Pandits Rajan and Sajan Mishra wererecently in Goa to perform at the Yugal Sangeet Samaroh organised by SnKEvents, Department of Art and Culture (Government of Goa) in associationwith the NIO Staff Club. Performing in Goa since 1978-79, the duo lovesperforming here because they feel the audience understands classical music. Theyfeel, apart from their regular audience base, the new generation in Goa is alsogetting connected to classical music. Pt Rajan says “It is a good sign. Everytime we perform in Goa, we notice new people, young people, in the audience.”
Today, where most youngsters are inclinedtowards the glitz and glamour of talent shows, the duo believe that an equalnumber of youngsters are getting into Hindustani Classical music. Pt Sajansays, “Although the concept of spotting talent through talent shows iscommendable, the shows should be organised in a better way. The participants oftalent shows get a couple of opportunities and once the opportunities run out,they get depressed. I feel theorganisers of such shows should have an infrastructure in place to consume thetalent which is churned out from the show, wherever suitable.”
Speaking about the commercial aspect ofHindustani Classical music, Pt Rajan feels that stringent copyright laws arenon-existent in India. He says, “In foreign countries, one successful albumtakes care of the financial wellbeing of the artist and his family. The socialsecurity takes care during illness or unemployment. Here in India, we don’thave any such system.” Pt Sajan nods in agreement and adds, “Artists here, evenPadma awardees have no medical facilities, no privileges to them or theirfamily. An award does not take care of things. Recently we read in the newspapersabout sportspersons who represented our country in the Olympic Games. Some of themcontinue to work in grocery stores and construction sites. This is a veryshameful thing. A person, who has earned recognition in his particular field, shouldhave his life secured. So, if the artists in India indulge in commercialactivities to secure their future, it doesn’t matter.”
