I used to learn Carnatic Music from Rajeshwari Teacher between 2001 and 2003. I joined the class to learn music, but actually it turned out that being with Teacher for those few hours every week made me feel less lonely and I looked forward to the classes a lot. I wouldnt say I learnt a lot of Carnatic music, but there was much that I got from the experience. For one- entering teacher's house was like entering a temple- one could really feel the serene, safe, spiritual atmosphere there. This despite the fact that there would always be some guests etc milling around. After the class, teacher often treated us to goodies made by her- Gulab Jamun, etc. And Dassera times, Varamahalakmi were the best- it meant teacher would give a whole plate of snacks and plus the 'udi tumbo' ritual as I was married and qualified for this special 'muttaidi' felicitation. (North Kanada words, ok).
Our enthusiastic observer was Senior Guddu. As serene and mature as all other folks in the house, he lay down and quietly listened to the proceedings. Sometimes when I or my classmates went offkey, I did perceive him suddenly opening his eyes and looking around. Subsequently I used his reactions to judge if I was going the right way. The months after he passed away were painful for teacher, but she continued to take classes. I marvelled at her- it taught me first hand-- life must go on. Soon puppy- Junior Guddu arrived on the scene. Sometimes teacher called him 'Surya'. This fellow was the polar opposite of his predecessor- a bundle of energy and curiosity- always leaping up and wanting to park on my lap. As we began our class- he would amble in and lie down next to teacher and then the proceedings would go as follows-
Sa- open eyes and ears cocked up
Re- Head turned towards source of sound
G- Turn and stand up looking alternately at student and teacher
M- Start barking and leaping in place
Pa- Leap on the student (as if begging to stop)
.......Then teacher had to calmly say 'Guddu....' and catch him, pat him and again he would lie down
And the whole cycle would begin again. It was so cute to go to class with this puppy and all his antics and all the nice snacks and teacher's nice conversation. By the time Guddu Jr settled down enough to stay quiet through the class, I had to leave Bangalore and my classes with teacher concluded. I had the full intention of going back to Rajeshwari teacher, mainly to have her bless my son. But it was a shock to me to know, she was no more.
While I was reading Dr CRC's autobiography, I was constantly reminded of Rajeshwari teacher. She made such an impression on me and I had great affection and regard for her. 'Samadhana' Counseling centre is as much a result of her personality.
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