"History is the memory of a nation" —Dr. Basdeo Mangru

                                     

"HISTORY, particularly the East Indian Indentured experience in Guyana, is close to his heart. It is the unique history of a committed people and their struggling nation. He can talk about it for hours without getting tired. His vast knowledge in that aspect of the South American country’s past unfolds as he warms up to his “pet” subject. It is a country’s rich history not told by many; a commanding history not known to many, especially the younger generation. “History is the memory of a nation,” he strongly believes, “and that history should never be lost.” To lose it would be tantamount to losing the soul of Guyana’s nationhood - a tender yet strong nationhood that includes all the trappings that come with independence, free republic, democracy and other social conditions the Guyanese people have struggled for over the years. It is imperative that that history be told! And somebody has to study and chronicle the country’s rich historical past on the pages of the history book. Dr. Basdeo Mangru chose to walk the path of a historian. Most importantly, he passes on this rare knowledge onto the younger generation. He teaches Guyanese and Caribbean history to students at York College, one of the City Universities of New York (CUNY), situated in Jamaica, Queens. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor of History at the college. He also teaches history at John Adams High School in Richmond Hill, Queens. A large percentage of Guyanese and West Indian children attend that high school. His resource material for teaching Caribbean History is taken from `Indians in Guyana - A concise history from their arrival to the present’ and his other published works. It is a 108-page book he has written in honour and memory of his ancestors who have crossed the “kala pani” (black water) to the “New World” of El Dorado in the then British Guiana. In his book, he cited four main reasons for writing it, the main one being in “response to the lack of readily available literature on these enterprising people.” Also, it was supposed to urge the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) “to add another theme to its syllabus, giving Caribbean students a wider choice in areas of concentration.” A tall, distinguished individual, Dr. Mangru nurtures a deep passion for teaching; a passion, which enraptured his young heart and blossomed over the years into a state of dignified maturity. As it turns out, teaching is an integral part of his life, and over the years he has developed immense love and respect for the job. Deep down, he still holds the belief that teaching is quite a noble profession. Traveling back in memory lane, he said that he attended Corentyne High School in Rose Hall Town, Berbice. He spent his boyhood days with his parents and eight other siblings, a big family he smilingly said. After he graduated from high school, his options were limited: “it was either teaching or civil service," he pointed out, and since civil service meant he had to leave home and his family, he chose the other best thing - teaching. And "I love to teach," he quietly stated. Indeed, that is the only profession that he knows. Displaying a sharp wit that belied his age, Dr. Mangru talked easily of his many intriguing experiences with life in Guyana, London and New York City. Like other Guyanese who went away to study abroad, some of these experiences had a great impact on his life. Interestingly, despite the many years he spent away from home and apart from his family, he never gave up his identity as a Guyanese East Indian. His conviction in the principle of “who you are” as a person is indelibly printed in his mind. Identity, he believes, as an individual one should never lose because once "you lose your identity, you lose your way" and practically every other principle you hold dear. Dr. Mangru hails from Albion Front, on the Corentyne, Berbice. And he is proud of the fact he grew up in “a big family” which was closely knitted together. This cohesiveness is an integral part of the Guyanese family landscape. It was important particularly in those turbulent days of struggles and hardship to keep the family together, he noted. In 1966, he entered the University of Guyana (UG) and later enrolled in the master's programme at the university. Incidentally, he was the first M.A. graduate of UG. Dr. Robert Moore was one of Dr. Mangru's lecturers at the university. During one of his lessons, Dr. Moore lamented the fact that very little is known about the East Indians who sailed from the Sub-Continent of India over 164 years ago. "He talked about how little we know about our ancestors from India; how they were recruited; the condition of their passage across the ocean and their lives in India," recalled Dr. Mangru. Little did the lecturer know then, that his words would have such a profound effect on one of his students. Dr. Moore's lamentation became the very inspiration and motivation for the young Basdeo Mangru. However, life was never clear-cut; but in between teaching and studying, he persevered with his dream of researching his "roots". Roots could “lead you to all things” and answer many burning questions, which surfaced over the years, he asserted. As a young Guyanese East Indian, he was committed to studying the history of his forebears. Dr. Mangru taught at UG for about four years. However, he continued on his quest to learn more about his people. His hard labour of love and many nights of arduous study did not go unnoticed. Dr. Mangru won several awards and distinctions, including the Commonwealth Academic Staff Fellowship in United Kingdom and the prestigious Rockefeller Residency Fellowship in the Humanities, Asian-American Center, Queens College. In 1978, he went to study in England, at the University of London. He went back to Guyana and taught for another year at UG. He taught History of Modern India, Caribbean History and the History of Guyana. He received his pH. in History in 1981 from the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. According to Dr. Mangru, "majority of records on East Indian immigration to Guyana and the other Caribbean countries are kept at the Public Record Office and India Office Library" in London, England. He did extensive research for his thesis at the two public places in England. For his doctorate degree, he chose `Migration of East Indian from India - 1854/1884’ as the title of his thesis. Dr. Mangru wrote two of his three published books while he was living and studying in London. `Indenture and Abolition: Sacrifice and Survival on the Guyanese Sugar Plantation’ and `Benevolent Neutrality: Indian Government Policy and Labor Migration to British Guiana, 1854-1884’ are the books. The doctor wrote A History of East Indian Resistance on the Guyana Sugar Estate, 1869-1948 while he was in New York. He lives in Richmond Hill, Queens, with his wife. His two grown children are married. Currently, he is working on the manuscript of his fourth book, which he describes as "a collection of essays on East Indians in Guyana”. He wants to recapture life in the colonial days in the then British Guiana and document the many changes and the progress, which have occurred after so many years. The title of the book is In Search of Paradise and it is expected to be on the shelves by this summer, which is a month away. A prolific writer in his own right and one of the only Guyanese authors to write about the migration of East Indians from India to Guyana's shore, the doctor said that he loves to write. Although he admits that it is not the easiest of tasks - on the contrary, "it is hard to write" - he just loves to write Guyana’s history. He will continue to write for as long as he could. He writes mostly in the summer time. It takes him about three years to finish a book because of the in-depth research involved in writing his books. He wants to write about “the Guyanese East Indians in New York; how the Indians are adjusting to life in New York City," adding "I want to look at some of the social issues that are affecting them." Dr. Mangru also wants to write a document on the "riots in Guyana during 1962". Everybody should be interested in their history, he said. Commenting on all the records of the many nations across the world that Great Britain has in its archives during its rein and power, he asserted, "History is the memory of a nation and that should never be lost." "We should always know our roots because whenever we lose our roots, we lose our identities." “We can live here by being a part of the American society, yet hold on to our identity and practice our customs and know our history,” he asserted. "We have a rich heritage and culture, we should never let go of it,” he pointed out. “We should be proud of it.” Dr. Mangru teaches full-time at John Adams and part-time at York College. He would love to go back and teach at UG, Berbice Campus. His book Indians in Guyana is recommended by the Curriculum Specialist attached at the Ministry of Education to be taught in high schools across Guyana. The Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Education also acknowledges the importance of the book to be included in the high school curriculum. “The Ministry of Education accepted the book but basically, it has to get funds to purchase the books,” he noted. Asked if he has any database of the numerous records of the East Indians who migrated from India since he has been writing about their migration, he replied in the negative. “I don’t keep them, but the Guyana Journal, another publication in New York, has some.” What are his feelings for his country of birth? “I still love Guyana. I still love the freedom and camaraderie in Guyana.” He also misses “the easy pace of life” Guyana offers. “I find joy in teaching and writing about my people; that history needs to be told,” he said with a smile [This article was written published some years ago and has been posted here - Ms. Bina Mahabir.]

“TIPS FOR HAPPY LIVING” – PUJYA GURUJI SWAMI TEJOMAYANANDAJI, GLOBAL HEAD OF THE CHINMAYA MISSION IN NEW YORK

Pujya Guruji entering the Ganesha Temple auditorium

It was three days of blissful living in super blissful company, being in spiritual communion with such a great spiritual personality whose name itself means “Master of Bliss,” as he retold the story about his visit to a classroom full of kids, mostly American, during one of his trips to the US. How does a Swami break the barrier to a group of youngsters even before he begin his talk? They were already particularly curious about his strange mode of orange-color dressing.

He took chalk and simply wrote down “TEJOMAYANANDA” on the chalkboard. He informed them that that is his name.

“Do you know what it means?” he asked with a disarming smile.

Pujya Guruji giving his blessings

“No!” was the resounding answer, as pairs of eyes stared at the board, more puzzle than ever.

There, the barrier was almost broken. Then, this great teacher explained to them that TEJOMAYANANDA means “MASTER OF BLISS.”

They all started laughing, relieved at hearing familiar English words and Pujya Guruji, as he is lovingly addressed by devotees from the Mission, also heaved a sigh of relief. Not a bad start. In fact, the talk went so well that Swamiji received Thank You notes from the kids and what do you know, they politely addressed him as: “Dear Master of Bliss.” Nice touch, indeed.

Swami Tejomayanandaji, Global Head of the Chinmaya Mission Worldwide, just concluded a 3-days visit to the New York chapter, holding several discourses on how people can find happiness amidst this sometimes topsy-turvy world.

Pujya Guruji gave us many tips on how to find this elusive happiness, but first, he informed us that we must be serious about finding it. Serious?



Pujya Guruji with Dr. Jatin Kapadia, Dr. Lakshmi Kapadia & Ammaji

Yes! Because, “Happiness is not a state of mind,” he corrected another misconception we have about happiness.  

“You’re that happiness. If you want to be happy all the time, know ‘Thyself’,” Swamiji stated matter-of-factly.

“You’re that bliss,” he added for emphasis, referring to the Sat-Chit-Anand (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss) Vedantic formulae that the rishis of yore have tried and tested successfully from time immemorial.

He advised us that happiness cannot be found in any material things, or anything external for that matter, even in another human being. We must learn to be happy with oneself and we must learn to see that Oneness in everything else both outside and inside. That is the true source of lasting happiness.

Pujya Guruji’s talks were sprinkled with many light moments, moments which generated much laughter from the gathering, but which were also laced with deep moral and spiritual purports. Like the story he read somewhere about happiness:

If you want happiness for one day, take a nap.

If you want happiness for a week, go fishing, or do some sport you like.If you want happiness for a month, get married.
If you want happiness for a year, win the lottery.If you want happiness for eternity, know ‘Thyself’.

“Know Thyself!” We take a bow at that.

Some snapshots of the event.


Pujya Guruji during Biksha

Pujya Guruji, Swami Shantanandaji & Swami Siddhanandaji

 





Pujya Guruji with Shri George

Pujya Guruji with Swamini Akhilanandaji, Tejoji & Bal Vihar student

 

Group singing kirtan

THREE DAYS OF SUNDAR KAND RAMAYAN READING ORGANIZDED BY CHINMAYA MISSION NEW YORK AT VAISHNAV TEMPLE



Swami Shantanandaji of the Chinmaya Vrindavan delivering talks on Sundar Kand

Chinmaya Mission New York organized a three-day series of talks on Sundara Kand of Goswami Tulsidasji’s Ramayan at the Vaishnav Temple, located at 100 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, New York. The Ramayan reading started on the evening of Thursday, October 17 and concluded with the marathon three-sessions of reading on Saturday October 19, with small, intermittent breaks for breakfast and lunch.

Swami Shantanandaji of Chinmaya Vrindavan in New Jersey conducted the three-days event. In his most inimitable style, Swamiji conducted the Sundar Kand study sessions with such ease and in such an effortless manner that it bellies the patience, dedication, endurance and hard work required to perform such a demanding feat.

Sundar Kand, which literally means “beautiful chapter”, is dedicated to Hanuman Swami, who dedicated his life to serving his Lord, Sri Ram. Hanuman Swami is the epitome of selfless service, humility, devotion and love for his Lord.

Dr. Jatin Kapadia, Dr. Lakshmi Kapadia, Dr. Yachana Shah, Runjhun Saklani, along with other members of the Chinmaya Mission of New York, organized this wonderful event at the Vaishnav Temple. The beautifully decorated room was transformed into a peaceful prayer hall that was conducive to spiritual upliftment.

Each session began with half hour of singing bhajans and kirtans by different groups and the singing of the Hanuman Chalisa by everyone. The sacred aarti was performed in the beginning and ending of each session. After all of these rituals, Swamiji would begin his pravachans, which were an hour and a half each, non-stop. 

Swami Ji deep in thought during his pravachan

A Ramayan was lent to everyone for all the sessions so devotees could chant the Hindi chow-paees with Swamiji. The singing of the chow-paees by everyone reverberated in the hall to create a very tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Soon after, Swamij explained the meaning of the Hindi verses in English and then extracted the Vedantic principles from these verses and expounded them in simple terms so everyone could understand the meanings.

The Saturday session was an all-day session, which started sharply at 9:30 am, with the singing of bhajans and kirtans by devotees of the Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of New York, followed by the singing of the Hanuman Chalisa by all devotees.

Soon after, Swamiji starting his pravachan with prayers, like he did at the previous sessions. There was a thirty minutes tea break for all, then everyone made their way back to the prayer hall for another one and a half hour of Sundar Kand reading and lecture.


Swamiji tirelessly delivering the greatness of Shri Hanuman

Lunch break lasted from 1:30pm to 3:00pm and while enjoying the delicious meal and hot tea, devotees took the opportunity to express their total enjoyment of Swamiji’s lectures.

The last session commenced at 3:00pm with the singing of kirtans and the Hanuman Chalisa before Swamiji took the podium for another hour and a half to complete the entire Sundar Kand reading.

Those devotees present throughout the many sessions were blessed to have such a rear chance to read, listen and contemplate on the greatness of Hanuman Swami and his many wonderful exploits as was so beautifully described by Swamiji. It was indeed a great experience.

Swamiji’s talks were educational, inspiring, but most importantly, he took time to break down the sometimes complex ideas into simple terms so that all could understand them. And oh! Ever so often Swamiji sprinkled drops of soothing humor in between serious Vedantic thoughts to help us grasp the deeper meaning embedded in Sundar Kand of the Ramayan.

To conclude the three-day’s sessions, all devotees performed the sacred aarti and received prasadam and a Hanuman Chalisa booklet from Swamiji.

GRAND ‘DHARMA & YOGA FEST’ IN HONOR OF SWAMI VIVEKANANDA’S 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

The positive energy of the people was tangible. One could feel the peace, warmth and friendly vibes emanating from all corners of the main hall – the Bhakti Yoga room. People turned out from all walks of life, far and near, to learn and to acquaint themselves with this towering, legendary personality. It was a grand affair organized to honor and celebrate the life of one of India’s most iconic Hindu spiritual monks of the highest order – Swami Vivekananda.  

Swami Vivekananda at the Parliament of World Regions in 1863

It was appropriately titled “Dharma & Yoga Fest,” with the theme focusing on the “spiritual celebration of Universal Oneness.” The event was held to commemorate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th birth anniversary on Saturday September 21, at the majestic Highlands Middle School in White Plains, New York.

“Dharma & Yoga Fest” was held under the aegis of the White Plains Cares Coalition, in conjunction with the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), a US-based non-profit organization which helps to organize social, cultural and educational activities for Hindus and non-Hindus throughout the United States of America.

HSS was instrumental in coordinating similar cultural and educational programs like this one throughout the United States. All of them were held to pay homage to this Indian spiritual giant whose contribution to mankind is immeasurable.



Dignitaries of stage at Bhakti Yoga track

 The day’s event was officially opened with the sacred lighting of the lamps by the invited dignitaries at 1 p.m. and was followed by a rich cultural program in the Bhakti Yoga track. Throughout the day, various local officials took to the stage to address the gathering, including Mayor Thomas M. Roach, who conducted the official inauguration.

There were four tracks running parallel in different rooms, covering the four major branches of Yoga – an ancient Indian school of thought that stated if followed in the truest form, the teachings help the individual become a Self-realized person while still alive, like Swami Vivekananda. The four types of Yoga are Bhakti Yoga (Devotion), Jnana Yoga (Spiritual Knowledge), Karma Yoga (Selfless Action) and Raja Yoga (or Hatha Yoga which is physical postures aim towards keeping the human body and mind healthy and balanced). All four branches were beautifully showcased at the program.
 

Kuchipudi dancers at their best on the talis



 At the Bhakti Yoga track, the program consisted of eloquent chanting of sloks from the Bhagavad Gita by two young kids, mesmerizing Indian Odissi and Kuchipudi dances, including dancing on talis by highly skilled dancers and kirtan singing by several groups. The introductory part of the cultural show was competently chaired by Rudra Upadhyaya, who is an official of the New York chapter of HSS.

At the Jnana Yoga track, a lively panel discussion was held on the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scriptural text written in Sanskrit and whose dynamic teachings surpass boundaries of all kinds because its universal appeal to humanity as a whole. The Bhagavad Gita is being studied by students from all over the world, from all walks of life, from ancient time to present day modern time. The panelists included Dr. Graham Schweig, Dr. Yashwant Pathak, Dr. Rakesh Shreedhar and Reverend Mathew Wright.


Ready, steady ...  here I come!

It was Kids Kingdom at the Karma Yoga track and selfless service in action. There was the Fancy Costume competition where infants to eleven years-old participated for prizes. They were fancifully dolled up as prominent Indian historical and religious figures, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Meera Bhai and Shri Rama, among others. Here also were various game stalls for the children and prizes if they won at their specialties. There were also several vendor stalls marketing their brands and products to the passing crowd. Children were treated to some story-telling of the Native American Story, there was a Yoga session and a Puppet show.

At the Raja Yoga track, the Science of Breathing was explained by Dr. Sarita Patel, the Techniques of Stress-free living was presented by the Brahma Kumaris, Laughter Yoga (you read correct!) was demonstrated by Beth Kaplan Bangor to the uproar of the audience, Everyday Yoga was demonstrated by Dr. Vimala Bhatt and a Q & A session by one of Yoga’s living legend, Tao Porchon-Lynch.

Kiran from Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of NY as Swami Ji

The highlight of the day’s event was the much anticipated skit depicting several critically important aspects of Swami Vivekananda’s life. The skit was spearheaded by Dr. Sai Patel, who heads the women branch of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh in New York. Portions of the skit was enacted by children from different HSS groups from different areas, including, Connecticut, Westchester and Queens. Sanaatan Dharma Mandir of New York, a mandir based in Richmond Hill, Queens, was the only mandir that participated in the skit.



Kids performing one of the scenes of the skit

The children performed their roles as if they were professional actors. Emphasis was placed on all of them to know their many lines by memory and that they did. They depicted Swami Ji’s life in India, his meeting with Professor John Henry Wright of Harvard University and his historical speech at the first ever held Parliament of World Religions held in Chicago in 1893.


Swami Ji’s famous opening lines, “Sisters and Brothers of America” not only captivated the audience but he received a standing ovation from the entire congregation. The inherent message was that of universal brotherhood and tolerance – principles taught in the ancient Hindu philosophy “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which translated to mean “The whole world is one family.” The children did justice to their roles and held the audience spellbound to the end. Compliments must go to Sai Ji and her team of hard working individuals for putting this huge skit together.



Swami Ji was hailed as The New Spiritual Rock Star

Swami Vivekananda was born on January 12, 1863 as Narendranath Dutta in Calcutta to parents Vishwanath and Bhuvaneshwari Devi Dutta. As a child, Swami Ji was extremely close to his mother who was a very religious person. She taught him stories from the Ramayan, Gita and Mahabharat. These were scriptural texts he grew up to love and enjoy reading himself. Thus, began his undying quest to find God. Ever so often, when he had opportunities to meet saints and sages, he would ask them the million dollar question, “Sir, have you seen God?”



His desire to see God came to a halt when he met Swami Ramakrishna Ji, who eventually became his Guru. When he asked Swami Ramakrishna Ji, “Sir, have you seen God?” The Swami replied, “Yes, I’ve seen God just as I’m seeing you.” Finally, he found the spiritual master he was looking for and the rest, as they say, is history. Swami Ji gave up the mortal coil on July 4, 1902 but his principles of universal tolerance, goodwill, harmony and brotherhood for mankind live on in hearts of all of us.

Devotees of the Sri Chinmoy Center

 Devotees of the Sri Chinmoy Center of New York conducted an enchantingly soul-stirring and fitting tribute for Swami Ji. Their inspiring presentation of soothing kirtans and lovely short messages brought a sense of serenity, peace and tranquility in the Bhakti Yoga room, as the curtain was about to be drawn on a day jam-packed with programs.


"Dharma & Yoga Fest” was extremely well planned, thought out and skillfully executed by the HSS officials. Everyone involved in the planning of this event must be lauded for the hard work, effort, dedication, energy and selfless service they put in to create a program so richly deserving of Swami Ji’s exemplary life.

And as Swami Vivekananda once said, “Blessed are those whose bodies get destroyed in the service to others.”

Hats off to all of you for a job well done!

Dr Graham Schweig during his presentation at Jnana Yoga

"MUSIC IS PART OF MY SOUL" ---

Kinnar Ji in "oneness" with the sitar

(Editor's note: This article was published in the West Indian newspaper in New York - dated 8/24/13. No parts of this article can be reproduced without permission from the writer).

Internationally-acclaimed Sitar Exponent and Trained Indian Classical Musician Pandit Kinnar Seen

Indian classical music pulls at his heart beats. In fact, the very essence of his being pulsates with the rhythm of this magical musical genre. He has been playing and teaching Indian classical music with such passion and soulfulness for so long - that he has become the music, which he stated, “connects me to my people, regardless of which part they’re from; it’s part of our Indian identity.”

Meet Pandit Kinnar Kumar Seen! He is an internationally-acclaimed exponent of sitar and a trained Indian classical singer/musician who lives to play and teach music to anyone who is willing to learn this ancient art form. Despite the international fame, heaps of accolades and numerous awards, he remains the epitome of humility, extremely modest, full of devotion for his music and is blessed with a prayerful heart and a great family.

During a recent interview, when asked how important Indian classical music is to him, this easy-going music Guru simply replied that, “music is part of my soul.” Music is the “food for the soul” that he cannot sleep or live without, “I can’t even sleep if I don’t play music.”

Then, he added softly but matter-of-factly, “If I cannot play music, then let my God take me away because life without music is no life.” Through the medium of performances and teaching, he is trying to keep Indian classical music alive and vowed to continue, “For as long as I live.”

Unwittingly, he touched a chord in the inner core of himself unfathomable to many of us. You see, music runs extremely deep in his genetic make-up and his spiritual consciousness; so much so that, it is appropriate to say that as fragrance is to roses, Indian classical music is to Kinnar Seen.

So, how is he able to achieve this seeming subtle “oneness” so effortlessly with the music he plays, especially with the sitar, which he shares a very strong bond with?

“It’s not me or what I’ve achieved, but I must have come with these qualities; this is because of my sanskars,” he stated modestly, emphasizing that, “It’s my Dharma.”

MUSICAL BACKGROUND

Was it celestially blissful growing up in a home where the soothing sound of the sitar and scintillating beats of the tabla filled the atmosphere?

“It was normal going up in a musical family,” Kinnar Ji stated honestly, being the down-to- earth person that he is, and continued, “my father is my Guru,” however, he succinctly pointed out that it was not always easy studying under his father.

He grew up in Jalandhar, in the state of Punjab, North India, where he was exposed to the traditional Punjab Gharana style of music from a very tender age.


His father, Acharya Ji Lachman Singh Seen, is a legendary musician in India and is also very well-known on the international musical circuit. Acharya Ji Seen started Sangeet Vilas, a musical school in his home town, teaching Indian classical music, specializing in the sitar and tabla.



The Seen family is not only extra-ordinarily gifted musicians but also Raput landowners. Kinnar Ji came from a long line of ancestors who were also rulers for their state. His late mother, Shrimati Shakuntala Rani Seen, was very influential in him studying music and becoming the full fledged, versatile professional musician he is today.

“She is the reason I’m in music,” he credited his mother for his blessings.

Thus, the young Kinnar began his musical journey, studying under the guidance of his father, along with so many other students who were always coming to his home.

He went on to study at a private institution, the Guru Nanak Dev University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in English and a Master’s Degree in Music, majoring in Sitar in 1984. He also holds the title of Sangeet Visharad, which is equivalent to Master’s Degree in both tabla and singing that he holds in Bombay.

For his proficiencies in both vocal and tabla, he won seven gold medals in both regional and national competitions in India. He liked to participate in competitions for which he put in long hours of practice daily back then and even now he practices endlessly.

MOVE TO THE USA

He relocated to the USA over twenty-five years ago. What prompted the young Kinnar to move to the US and New York, in particular?

Kinnar Ji revealed that he traveled “almost half of the world,” but somehow, “New York always felt like home,” then he reasoned philosophically, “Anywhere I go, I’ve to work and live, then why not live where it felt like home?”

Asked if it was difficult to leave his parents, particularly his mother, for a foreign land, he replied that his father believed in the ancient Vedantic teaching, “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which literally means, “The whole world is a single family.” His mother was very supportive of his move.

Like majority of immigrants during their early years of assimilating life in the US, it was also challenging for Kinnar Ji. He had to work from jobs here and there to make ends meet.

TEACHING UNDER THE ANCIENT GURU SHISHYA SYSTEM

When did it dawn on him that he wanted to teach Indian classical music?

Well, in those early days, “I wasn’t thinking to teach music,” he related, as he was more into musical performances. Also, when he came to New York, initially, he was not ready to teach music when asked by a few parents.

However, because he practiced music so much for his performances, the transition to teaching the music became quite easy. In the end, he gave in and taught a few children.

“But, then I teach a few kids, I see the changes I made in their lives and I thought, if I can do this, it’s all worth it. That’s when I decided to teach music. I stopped all my bad habits,” he stated truthfully, reminiscing down memory lane during the early days of his teaching career. These days, teaching this sacred music has become a deep passion of his.

According to Kinnar Ji, parents from the West Indian Diaspora were very supportive of his new venture. Many Guyanese and Trinidadian parents were very enthusiastic to have such a knowledgeable individual teach their children singing, harmonium and tabla. In those early days, he conducted classes at the children’s homes.

Kinnar Ji conducting a singing class

“People from Guyana and Trinidad asked me to teach their kids. Kalicharran met me and asked me to teach his kids. Pandit Jadonath also brought several people.” Finally, the word was out that Kinnar Ji started teaching music. Soon, he started getting kids from both West Indian and Indian parents.

In time, he met his future wife, the beautiful Shrimati Payal Seen, in New York and they took the vivah sanskar. They have been happily married for over twenty years. Payal Ji is an accomplished singer, an expert on the harmonium and very well versed on the tabla.

Eventually, they continued the rich tradition started by Kinnar Ji’s father and opened up their own musical school, Sangeet Vilas, with branches in Long Island and Queens, which has been in operation for over two decades now.

Kinnar Ji runs his musical school under the ancient Indian traditional Guru Shishya system. He is Guru and Payal Ji is Guruma to all their students, who are asked to wear traditional Indian attires to all classes. As music teachers, they treat all their students as family and emphasize the importance of strong family values in classes. They protect their students and provide a very nurturing, caring and stress-free learning environment.

Payal Ji at her best

They are very hardworking, dedicated and selfless teachers who pour their hearts and souls into teaching this ancient art form to their students, who come from all walks of life, young and old and from different cultures. They implement a strict code of discipline during classes and teach music in the traditional Indian raags style, such as, Kalyaan, Khamaaj, Kafi, Bhairav, Bhairavi and Todi, among others. Kinnar Ji teaches the sitar, vocal and tabla and Payal Ji teaches vocal and harmonium classes.

A large percentage of their students consist of young American West Indians who are leading professional singers and tabla players in their mandirs and community at large – compliments to this dynamic musical duo. Hundreds of students have passed through their expert tutelage to date since they started teaching music.

What is the most rewarding moment for Kinnar Ji as a music teacher?



Payal Ji conducting a class

“When the kids perform and make a difference in society, I see myself in them,” he responded with deep feeling, and continued with a sense of immense joy, “my heart becomes overwhelmed when the kids practice and go to temples and play their music.”

He likes to pass on this music to others as it brings “inner peace” to him knowing that he has made a difference in their lives, adding, on a more serious note, “music is part of their identity, part of them, so I feel satisfy when I pass it on to them.”

HIS INSPIRATION

Everyone needs inspiration from time to time, correct? So, what inspires Kinnar Ji?

“Nature, the trees, birds, those folks who have no hands, no legs but still never quits. Manju Mehta, who has no index finger, yet she plays the sitar so very well.” Mehta is an international sitarist from India. Then, there is that special bird that created a nest on one of his trees at home. Super storm Sandy came and gone but the nest was still there! His dog chased the poor thing non-stop, but the brave bird never quits.

The philosophy of never quitting, hard work, dedication and perseverance has made Kinnar Ji into a sitar maestro and a singer of the highest caliber. He plays the harmonium and tabla with such skillful dexterity as if his fingers have minds and eyes of their own. His performances are aesthetically appealing and always hold audiences mesmerized and riveted to their seats.

CHARITY WORKS

He has done endless charity shows all over the world and continues to perform for charity, because “it’s important to give back to the community,” as it is people from the society who have given their generous support to him over the years. A few years ago, he and Payal Ji went to Guyana to teach throughout the country, under the patronage of Guyana Hindu Dharmic Sabha. Guyana and the Guyanese people are close to his heart.

Kinnar Ji is the recipient of many awards; he was awarded in the USA, Canada, and India. Recently, he received a Medal of Honor from the Nassau County of New York State for his contribution towards the development of music. This means a lot to him.

He has also scored music for a few films. He is the music director for “FootPaths of Our Indentured Ancestors,” which is a documentary based on the East Indian Indentured history in British Guiana and is being produced by a group of overseas-based Guyanese.

He lives quietly with his wife and two children, Tasur and Nadni, in Long Island, New York. For further information on music classes, he can be reached at 646-504-7008 or 516-515-7034 or visit the website: www.sangeetvilas.com. (Bina Mahabir)