different districts of the State participated. Dr. Suman Kocher spoke about the hidden faculties and forces in women.
On 24th April, like every year this year too a 30-day Shivir was organised between 6.15 - 7.40 a.m. daily. Dr. Suman Kocher, Dr. Nandini Sarvate, Dr. Sengupta Maloo and Shri Padmaker Anand Phadke conducted the Shivir.
Dhar Branch (Madhya Pradesh)
The Annual Conference of all Centres and Branches of Orissa was held at Chatrapur in district Ganjam on 11th February 2004. Representatives from different Centres of Orissa participated. Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee presided over the conference, which was also attended by a large number of local people. A souvenir was also released on the occasion.
Baroda Branch (Gujarat)
The Dhar Branch celebrated the 1st anniversary of the enshrinement of Sri Aurobindo's Relics on 11th April 2004 by arranging a Swadhyay Shivir on the book "The Mother" for three days. The camp was conducted by Dr.Alok Pandey of Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry. Shri Mohan Mistry of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, rendered bhajans on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Devotees from Indore, Alirajpur, Bhopal and Biaora also attended the programme.
Madhi Centre (Madhya Pradesh)
Madhi Centre organised a talk by Dr. M.L. Verma on "Sri Aurobindo - His Teachings and His Work" on 23rd April 2004 at the Agriculture University. The function was presided by Dr. R.P. Pandey, Dean of the University, and conducted by Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma. The function evoked interest among the teachers and students. They expressed their wish that such programmes be organised regularly in future.
Cuddalore Centre (Tamil Nadu)
The Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Narang delivering a talk
The Cuddalore Centre celebrated their 1st anniversary on 18th April 2004. The gathering was addressed by Shri Pradeep Narang who was the Chief Guest, Shri M.S. Sundararajan of Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, Shri D. Srinivasan and other office bearers of the Centre. It was a well managed function which was attended by about 250 persons.
Kovilpatti Centre (Tamil Nadu)
In the Kovilpatti Centre, the Mother's room is kept open from 5.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. regularly. Many students, teachers and parents offer flowers before the photographs of the Mother and sit in meditation every day. The school, in which the Centre is located, starts and ends with meditation in which all the students and teachers participate. One teacher of the Centre writes one of the mantras of the Mother on the Notice Board everyday which is read by students, teachers, parents and even members of the public.
Chengalpattu Centre (Tamil Nadu)
The Chengalpattu Centre celebrated its 6th anniversary on 11th April 2004. Shri M.S. Sundararajan gave a talk in Tamil on "The Mother in our day-to-day life".
Neyveli Centre (Tamil Nadu)
Neyveli Centre of the Society arranged a talk by Shri Kaivalya Smart from Sri Aurobindo Society, Surat Branch and Shri N. Thiruvenkatam, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society Tamil Nadu State Committee. The subject of the talk was "Sri Aurobindo - An Introduction".
Delhi Branch
Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, gave a talk at the Delhi Branch on 21st March 2004 on "The Inner Journey and the Significance of Meditation".
The Delhi Branch organised a programme of Odissi dance, portraying Sri Aurobindo's Savitri on 24th April 2004. Dopali Operajita rendered a compelling portrayal of Savitri, based on Canto I Book VII.
New Centres
Ballia (U.P.)
A new Centre was opened at Ballia, U.P. on 11th April 2004. Dr. Umesh Chandra Dubey, Head of the Department of Philosophy, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, presided over the function. Shri Vijay Poddar, Coordinator of the Society's work in U.P., and Dr. S.C. Tyagi were the special guests. Dr.L.K.L. Srivastava, Chairman of the Centre, gave a brief account of the background of opening the Centre. About 100 persons participated.
A Discovery of Indian Clasical Music
It is with an Alaap that an Indian musician begins to explore and introduce a Raga. This is why, this unique creation of 20 Audio CDs and a resource Book has been titled Alaap. Researched and compiled by Sri Aurobindo Society, it is an authentic introduction to Indian Classical Music.
The various magical dimensions of Indian Music - the deep truths, the facts that are stranger than fiction, the variety and richness, the unity and the diversity, of the Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) styles, are all brought together in one comprehensive and fascinating set.
Alaap is formed of three parts. Part I (6 CDs) seeks for the spiritual core of Indian music and explains the mystical elements of the Swara, the Guru-shishya-parampara, the Sadhana, in the framework of the Raga and the Tala. Part II (7 CDs) presents the Hindustani or the North Indian style, its language, techniques, gharanas, instruments and the meaning of improvisation. Part III (7 CDs) presents the Carnatic or the South Indian style, its terminology, its richness and complexities, its ancient tradition.
Alaap helps one understand, appreciate and enjoy Indian Classical Music as a living experience. One shares the insights of the great masters and listens to some of the finest unforgettable music creations of the last 50 years - names which have become synonymous with Indian music - Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Omkarnath Thakur, Shemmangudi Srinivas Iyer, Bhimsen Joshi, Bala Murali Krishna, Vilayat Khan, Lalgudi Jayaraman, Girija Devi, T.R. Mahalingam, Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain and many more.
Alaap has something for all - whether a beginner, wanting to understand and appreciate Indian Classical Music, or a scholar and a musician deeply involved in it, whether one who just enjoys music or someone completely in love with it. As the Sufi Mystic Hazrat Inayat Khan says, "In music no one leaves empty-handed. Everyone gets as much as he can take."
Alaap is indeed a discovery of Indian Classical Music, where the art of listening itself can be a journey to the depths of one's soul. To listen to Alaap is to experience the wonder that is India.
In the beauty of its presentation, in the wide scope of its contents, in its authenticity and depth, perhaps Alaap stands all by itself. The set has an exclusive look and is created in the form of the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts of India where each leaf contains 2 CDs. Alaap is available also as audio-cassettes. The result of years of painstaking research, Alaap is a labour of love, created by Sri Aurobindo Society and brought to you by Times Music.
Alaap can be ordered through courier service in India and abroad. The costs are as follows:
i) 20 CD set with Book - by courier to countries outside India (including Canada and USA) - US $ 155 (including packing and courier delivery charges).ii) 20 CD set with Book - by courier in India - Rs.4,900/- (including packing and courier delivery charges).iii) 20 Audio-cassettes set with Book - Rs.1,750/- (packing and freight extra). The payment may be made in favour of "Splendour" by either Demand Draft or Banker's Cheque. For placing the orders or for further information please contact: The Manager,Splendour,Auroservice,Sri Aurobindo Society Beach Office,Pondicherry - 605 002. INDIAPh: 91-413-2336398 Fx: 91-413-2334447Email: splendour@sriaurobindosociety.org.in
An Introduction to Sri Aurobindo Studies
A Session under progress
An Orientation-cum-Study Course on Sri Aurobindo Studies was organised by the Society at the Beach Office, Pondicherry, from 31st March to 5th April 2004. About 30 persons from different parts of the country participated. The Course was co-ordinated by Dr. M.V. Nadkarni. It consisted of 30 lecture sessions followed by discussions and questions and answers. The Course was designed to give the participants a systematic introduction to as many facets of the teachings of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother as possible. It is hoped that such programmes will motivate the participants to take up, for a deeper and more intimate study, one or more aspects of the teachings of the Master and the Mother.
A View of the Participants
The resource persons and the themes they dealt with in their lectures on this course were as follows:
Dr. M.V. Nadkarni - 'Introduction to the course', 'The Present Evolutionary Crisis', 'The Future of Humanity', and 'Work as Sadhana'
Dr. Alok Pandey - 'Religion, Morality and Spirituality', 'Integral Yoga & its Limbs'
Shri Pradeep Narang - 'Sri Aurobindo Society and Its Work'
Prof. Kittu Reddy - 'Sri Aurobindo on Indian History', 'Social Psychology of Human Development' and 'Sri Aurobindo on Human Unity'
Shri Ajit Sabnis - 'Evolution of Consciousness' (a Power Point Presentation)
Prof. R.L. Kashyap - 'Sri Aurobindo & the Vedas', 'Sri Aurobindo & the Upanishads' and 'Sri Aurobindo and the Gita & other scriptures' Smt. Sumita Khandpal - On 'The Mother'
Shri Hemant Kapur - 'What is New in Sri Aurobindo's Yoga'
Dr. Ananda Reddy - On 'Prayers & Meditations'
Shri Matthijs Cornelissen - 'Parts of our Being' and 'The Triple Transformation'
Shri Sraddhalu Ranade - 'The Mother in Sri Aurobindo's Yoga'
Shri R.Y. Deshpande - On 'Savitri'
Ms. Neeltje Huppes - 'The Psychic Being'
Shri Vijay - 'Sri Aurobindo & the Mother on Education'
Shri Sheshgiri Kulkarni - 'Sri Aurobindo's Plays & Poems'
It is proposed to run such Camps on a regular basis.
All India Education Camp-Cum-Workshop 2004
This year the annual All India Education Camp-Cum-Workshop was organised at the Beach Office of the Society from 20th to 27th May 2004, with two more days' optional programmes. About fifty participants including teachers, educationists, principals and management people from various parts of the country attended the Camp. The details of the Camp will be given in the next month's Newsletter.
Annual Conference of Sri Aurobindo Society - 2004
This year's Annual Conference of the Society will be held at the Beach Office in Pondicherry from 12th to 14th August 2004.
News from Branches and Centres
News from Abroad
Singapore Centre
Members of the Singapore Centre meet weekly every Sunday. They collectively meditate and recite bhajans. Occasionally, talks are also held on different topics in the light of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother.
News from India
Tour of Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee
Sri Gopal Bhattacharjee went on a tour to Jamshedpur, West Bengal and Assam on 27th March 2004.
On 30th March, at Jamshedpur, he delivered two lectures, one on "Vision of Sri Aurobindo for the Future Human Society" and the other about "The Mother and the purpose of Her creating the Sri Aurobindo Society". Both the talks were attended by large crowds and given good coverage by all local dailies.
From 2nd Apirl, in Assam, he visited Tinsukia, Margerita, Leedo and Digboi. At Digboi he gave a lecture at the India Club of Indian Oil under the title "All Life is Yoga". He also conducted some group discussions at the premises of the Society.
In Kolkata he attended a meeting of the State Committee of West Bengal Sri Aurobindo Society to discuss the future programme of the Society in West Bengal. He also addressed, on the 1st of April 2004, a large gathering at the Central Kolkata Centre of Sri Aurobindo Society at 15-J, Behari Doctor Road, Kolkata.
Porbandar Branch (Gujarat)
Inauguration of the Youth Camp - Lighting the Lamp
The Porbandar Branch organised a Youth Camp on 15th and 16th May 2004. About 150 students participated in the Camp. Some booklets of the Mother and Sri Aurobindo, the book 'Ideal Child' and the pamphlet 'Science of Living' were given to all the participants at the beginning of the Camp.
A Session during the Camp
The sessions of the Camp consisted of prayer, self introduction, talk on Sri Aurobindo & the Mother by Jyotiben Thanki, warming-up exercises, surya-namaskaar, group discussion on 'Science of Living' of the Mother, Q&A session with Jyotiben, talk on "My darshan of Sri Aurobindo" by Devpurkarji, learning of Vande Mataram song, guided meditation and responses. The Camp concluded with the distribution of certificates to all the participants. The programme was given good coverage by the local Media. It was the first youth camp by the Society in Porbandar, and a very successful one.
Baroda (Gujarat)
On 12th March 2004, 65 students from different schools of Baroda participated in a debate competition in Sanskrit language at the Nivas.
On 14th March, a lecture by Sri Hira Ratan Manek on "Sun-gazing" was arranged. Shri Manek informed the audience that the Mother in 1965 had advised him to practise Sun-gazing. The function was well attended.
The Sanskrit language course was completed on 21st March 2004. 38 students received the certificates.
Sirsa Branch (Haryana)
Shri Pawan Manak, the Chief Guest, along with themembers of the Managing Committee, Sirsa
24th April, the Mother's final arrival day, was celebrated by the Sirsa Branch. The children of the local school Mother India presented a cultural programme on the "Worship of Mahasaraswati". Shri Pawan Manak, the Principal of the Mother India School was the Chief Guest.
Indore Branch (Madhya Pradesh)
On 8th March the Indore Branch organised a programme for women on "Health and Self Development". Dr. Suman Kocher spoke about the importance of balanced and natural food. While speaking on the importance of self-development, she advised the audience to practise in their life the central principles of the Poorna Yoga of Sri Aurobindo.
On 15th March, Dr. Suman Kocher spoke to the women about the Role of women as revealed by the Mother.
On 29th March, the Mother's first arrival day at Pondicherry was celebrated at the Centre. On this occasion Bhajans were recited, followed by collection meditation.
Yoga and Dhyan Shivir was held for women from 15th - 22nd April 2004. Dr. Suman Kocher conducted classes in Yogasanas, Pranayama and Dhyana. She delivered talks on different topics related to Sri Aurobindo's Writings.
On 24th April a one day Shivir for women was organised in the Child Development Centre, Pagnisapaga. Women from different districts of the State participated. Dr. Suman Kocher spoke about the hidden faculties and forces in women.
On 24th April, like every year this year too a 30-day Shivir was organised between 6.15 - 7.40 a.m. daily. Dr. Suman Kocher, Dr. Nandini Sarvate, Dr. Sengupta Maloo and Shri Padmaker Anand Phadke conducted the Shivir.
Dhar Branch (Madhya Pradesh)
The Annual Conference of all Centres and Branches of Orissa was held at Chatrapur in district Ganjam on 11th February 2004. Representatives from different Centres of Orissa participated. Shri Gopal Bhattacharjee presided over the conference, which was also attended by a large number of local people. A souvenir was also released on the occasion.
Baroda Branch (Gujarat)
The Dhar Branch celebrated the 1st anniversary of the enshrinement of Sri Aurobindo's Relics on 11th April 2004 by arranging a Swadhyay Shivir on the book "The Mother" for three days. The camp was conducted by Dr.Alok Pandey of Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry. Shri Mohan Mistry of Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry, rendered bhajans on Sri Aurobindo and the Mother. Devotees from Indore, Alirajpur, Bhopal and Biaora also attended the programme.
Madhi Centre (Madhya Pradesh)
Madhi Centre organised a talk by Dr. M.L. Verma on "Sri Aurobindo - His Teachings and His Work" on 23rd April 2004 at the Agriculture University. The function was presided by Dr. R.P. Pandey, Dean of the University, and conducted by Dr. Suresh Chandra Sharma. The function evoked interest among the teachers and students. They expressed their wish that such programmes be organised regularly in future.
Cuddalore Centre (Tamil Nadu)
The Chief Guest Shri Pradeep Narang delivering a talk
The Cuddalore Centre celebrated their 1st anniversary on 18th April 2004. The gathering was addressed by Shri Pradeep Narang who was the Chief Guest, Shri M.S. Sundararajan of Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, Shri D. Srinivasan and other office bearers of the Centre. It was a well managed function which was attended by about 250 persons.
Kovilpatti Centre (Tamil Nadu)
In the Kovilpatti Centre, the Mother's room is kept open from 5.30 a.m. to 9.30 p.m. regularly. Many students, teachers and parents offer flowers before the photographs of the Mother and sit in meditation every day. The school, in which the Centre is located, starts and ends with meditation in which all the students and teachers participate. One teacher of the Centre writes one of the mantras of the Mother on the Notice Board everyday which is read by students, teachers, parents and even members of the public.
Chengalpattu Centre (Tamil Nadu)
The Chengalpattu Centre celebrated its 6th anniversary on 11th April 2004. Shri M.S. Sundararajan gave a talk in Tamil on "The Mother in our day-to-day life".
Neyveli Centre (Tamil Nadu)
Neyveli Centre of the Society arranged a talk by Shri Kaivalya Smart from Sri Aurobindo Society, Surat Branch and Shri N. Thiruvenkatam, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society Tamil Nadu State Committee. The subject of the talk was "Sri Aurobindo - An Introduction".
Delhi Branch
Shri Pradeep Narang, Chairman, Sri Aurobindo Society, Pondicherry, gave a talk at the Delhi Branch on 21st March 2004 on "The Inner Journey and the Significance of Meditation".
The Delhi Branch organised a programme of Odissi dance, portraying Sri Aurobindo's Savitri on 24th April 2004. Dopali Operajita rendered a compelling portrayal of Savitri, based on Canto I Book VII.
New Centres
Ballia (U.P.)
A new Centre was opened at Ballia, U.P. on 11th April 2004. Dr. Umesh Chandra Dubey, Head of the Department of Philosophy, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, presided over the function. Shri Vijay Poddar, Coordinator of the Society's work in U.P., and Dr. S.C. Tyagi were the special guests. Dr.L.K.L. Srivastava, Chairman of the Centre, gave a brief account of the background of opening the Centre. About 100 persons participated.
A Discovery of Indian Clasical Music
It is with an Alaap that an Indian musician begins to explore and introduce a Raga. This is why, this unique creation of 20 Audio CDs and a resource Book has been titled Alaap. Researched and compiled by Sri Aurobindo Society, it is an authentic introduction to Indian Classical Music.
The various magical dimensions of Indian Music - the deep truths, the facts that are stranger than fiction, the variety and richness, the unity and the diversity, of the Hindustani (North Indian) and Carnatic (South Indian) styles, are all brought together in one comprehensive and fascinating set.
Alaap is formed of three parts. Part I (6 CDs) seeks for the spiritual core of Indian music and explains the mystical elements of the Swara, the Guru-shishya-parampara, the Sadhana, in the framework of the Raga and the Tala. Part II (7 CDs) presents the Hindustani or the North Indian style, its language, techniques, gharanas, instruments and the meaning of improvisation. Part III (7 CDs) presents the Carnatic or the South Indian style, its terminology, its richness and complexities, its ancient tradition.
Alaap helps one understand, appreciate and enjoy Indian Classical Music as a living experience. One shares the insights of the great masters and listens to some of the finest unforgettable music creations of the last 50 years - names which have become synonymous with Indian music - Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Amir Khan, Omkarnath Thakur, Shemmangudi Srinivas Iyer, Bhimsen Joshi, Bala Murali Krishna, Vilayat Khan, Lalgudi Jayaraman, Girija Devi, T.R. Mahalingam, Ravi Shankar, Zakir Hussain and many more.
Alaap has something for all - whether a beginner, wanting to understand and appreciate Indian Classical Music, or a scholar and a musician deeply involved in it, whether one who just enjoys music or someone completely in love with it. As the Sufi Mystic Hazrat Inayat Khan says, "In music no one leaves empty-handed. Everyone gets as much as he can take."
Alaap is indeed a discovery of Indian Classical Music, where the art of listening itself can be a journey to the depths of one's soul. To listen to Alaap is to experience the wonder that is India.
In the beauty of its presentation, in the wide scope of its contents, in its authenticity and depth, perhaps Alaap stands all by itself. The set has an exclusive look and is created in the form of the ancient palm-leaf manuscripts of India where each leaf contains 2 CDs. Alaap is available also as audio-cassettes. The result of years of painstaking research, Alaap is a labour of love, created by Sri Aurobindo Society and brought to you by Times Music.
Alaap can be ordered through courier service in India and abroad. The costs are as follows:
i) 20 CD set with Book - by courier to countries outside India (including Canada and USA) - US $ 155 (including packing and courier delivery charges).ii) 20 CD set with Book - by courier in India - Rs.4,900/- (including packing and courier delivery charges).iii) 20 Audio-cassettes set with Book - Rs.1,750/- (packing and freight extra). The payment may be made in favour of "Splendour" by either Demand Draft or Banker's Cheque. For placing the orders or for further information please contact: The Manager,Splendour,Auroservice,Sri Aurobindo Society Beach Office,Pondicherry - 605 002. INDIAPh: 91-413-2336398 Fx: 91-413-2334447Email: splendour@sriaurobindosociety.org.in
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