For K. Soman Nair learning any art was a taboo at home. But, now at the age of 65, nobody can stop him from following his heart. He is one among those who have taken admission at Padana Kalari, an extension centre of Kerala Kalamandalam, for a one-year art appreciation certificate course.
The centre gives lessons in Carnatic vocal music. “When I was young, I yearned to join Kerala Kalamandalam and learn Kathakali, but my family was against the decision. Life had to move on. I have now retired from the Health Department. When I heard about the centre, I felt I could make the best of it since it has been started by Kalamandalam,” says Soman.
There is no age limit and the centre has students of all ages. “They fall in the age group of 12 to 79,” says Sharada Thampi, coordinator of the centre. Seventy-nine? “Well, yes. Kunjukunju, that is his name, comes all the way from Vellanadu. We have homemakers, teachers, private and government employees, and students,” she says.
The attraction for many is definitely the fact that the course follows the syllabus of the Kerala Kalamandalam. “More than that, most of them consider this as an opportunity to renew their music classes that were discontinued due to various reasons. There are a few who, though good singers, never got a chance to learn music,” says Sharada, who handles the classes.
For instance, K. G. Rajmohan, an employee of the Animal Husbandry department, travels from Neyyattinkara for the evening class because he “wants to take up music seriously”.
Ranjini M.P., a transmission executive of All India Radio, says: “The course will help me in my work, especially when we shoot music programmes. Also, a good singer needn’t be a good teacher. There are learned musicians who can’t explain the theoretical side of certain kritis. This course is beneficial since both practical and theoretical aspects are covered,” she adds.
Students Subhadra P. S., an undergraduate student of M.G. College, Devinandana, a Class VIII student, and Sindhu S. Nath, a government employee, too have their own reasons for joining the course.
According to Sharada, most of the students are enthusiastic about learning the theoretical part, as they get to understand and learn many ragas. “They become animated while identifying film songs or other popular songs based on those ragas. The classes are more like a getting- together of people who are in love with music,” Sharada points out.
However, she stresses that the course is not to be mistaken for an advanced course. “Since it is run by Kalamandalam, many assume that once they complete the course they are eligible to flaunt the prefix ‘Kalamandalam’ to their names. It is not an advanced course, but is definitely the first step in that direction,” she explains.
Guest faculty members handle the classes once in a month. If things fall into place, the centre plans to start classes in Mohiniyattam and chenda. Kalamandalam has five such extension centres, each handling different subjects. The Thiruvananthapuram centre is the only one that has classes in Carnatic music.
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Currently, out of the 40 allotted seats, 32 have been filled. The centre, which opened four months ago, now functions at its new location, near Edappazhanji junction. The centre has a morning (10.30 a.m. to 12.30 a.m.) and an evening batch. (4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m.). A batch has three classes a week. Course fee is Rs. 12,000, which can be paid in instalments.
