“In classical music, there are no shortcuts. It is only with sustained sadhana and phased growth under a guru’s guidance that music becomes not just a profession but a way of life,” avers guru Seetha Rajan, whose Balabrundam Sangita Gurukulam is one of the best examples of the translation of principles and ideals to reality. “We do our best to inculcate traditional values,” say Seetha and husband Rajan for whom their disciples are extended family and vice versa. It shows, right from the dress code, as the girls surround you in a colourful swirl of pavadai-chattai, dhavani and sarees. Many children are from families that do not have a musical background. However, on seeing the positive changes brought about by a disciplined lifestyle, their families have extended their fullest cooperation to the children’s endeavours.

So, what makes this institution unique? “We have it in the students own words. A lifelong commitment to music is a pre-requisite, our course of study reinforcing this commitment,” says senior disciple Padma Sugavanam, a lecturer at the Department of Music, Sri Venkateswara College, Tirupati, and a research scholar holding a Diploma in Manuscriptology. Her achievements and single-minded dedication have made her a role model. Praveena Avanti Krishna, Kavitha Ramnath, Sowmya Rangarajan, Srilatha Ramnath, Amruthavarshini (Varsha), Jyotsna and K. Manikandan are all accomplished performers and postgraduates in music, pursuing doctoral studies. “There is no clock-watching. Classes can go on for hours and any time is music time, thanks to mami’s accessibility,” adds Praveena. “While stage performance is important, it is not the sole aim of the learning process, emphasises Srilatha,” whose advanced studies include both Music and Sanskrit.

“This is where our orientation plays a defining role,” explains Seetha Rajan. “As most sishyas join early, they absorb the thought and philosophy behind the music. Sitting alongside as I fine-tune a composition, they become part of the creative process and internalise the mood.”

The methodology is different too. The training is holistic, aimed at shaping fine young minds into future musicians, scholars and gurus through special training in akara sadhaka, laya, musicology, instrumental music (from veena vidwan Trivandrum R. Venkatraman and violin vidwan V.V.Ravi), Sanskrit and other languages used in compositions, communication and leadership skills. “For instance, when they learn akara sadhaka in pentatonic ragas like Mohanam, I encourage them to formulate their own exercises. This sets them thinking and fosters the spirit of enquiry which will later mature into an analytical approach.”

Her training in Hindustani music being an impetus, the guru pays special attention to voice culture. “Mami’s gentle insistence on early morning sadhana has made a sea change by bringing about open-throated singing and vastly improved enunciation in my singing,” says Sowmya.

Likewise, learning theoretical aspects as we sing is a boon because the academic syllabus becomes familiar territory. The younger students, Aarti, Archana, Matangi, Sowmya and Sharadha are reaping rich dividends as well.

Music camps, visits to temples and workshops by visiting scholars are all part of the activity education. Akella Mallikarjuna Sharma’s special workshop on permutation-combinations in korvais has been of immense benefit. Outstation trips are eagerly awaited. It is a learning-through-fun experience. “Teamwork reinforces the bonding. The care and share principle works here,” observe Varsha and Jyotsna. The seniors look out for the juniors, guiding them through prior experience.

With his military background, Rajan runs a tight ship. Currently, the all-girl brigade (Among the male students, V.K.Arun Kumar has gone abroad for higher studies) willingly completes allocated tasks with clockwork precision. As you enter you surreptitiously check whether your own footwear is in line with the neat row in evidence. Inside the gurukulam/residence you are welcomed into a spick and span hall, aromatic with incense. The sense of tranquillity is heightened as the students present wonderfully coordinated renditions of various compositions. Mama’s attitude combines sternness with affection. “We’re very lucky to have found surrogate parents in them to care for us.”

There is plenty of good-natured ribbing, shared jokes and laughter as they celebrate Jyotsna’s recent success in the AIR competition. “I act as a filter,” states Rajan, who is the deciding authority in the admissions process. “Numbers don’t matter, the commitment does. That is why we have a small but dedicated group.”

The sishyas have done their guru proud, regularly winning AIR competitions and top prizes from prestigious institutions. The glow of pride and joy is proof enough of the warmth and caring extended by this special couple who have shaped the music and lives of a new generation.

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