The Bharatiya Sanskriti and Sampradaya (BSS), a community interest group based in Reading, is all about three “C”s: bringing the “community” together, sharing “culture”, and learning about “civilisation”.
Recently, the BSS team organised an event called ‘‘SAMARPAN’’, which served as a heartfelt tribute to the rich tradition of Indian Carnatic music and its revered gurus, who have preserved and passed it down through generations: Shree Purandara Dasa (1484–1564), Shree Syama Shastri (1767–1847), Shree Tyagaraja (1762–1827), and Shree Muthuswami Dikshitar (1776–1835). Their invaluable contributions have nurtured and safeguarded the rich heritage of Indian Carnatic music, allowing it to thrive as a timeless art form.
The Swallowfield Parish Hall resonated with the divine melodies of Carnatic music as ‘SAMARPAN’ brought together passionate musicians, an enthusiastic audience, and esteemed gurus for a day filled with devotion, dedication, and musical brilliance.
Organised under the BSS banner, ‘SAMARPAN’ was not just a musical event but a heartfelt celebration of classical arts, showcasing the talent and commitment of both young and seasoned artists. The event featured multiple segments, each dedicated to one of the great gurus, leaving the audience mesmerised and inspired.
The event commenced with a sacred invocation, setting the tone for the musical extravaganza. It was structured into four segments, each dedicated to a guru. Each segment featured captivating vocal and instrumental renditions of timeless compositions. Young musicians enthralled the audience with their heartfelt renditions of geetams, kritis, and varnams (various elements of Carnatic music) in various ragas, demonstrating their dedication and rigorous training under their respective Gurus. The participants skilfully brought to life the composers’ devotion through their expressive performances.
Throughout the event, the anchors engaged the audience with fascinating insights into the lives and contributions of the music gurus. To make the session even more engaging, an interactive quiz tested the audience’s knowledge of Carnatic music, the gurus' compositions, and their musical legacy. Participants, both young and old, enthusiastically took part, making the learning experience fun and memorable. The anchors' engaging storytelling, combined with the audience’s enthusiastic participation, added an extra dimension to the event, making it both an entertaining and enlightening experience for all.
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Following the remarkable performances by the young artists, the event elevated to another level with a grand concert by esteemed senior musicians, Vidwan Baluraghuraman on the violin, Vidhushi Varsha Ramanan on vocals, Ram Sivasubramaniam on the mridangam, and Kiran Sivasubramaniam on the kanjeera [Indian drums]. Their soul-stirring renditions and impeccable artistry left the audience spellbound, showcasing the beauty and depth of Carnatic music. Each note and rhythm resonated with profound devotion and technical brilliance, reflecting years of dedicated practice and deep-rooted passion for the art.
The performance transported listeners to a musical journey, evoking bhakti [devotion] and admiration for the compositions of the great Carnatic masters. The energy in the hall was electric, with the audience fully immersed in the divine melodies and rhythmic patterns. This grand concert was not just a performance but a musical offering—a tribute to the gurus whose legacy continues to inspire generations.
The event concluded with the iconic ‘Pancharatna Kriti’ – “Endharo Mahanubhavulu” – In a Ghosti Gaana (group singing), where several artists joined together on stage, delivering a truly outstanding finale.
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As the event drew to a close, certificates of participation and mementoes were presented to all performers in recognition of their dedication and effort. The senior artists and performers were felicitated for their contribution to ‘SAMARPAN’.
‘SAMARPAN 2025’ was more than just an event—it was a celebration of a tradition that continues to flourish beyond geographical boundaries. As the echoes of the final notes faded, one thing was certain—’SAMARPAN’ will return, stronger and grander, continuing its mission of nurturing and celebrating the rich heritage of Indian Carnatic music.