"Indian classical music should be encouraged and protected which otherwise will go extinct in three generations," opined Sarod Maestro Pt. Rajeev Taranath.

He was speaking at a programme organised by Ganabharathi at Veene Sheshanna Bhavan here yesterday to mark the release of the monthly magazine 'Thillanna' in a new design.

"Local music in countries like Germany, USA and Switzerland has its own honour with the people proud of their music. On the contrary in India, we do not respect our own music and neglect it. We have to instrospect among ourselves regarding this," he said.

Reminiscing on his childhood days, Pt. Taranath said: "When I was a young boy, I was proud of my country. I used to spin the yarn for my father's clothes who was a freedom fighter. Looking at today's scenario, I feel ashamed to call myself an Indian. The country's Parliament is like a fish market with no semblance of discipline or ethics. The country which produced great personalities like Shankaracharya, Madhwacharya and Ramanujacharya is now full of debauchees."

Pt. Taranath later released a book on his guru Pt. Ravishankar.

SOM Editor-in-Chief K.B. Ganapathy, who was also present, lauded the efforts of Ganabharathi in promoting music. Vid. T.P. Vaidyanathan released the magazine 'Thillana.' Pt. Taranath who was feted, presented a delectable sarod recital with Pt. Uday Raj Karpur accompanying on tabla.

Courtesy : Star Of Mysore