An otherwise quite street in the interiors of Katriguppe east transforms into a different world as it resonates with the musical sounds of the tabla every evening. This street hosts an illustrious music school which is unique and exceptionally devout to the cause of propagating the art of tabla playing. Kallur Mahalaxmi Tabla Vidyalaya is a 29-year-old institution founded by the much revered guru, Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar. Hailing from the Farukhabad Gharana, trained under Pt. Girish Avate and tabla nawaz Ustad Sheikh Dawood Khan, Kallurkar inherits a rich musical legacy that only a few can boast of. His deep-rooted passion for music and his complete dedication to the cause of teaching is reflected in his humble, yet dynamic musical persona.
The walls outside the tabla vidyalaya are engraved with the syllables “ti ri ki ta tom” and stand as an indication of the hidden musical world beyond these walls. “Bow Down to Music and Enter” preaches the board hanging at the entrance. The aesthetically beautiful interior of the institution is decorated with rows of neatly placed tablas and all the walls are adorned with pictures of musical stalwarts. “I am not a mere teacher; I am here to pass on the legacy of a rich musical heritage and that is why discipline is of utmost importance to me,” says Kallurkar as he talks about the strict regime his disciples are put under in the institution. He emphasises on the importance of shaping the entire personality of the student along with imparting musical education. The students are taught to be patient and to aim towards achieving perfection in the art of playing tabla, rather than focusing on merely clearing exams or lobbying for performances.
When students have achieved a certain amount of proficiency, they are prepared for a performing career by letting them perform at the in-house concerts. Every month, a ‘layakaari’ concert is organised in the institution, where the students perform for an audience with professional sound and lights. One day of every month is also dedicated exclusively for theory classes, where the students study the history of music and other technical aspects. Many concerts by legends are organised by the institution and through this the students get to interact with them and learn from their performances as well. The institution involves parents too in the learning process since Pt. Kallurkar opines that parents need to know what is being taught and what is expected from their children in the following class. The institution has benefitted thousands of students spread across the age group of five to 75. Special scholarships are given to underprivileged students.
Pt. Kallurkar smiles blissfully and explains that he finds the meaning of his existence when he listens to a student reproducing beautifully, an intricate phrase that was taught. Dedicating all evenings to teaching students locally and catering to students abroad through online classes in the mornings, his commitment to teaching is almost like a penance. The sacrifices he has made to remain a teacher are also immense and the pains endured are aplenty. He occasionally gets teary eyed and his voice chokes when he remembers his parents, who stood by him in his moment of difficulty and always allowed him to pursue music full time. He is also immensely proud of his son Roopak who is emerging as a budding performer and is indebted to the unconditional support of his wife Vijayalakshmi, herself a Hindustani vocalist.
Being a full-time teacher meant that he had to sacrifice a performing career. In his initial days, Kallurkar accompanied many stalwarts, but now he only performs occasionally and picks his concerts selectively, but he clearly states that he does not regret it any bit. He enjoys teaching as much as performing and mentions that he is addicted to the process of rediscovering the hidden magic behind every musical phrase every time it is taught. In his institution, there are no unnecessary holidays and no permission is given for students to discontinue music learning in the pretext of board exams. He strongly believes that music sharpens the intellect of every student and practicing the instrument for an hour would only refresh the students mind and improve their concentration. Unlike many teachers who are pessimistic about vanishing traditions in classical music, Pt Kallurkar is very optimistic about the current scene. “Youngsters today show extreme interest towards the classical forms and their intelligence and enthusiasm is infectious,” he says looking at the pictures of the annual Guru Poornima celebration.
“I am indebted to my gurus for giving me this great art and I will continue to teach as long as I live,” he says, as he recollects the journeys he made to Hyderabad after spending every bit of his savings to learn from the legendary Ustad Sheikh Dawood Khan sahib. “Music may not give us BMWs and air-conditioned flats but through music I have led a decent life and many students who have learnt from me are now earning a livelihood through music,” he says with pride and a sense of fulfilment. When music institutions today operate like money spinning firms, it is heartening to find such genuine dedication and passion towards teaching. Institutions of art become centres of transformation and give an extra lease of life to so many aspiring individuals. Whilst many stars shine on the stage under the limelight, hidden behind in the shadow are such earnest teachers and dedicated souls who enrich the art community with their precious contributions.
(Pandit Rajgopal Kallurkar can be contacted at Kallur Mahalakshmi Vidyalaya, BSK III Stage, Katriguppe East, Bangalore 85. Ph: 08026693613, email: tabla.kallurkar@gmail.com)
