Balamuralikrishna kicks start Virasat with a musical touch to his emotions

The owner of over 25,000 music concerts did not have even a single accompanist with him when he sang “Omkara aakaarini…” in Lavangi Raga, a piece of his own favourite compostion. That was how Dr Balamuralikrishna responded to the prestigious Alva’s Virasat Award 2010 conferred on him on Wednesday. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa presented the award during the inaugural of the 14th edition of Alva’s Virasat, a five-day national cultural extravaganza, organised by Alva’s Education Foundation.

“I can understand Kannada very well. But I can’t speak in Kannada fluently. Interestingly, the best playback singer and the best music director awards I received were for Kannada movies…” the maestro said.

“I have received many awards so far, but this is the “hearty one”. This has made me dumb. I have no words to express my gratitude… But I can express the same through a song...” Balamuralikrishna said and came out with the beautiful “Omkara aakaarini…”.

The song was so instant that he did not looked for even ‘shruthi’ or any other accompanist. It was “a spontaneous overflow of emotions.” The Virasat Award comprised Rs one lakh in cash and mementos.

‘Revival of tradition’

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa, who inaugurated the cultural festival, termed the event “something that would seed the revival of cultural tradition of India”.

“If an individual’s efforts are backed by an organisational force, one can anticipate a great transformation in the society. The events like Virasat will be a solution for the cultural fluctuations we are witnessing the modern world due to the effects of globalisation and satellite channels,” the CM observed.

Quoting Mahatma Gandhiji, Yeddyurappa said one should know more and more about other cultures but he should live in his own culture. “We are known for cultural diversity. But it is significant to use this diversity to enhance the unity,” he noted.

“The coastal region is known for its multifaceted culture. By organising events like Virasat, Dr Mohan Alva has caused the birth of a new tradition here,” the CM appreciated. Yeddyurappa appealed the younger generation to retain and strengthen the rich cultural heritage of the country, adding that they should remember that the entire world in the 21st century is looking towards India with a lot of anticipation.

Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala D Veerendra Heggade presided. The programme was followed by a Santhoor concert by Pandit Tharun Bhattacharya. He was accompanied by Pandit Abhijit Banerjee in Tabla and Ustad Taufiq Qureishi in drums.