Different planes of understanding. What the teacher believes she is conveying. What the student decides to imbibe. Even if the lessons will come in handy, years from now.
“Dear Aunty Bavani. You have only taught me veena for about a year but during that time, I have learnt so much, not just veena. In class with you, I learn what movies/series would be good to watch when I’m older, the latest, most interesting news as well as other things so Thanks for agreeing to be my guru. Love, ..” Oh and before I forget, she’s not even 8 yet or 7? Slap on the hand for me. STOP chatting with Veena Moms during class. Sigh.
Received this blessing, amongst many beautiful blessings from my dedicated children, torchbearers of this divine art.
Here I am, at the end of Vijayadasmi 2019, draped in a sunny handloom silk with blue and flame-red block prints and orangish pallu. Am at peace, happy, fulfilled, content. The yellow, I believe, represents hope for the future of this artform, my certainty that the children will carry this art to greater heights, heights of excellence and perfection. Stay blessed all art lovers/rasikas, art sishyas, and artistes.
Bavani’s Happy Place 