Seminar on SwarSadhana was conducted by Sir Sunil Singh. He is a well known artist in and outside the country. The college is proud to have him as a visiting staff member. The main topic of this seminar was how music is related to science. This was based on swar: sa re ga ma pa da nisa of Hindustani Music.
TheÂ focus of the seminar is not to just sing the notes above mentioned but it is to meditate and contemplate on the swar. In relation to this, he put up some questions to the students as to what is music, why to study music, what is the purpose of learning music. Basically Music is composed of three things :swar, laya, bhava (sound, rhythm and feelings). Even if one of these is missing it cannot be called as Music. The professor stated that Music is inner feelings of a man which is presented in the form of speed and rhythm (Laya and Tala)
Sa is called shadaj from which all other swaris originated.Â It is essential to understand this fact and know the importance of it.
Berfore entering to swarone must understand the term â€œNad and dhwani.â€ Nad is that which has stability and sweetness in music. Dhwaniis that which produces unnecessary noise, not pleasing to our ears. This Nad is gift from God- the concept originating for Nadbrahmn from Hinduism. So Music needs to be used at the service of the people, as it arouses feelings from the human heart, as it is said that feelings reveal true self of a man. It is because in todayâ€™s world man has become very rough and rude due to his busy schedule.Â As a result he reaches a height of deep depression and looses himself to be a truthful to himself and others. As a result, he lacks emotions and feeling. It is music that brings Rasa and Bhava in man. In deep contemplation in Swarmanâ€™s heart, mind and whole self is in connection with God.
Nadhas two types namely AahathNad and AnahatNad. As every touch has responds, in the same way in the field of music touch brings melody whether it is on the throat, on Sitar, on Tanpura or on Tabla -musical instruements. As a result of touch the sound is known as Aahath. AnahatNadis internal sound without any eternal touch present within the human body which is referred to the power centers (Chakras) presented in the human body inTanpura form. This is activated only by the deep sadhana. It is possible for only Shrishi who leads a deep austere life. Only aRshrishi can make out this internal sound within him. Such type of sadhanais known as gundalijagaranin the Indian context. As a result the Rshrishican be able to point out to a person something about his/ her present, past and future.
Music is Science:
There are seven power cycles in the human body. It has the structure of Tanpura. When the swar is sung in a contemplative way it leads to the mystic experience. These seven power centers are triggered by deep sadhana of seven swar. These chakras play a major role in our thinking, feeling and doing. That is the reason why one must practice swarfrom abdomen.Â The word Om is to be sung clearly and distinctly with laya, Raga and Tala. They become more and more perfect and clear. ThusÂ Music is connected to the spirituality.
Finally the seminar came to a close by Shweta Singh who gave vote of thanks. She said that the students really understood the importance of SwarSadhana i.e. to say, it is not only singing the swar is sufficient but one must have sadhanaof swar.