Shows
The Neuroscience of ImprovisationImprovisation and The Attainment of Excellence, with Carnatic Percussionist Dr. Suresh VaidyanathanOur guest for this episode is Dr. Suresh Vaidyanathan, who is widely recognized as Ghatam Suresh. He is an extraordinary Carnatic Indian classical percussionist renowned for his mastery of the ancient Ghatam, a clay pot with distinctive resonant and percussive qualities. This instrument plays a pivotal role in Carnatic music as accompaniment and soloist. With a global presence as a leader and collaborator with world-class musicians, Dr. Vaidyanathan brings a unique perspective to the intersection of improvisation and musical expertise. Beyond his exceptional musical talents, Ghatam Suresh is a remarkable teacher known for his creativity and generosity as an...2023-09-0634 min
Bharati 100 PodcastWomen Shall Write the LawsThis is the next in my series of conversations with filmmaker Michael Wood, where we discuss some of poet C. Subramania Bharati's most famous and important contributions as a champion of women's rights. Bharati believed that women should be leaders, writing, in a poem entitled "Pudumai Penn," that the "new kind of woman" he imagined would "write all the laws" for society. No advocate of women's rights has been more impassioned, in India or elsewhere, during Bharati's times or since - or more convincing. Episode 4 features A. Kanyakumari's "Melting Aura" played by her Carnatic String Ensemble. She wri...2021-10-0124 min
Bharati 100 PodcastThe Case for Tamil (and Every Other Language)In this next episode with world-renowned filmmaker Michael Wood ("The Story of India"), the theme is Bharati's beloved Tamil language, and the poet's fight to preserve it against the encroachment of English. Bharati's concerns are highly relevant in today's world, where linguistic diversity is globally threatened, and the poet's attitude offers fascinating ways of meeting this challenge. Michael and Mira explore the idea of a future where Indian literature takes its place alongside major works from the Western canon, and quality translation forges new paths between cultures, building new hopes for mutual understanding. Episode 3 features A. Kanyakumari's "M...2021-09-2721 min