Soulful songs of devotion
Carnatic vocalist Arun wows the crowd at fundraising concert
AMUSICAL concert in aid of Taarana, a school for children with special learning needs, was a resounding success as 600odd guests attended the show held at the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Academy auditorium in Kelana Jaya, Petaling Jaya on Feb 25.
Theshow, entitled Bhajan Sandhya, which means “Sacred Twilight” in Sanskrit, was organised by Vijaratnam Foundation.
It showcased renowned carnatic vocalist O.S. Arun singing soulful Indian classical songs of devotion.
Arun was accompanied by internationally acclaimed musicians — Karaikal Venkatasubramanian on the violin, Sivaraman Balasubramanian ( mridangam), Kirankumar Anthony ( tabla), Sri Krishnan Balasubramanian (harmonium) and Selvaamal Ferdinan Alfones (percussionist), all of whom contributed to the successful performance.
The crowd was enthralled as Arun swept the audience away with his sonorous voice and effortless rendering of bhajans in multiple Indian languages.
He opened with the classical carnatic piece Prabho Ganapatim as the customary invocation, leading to lighter pieces with Vardhe Veena Vaadhi and Lalita Lavang Lathaa in Marathi.
Popular renditions included Tamil favourite Aasai Mugam Marundhu Pocche followed by Pokkiri Kanna.
Each piece was introduced with a brief explanation and Arun cleverly encouraged the audience to sing and clap, adding life to the musical show.
Taarana was established by Vijayaratnam Foundation last year as a centre for children with special educational needs.
It reaches out to children with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD), Learning Disabilities, Dyslexia/dyspraxia, Sensory- Integration Disorder, Speech Impairment and Down Syndrome among others.
“I feel blessed to be able to serve the needs of these children and it is a deep sense of fulfilment to do it through arts and culture.
“Taarana is a labour of love, fuelled by a passion to serve, which is the driving force of the Vijayaratnam Foundation,” said the foundation’s chairman Datin Umayal Eswaran, who is the wife of QI Group of Companies executive chairman Datuk Vijay Eswaran.
“Taarana helps children realise their potential and hopes to provide them with the ability to lead an independent life,” Umayal explained.
Vijayaratnam Foundation was established in April 2006 by Vijay and is the philanthropic arm of the QI Group of Companies.
The foundation is a tribute to Vijay’s father S. Vijayaratnam, to continue his legacy of philanthropic activities started over 60 years ago. It focuses on four main areas — education, community development, arts and culture, and the environment.