Young Kathak exponent Sadanand Biswas who teaches and performs, says, “I don’t even accept pranaam (obeisance by touching the guru’s feet) from my students — seva to door ki baat rahi (not to speak of asking them for any ‘service’).” This is because he feels “before God we are all the same.” If any guru is guilty of abuse of his students, says Sadanand, regardless of whether the charges are proved in a court of law or not, justice will definitely be meted out to such a person.
Sadanand warns that the atmosphere of competition in the world pushes many people to adopt unfair or unsavoury means to win favours. In the dance scenario, even parents and friends encourage young aspirants to curry favour with the guru by any means. “It has been the nature of man,” remarks Sadanand, and at the risk of sounding as if he is blaming the students, he explains, “Even Vishwamitra was tempted by Menaka.” But while he does not absolve teachers who would grant advancement to their students in return for favours, he feels if students are strong in their purpose and parents support them, “mujhe nahin lagta kisi guru ki himmat nahin hogi aisa karne ki (I don’t think any guru would dare demand such favours).”
When cases of misdemeanours by gurus hit the headlines, the casualty is usually the art itself. With limited respect for classical arts and artists in a large part of society, one fears the prevailing prejudices would be further strengthened. Venkitesan R., father of two daughters who learn various classical arts, has a different perspective. “Children are very aware and know where to draw the line,” he contends. It is during the school years that children can find the time to learn various art forms, he says, and parents should create the opportunities. Venkitesan makes a significant point when he adds that children should be exposed to the arts and allowed to learn what interests them “instead of watching these nasty (TV) serials.”
