Lilting notes of music add to Jains’ fervour

A musical programme followed by religious discourse organised to mark the death of Kumarpal Shah, a businessman and a Jain leader, who passed away four months back, was held on Sunday at Shreyas Foundation in Ambawadi.

Jain saints and sadhvis along with members of Jain community in large numbers enjoyed the event in which musical fusion created by santoor, flute and pakhawaj left the audience mesmerised.

Speaking on the occasion, Jainam Kumarpal, one of the organisers and son of the late Kumarpal Maneklal Shah said, “My father was an icon of Jainism and has done tremendous work for the community. This event has been organized to mark his death anniversary. The programme also marked Acharya Ramchandra Surishwarji’s and Acharya Rajtilak Surishwarji’ 20th and 13th death anniversaries, respectively.”

Flute maestro Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia’s son Rakesh Chaurasia played the flute, while Satish Vyas, disciple of legendary Shiv Kumar Sharma, filled the ambience with the lilting tunes of the santoor. Pandit Bhavani Shankar gave the duo company on pakhawaj. Interestingly, all the three performers at the event are Padmashri awardees.

Talking to DNA, Rakesh Chaurasia said, “A musical programme at this religious event was a wonderful experience. This is the first time that I have performed at such a Jain event. But I didn’t feel any difference as music needs no language.” Echoing similar views, Vyas said, “It’s rare that we get an opportunity to perform in religious events. But the feeling was great as many Jain saints too enjoyed the performance and appreciated our talent. It was a fabulous experience.”

In the religious discourse, Harshtilak Surishwarji spoke on human life and the constant run to avoid sadness. Shreyansh Surishwarji addressed the audience on the importance of concentration in life.