The Indira Sivasailam Foundation, over the years has constantly been contributing to many social causes. Through The Indira Sivasailam Endowment Fund, the foundation organises an annual Navarathri concert in assocation with the Music Academy, Madras, where a proficient Carnatic musician is recognised and awarded The Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal, post which the artist performs at The Indira Sivasailam Endowment Concert.
This year’s winner is Smt. Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, and the Foundation came up with a one-of-its-kind idea of running a Facebook contest to give Carnatic rasikas a chance to participate and win an invite to a Q&A session with Bombay Jayashri herself. This contest was aptly named Anwesha – Quest for the Best. Through Anwesha, rasikas were asked to send in questions regarding Carnatic Music. Out of the many entries received, the best ones were shortlisted by Music Academy Professors Mrs. Ritha Rajan & Dr. R S Jayalaxmi.
On September 30th, the participants, press, and other guests were invited to Anwesha, which was held in Taj Coromandel, Chennai, wherein the Q&A session and High tea was organised for the entire gathering.
Here are a few pictures and press clippings of the event from Deccan Chronicle, Dinamani, Mathrubhumi & Andhra Jyothi.
Here is the link to Chennai Patrika’s online coverage of the event:
http://www.chennaipatrika.com/post/2013/09/30/The-Indira-Sivasailam-Foundation-hosts-Anwesha.aspx
Overall, everyone was thrilled to be present at Anwesha, and expressed their gratitude towards this unique interaction opportunity with one of the present generation’s finest Carnatic vocalists, Bombay Jayashri.
One of the participants, Geetha Manichandar, shared the following feedback:
” ‘I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.’ ~ Rabindranath Tagore. Thank you for giving me an opportunity to be a part of Anwesha this evening. You are doing great service to the cause of music in general and Carnatic music in particular which gives immense joy to rasikas like me. Anwesha is indeed The Pursuit of WOW! May your journey In Search of Excellence continue and may we always be co-passengers in this joyful journey! Thank you once again!”