THE MUSIC MAKERS BY ROHINI PARANJPE SATHE

  

 

 

AUTHOR : Rohini Paranjpe sathe

GENRE : LITERARY &CONTEMPORARY FICTION

PUBLISHER; Om Books International

BOOK BUY LINK :  @Amazon

The title The Music Makers is meaningful and symbolic. It does not simply refer to musicians who create melodies, but to individuals who dedicate their lives to preserving and nurturing the rich tradition of Hindustani classical music. The title reflects the emotional, spiritual, and cultural journey of those who live for music and shape its legacy for future generations.

The novel is written by Rohini Paranjpe Sathe, a sensitive and insightful storyteller. Through her deep understanding of music and human emotions, she presents a narrative that is both realistic and moving. Her writing style is simple yet expressive, allowing readers to connect deeply with the characters and their experiences.

The Music Makers is an inspiring and emotionally powerful novel that beautifully blends music, relationships, tradition, and personal struggle. The story is rooted in real-life emotions and experiences, making it touching and thought-provoking. Through its engaging narrative, the book encourages readers to reflect on their own lives, values, and relationships.

The novel revolves around the life of Padma Bhushan awardee Pandit Sadashiv Buwa Shrotri, a highly respected Hindustani classical vocalist. As he grows older, he becomes increasingly concerned about the future of Hindustani classical music. In a rapidly modernizing world, he fears that younger generations and rasikas (music lovers) are giving less importance to this rich musical tradition. His internal struggle reflects a larger concern about preserving cultural heritage.

Sumati Tai, his devoted wife and disciple, plays a vital role in his life. She is not only his life partner but also a strong supporter of his musical mission. Her character represents dedication, loyalty, and quiet strength. Through her, the author portrays the deep bond between guru and shishya, as well as the emotional depth of marital companionship.

The story also introduces other significant characters such as Vibharani and Ashok. Vibharani’s marriage to Sushant, a pharmaceutical industrialist, brings out the darker realities of domestic life. Sushant is portrayed as harsh and insensitive, particularly in suppressing his son Karthik’s interest in music. Karthik’s passion for learning music despite his father’s opposition highlights the conflict between artistic calling and materialistic ambition.

A major turning point in the story is Karthik’s sudden disappearance. This incident creates tension and emotional turmoil within the family. Through this episode, the author explores themes of misunderstanding, emotional suppression, and the consequences of denying one’s true passion.

Music is not merely a background element in the novel—it is the very soul of the narrative. The reference to Raga Bhairav, a peaceful and meditative morning raga, symbolically reflects the spiritual and inward-looking tone of the story. Music becomes a source of identity, devotion, healing, and continuity.

In conclusion, The Music Makers is a heartfelt tribute to Hindustani classical music and the people who devote their lives to sustaining it. It is a meaningful and enriching read that emphasizes the importance of preserving tradition, nurturing relationships, and respecting individual aspirations. The novel leaves readers with a deep appreciation for music as a timeless force that connects generations and transforms lives.

(This blogpost is a part of BLogchatter's book review program. Details here : https://www.theblogchatter.com/book-review-program-from-blogchatter)

CHARUCHARYA Part XIX

 

अरागभोगसुभगः स्यात्‌ प्रसक्तविरक्तधीः । राज्ये जनकराजोऽभून्निर्लेपोऽम्भसि पद्मवत्‌॥७३॥

Arāga-bhoga-subhagaḥ syāt prasakta-virakta-dhīḥ |
Rājye Janakarājo’bhūn nirlepo’mbhasi padmavat || 73 ||

Translation

A person should remain free from attachment to pleasures.
Though King Janaka ruled a kingdom, his mind remained detached—
just like a lotus leaf that stays untouched by water.

Explanation

This verse teaches the ideal of inner detachment with outer responsibility.  Janaka is presented as a perfect example. Though he enjoyed royal power and worldly comforts, he was not mentally attached to them. His life shows that one can actively perform duties and still remain spiritually pure. The lotus leaf, though surrounded by water, remains dry—symbolizing a wise person living in the world without being trapped by it.

अशिष्यसेवया लाभलोभेन स्याद्‌ गुरुर्लघुः। संवर्तयज्ञयाञ्चाभिर्लज्जां लेभे बृहस्पतिः ॥ ७४ ॥

Aśiṣya-sevayā lābha-lobhena syād gurur laghuḥ |
Saṃvarta-yajña-yāñcābhir lajjāṃ lebhe Bṛhaspatiḥ || 74 ||

Translation

A teacher becomes insignificant when he seeks profit from serving unworthy disciples. Even Guru Bṛhaspati faced humiliation when he had to beg during the sacrifice of Saṃvarta.

Explanation

This verse warns against greed and loss of dignity in a teacher. A true guru should guide out of compassion, not for material gain. When a teacher serves undeserving disciples for profit, his stature diminishes. The example of Bṛhaspati shows that even a highly revered teacher may face disgrace when forced into dependency or compromise of principles. True respect comes from integrity, not wealth.

नष्टशीलां त्यजेन्नारीं रागवृद्धिविधायिनीम्‌।चन्द्रोच्छिष्टाधिकप्रीत्यै पत्नी निन्दाप्यभूद्‌ गुरोः॥७५॥

Naṣṭa-śīlāṃ tyajennārīṃ rāga-vṛddhi-vidhāyinīm |
Candrocchiṣṭādhika-prītyai patnī nindāpyabhūd guroḥ || 75 ||

Translation

A man should give up a woman of corrupt character who only increases passion. Because Guru Bṛhaspati showed excessive attachment in accepting his wife again after she was involved with the Moon, he was widely criticized.

Explanation

This verse emphasizes moral discipline and control over desire. Excessive attachment clouds judgment, even in wise people. When personal affection overpowers ethical values, society condemns such behavior. The verse reminds us that self-restraint is essential, especially for those who are respected and looked up to by others.

Overall Teaching

Together, these three ślokas teach that:

·         One can live in the world without being attached to it

·         Greed diminishes dignity, especially in teachers

·         Excessive desire leads to loss of moral authority

They strongly advocate detachment, integrity, and self-control as foundations of a noble life.

CHARUCHARYA Part XVIII

 

स्वकुलान्न्यूनतां नेच्छेत्‌ तुल्यः स्यादथवाधिकः । सोत्कर्षोऽपि रघोर्वंशे  रामोऽभूत्‌ स्वकुलाधिकः ॥ ७० ॥

svakulān nyūnatāṃ necchet tulyaḥ syād athavādhikaḥ |
sotkarṣo'pi raghovaṃśe rāmo'bhūt svakula-adhikaḥ || 70 ||

Translation

One should never desire to be inferior to one’s own family. One should strive to be equal to it or even greater. Though the Raghu dynasty was already glorious, Rāma became even greater than his own lineage.

Explanation

This verse teaches a principle of constructive ambition. It does not encourage pride, but self-elevation with responsibility.

The Raghu dynasty was already illustrious, celebrated in works like the Raghuvamsha of Kalidasa. Yet, Rama, the prince of Ayodhyā in the Ramayana, did not merely depend on ancestral fame. Through his truthfulness, sacrifice, courage, and adherence to dharma, he made the dynasty shine brighter. Even when exiled, he upheld righteousness. Thus, greatness is not inherited — it is earned through character.

Moral Insight:
We must respect our heritage, but we must also strive to enhance it through our virtues and actions.

कुर्यात्तीर्थाम्बुभिः पूतमात्मानं सततोज्ज्वलम्‌ । लोमशादिष्टतीर्थेभ्यः प्रापुः पार्थाः कृतार्थताम्‌ ॥ ७१ ॥

kuryāt tīrthāmbubhiḥ pūtam ātmānaṃ satatojjvalam |
lomaśādiṣṭa-tīrthebhyaḥ prāpuḥ pārthāḥ kṛtārthatām || 71 ||

Translation

One should purify oneself by the sacred waters of holy places and remain ever pure and radiant. The Pāṇḍavas attained fulfillment by visiting the sacred pilgrimages shown by Sage Lomaśa.

Explanation

This verse speaks about inner and outer purification. In the Mahabharata, during their exile, the Pāṇḍavas were guided by Sage Lomaśa to many sacred tīrthas (pilgrimage sites). These pilgrimages were not mere physical journeys; they were journeys of self-discipline, repentance, and spiritual growth.

Sacred waters symbolize cleansing of ego, anger, and sorrow. True purity is not only bathing in water but bathing the mind in humility and devotion.

Moral Insight:
Regular spiritual reflection and purification keep life radiant and purposeful.

आपत्कालोपयुक्तासु कलासु स्यात्‌ कृतश्रमः। नृत्तवृत्तिर्विराटस्य किरीटी भवनेऽभवत्‌ ॥ ७२ ॥

āpatkālōpayuktāsu kalāsu syāt kṛtaśramaḥ |
nṛttavṛttir virāṭasya kirīṭī bhavane'bhavat || 72 ||

Translation

One should train oneself in skills that may be useful during times of crisis. Arjuna, the crowned warrior, lived by teaching dance in the palace of King Virāṭa.

Explanation

Life is unpredictable. Therefore, one must acquire diverse skills. In the Mahabharata, during the incognito year (Agyātavāsa), Arjuna lived in the court of King Virata disguised as Bṛhannalā, a dance teacher. Though he was one of the greatest archers in history, he humbly used his knowledge of music and dance to survive the crisis.

This teaches adaptability. True greatness includes the ability to adjust without losing dignity.

Moral Insight:
Education should be practical and versatile. Skills gained today may save us tomorrow.

Combined Ethical Message of the Three Verses

These three verses together teach:

1. Strive for excellence beyond inheritance (Rāma).
2. Purify yourself through spiritual discipline (Pāṇḍavas).
3. Prepare yourself with versatile skills for adversity (Arjuna).

Thus, life demands:

• Aspiration,
• Purification,
• Adaptability. 

CHARUCHARYA Part XVII

 

गुरुमाराधयेद्‌ भक्त्या विद्याविनयसाधनम्‌ । रामाय प्रददौ तुष्टो विश्वामित्रोऽस्त्रमण्डलम्‌ ॥ ६७ ॥

gurum ārādhayed bhaktyā vidyā-vinaya-sādhanam |

rāmāya pradadau tuṣṭo viśvāmitro ’stramaṇḍalam || 67 ||

Translation

One should worship and serve the teacher with devotion, for the teacher is the source of knowledge and humility. Pleased with Rāma’s devotion, Sage Viśvāmitra gave him a collection of powerful celestial weapons.

Explanation

Knowledge does not arise merely from books; it blossoms through reverence toward the guru. True education includes both **vidyā** (learning) and **vinaya** (humility). When a student approaches the teacher with faith, discipline, and sincerity, the teacher naturally opens the treasure of wisdom.

In the life of **Rama**, his obedience and devotion deeply pleased Sage **Vishvamitra**. As a result, the sage entrusted him with divine weapons (astra-maṇḍala). The message is clear: **devotion to the teacher brings both knowledge

वसु देयं स्वयं दद्याद्‌ बलाद्‌ यद्‌ दापयेत्‌ परः । दुपदोऽपह्नवी राज्यं द्रोणेनाक्रम्य दापितः ॥ ६८ ॥

vasu deyaṁ svayaṁ dadyād balād yad dāpayet paraḥ |

drupado ’pahnavī rājyaṁ droṇenākramya dāpitaḥ || 68 ||

Translation

What one has promised to give should be given voluntarily. It should not be given only when forced by another. King Drupada denied his promise regarding the kingdom, and therefore Drona attacked him and compelled him to give it.

Explanation

Generosity and integrity require that promises be fulfilled willingly. If we delay or refuse what we have pledged, we lose honor. A gift given under pressure is not noble—it is the result of compulsion.

King **Drupada** had once promised to share his kingdom with his friend **Drona**. But after becoming king, he denied that promise. Consequently, Drona sent his disciple **Arjuna** to defeat Drupada and seize the promised share by force.

साधयेद्धर्मकामार्थान्‌ परस्परमबाधकान्‌ । त्रिवर्गसाधना भूपा बभूवुः सगरादयः ॥ ६९ ॥

sādhayed dharma-kāmārthān parasparam abādhakān |

trivarga-sādhanā bhūpā babhūvuḥ sagarādayaḥ || 69 ||

Translation

One should pursue dharma (righteousness), artha (wealth), and kāma (desire) in such a way that they do not obstruct one another.  Ancient kings like Sagara practiced this balanced pursuit of the three goals of life.

Explanation

Human life aims at three primary goals—**Dharma (moral duty), Artha (material prosperity), and Kāma (legitimate desires)**—together called *Trivarga*. However, these must remain in harmony. Wealth should not destroy righteousness. Desire should not corrupt moral duty.

Ancient kings such as **Sagara** maintained this balance wisely. Their greatness lay not merely in power, but in disciplined living.

The teaching is profound:

✔ Earn wealth ethically.

✔ Enjoy life responsibly.

✔ Never abandon righteousness.

Overall Ethical Insight

These three verses teach three essential disciplines:

1. **Reverence to the Guru** – Source of knowledge and power.

2. **Integrity in Promise** – Give willingly, not under pressure.

3. **Balanced Living (Trivarga)** – Harmonize duty, wealth, and desire.

Together, they form a practical code of righteous living for students, leaders, and householders alike.