<p>This picture was taken in the early 80s, when I had just turned 3. This was my first public performance, a Christmas programme, arranged by the Far East Broadcasting Association (FEBA Radio) headquarters on Commissariat Road. I remember singing ‘He’s Still Working On Me’.<br /><br /></p>.<p>My father, Reverend Billy Graham (yes, that’s his name), was working there and produced programmes for children that were aired in several countries. Although I don’t remember much about the performance itself, I have a faint recollection of worriedly questioning my dad several times whether Santa Claus was going to come and hear me sing. I was terrified of the bearded gift-giver but wanted my Christmas gift, all the same, like any other child.<br /><br />For me, this photograph is a representation of encouragement and trust in its purest form. My dad was my first music teacher. He sang to me everyday and encouraged me to sing — even before I could speak, perhaps! He's been an epitome of strength and excellence. His constant encouragement, words of wisdom and trust in my abilities have played a pivotal role in what I achieved then, as a child, and now as an adult.<br /><br />Over the years, my dad taught me to play the harmonium, the guitar and sing as if my life depended on it. I loved every moment of growing up around music. <br /><br />There was always fun at the Graham household. My parents, sister and I sang in harmony. We improvised a lot, often singing the same song in a variety of styles. My father was very particular about the kind of music I listened to. He gave me reasons as to why some music was best left unheard. That said, we feasted on some great gospel, jazz, country, Western classical, ghazals and a smattering of other genres. This environment was conducive to my versatility as a singer. <br /><br />Having retired as the Chaplain of Karunya University in Coimbatore, my father keeps himself occupied now by counselling and equipping professionals with leadership skills, offering advice on personality development and sharing the message of love and hope by travelling. He remains my greatest mentor to this day. He is a wonderful example of humility, hard work and integrity. <br /><br />Having grown up in Bengaluru, the ‘Garden City’ remains one of my favourite places. I love it for its sheer diversity and its old-world charm along with its enthusiasm in embracing new ideas. I can shop for almost anything here, attend great music concerts and taste cuisines from around the world. Growing up, this wasn't the case, but I do admit that I occasionally miss the charm of old Bengaluru with its less crowded streets.<br />I love the conglomeration of people that we see today. We have a taste of several cultural groups from around the country and the world bringing with them their traditions, music, value systems and such. <br /><br />You also take pride in little things in the City that are uniquely yours – the charm of strolling in Cubbon Park, the excitement of licking a fresh scoop of ice-cream from Lakeview Milkbar, the joy of sinking your teeth into a mutton puff at Thom’s, relishing the colours at Commercial Street and Shivajinagar and the pride one feels while gazing at the Vidhana Soudha. As chaotic as things may be, we’ve learned to live and let live. <br /><br />Sandra Oberoi<br /><br />(Founder and director of Harmony School of Music)<br />(For details, visit www.harmonybangalore.com)</p>
<p>This picture was taken in the early 80s, when I had just turned 3. This was my first public performance, a Christmas programme, arranged by the Far East Broadcasting Association (FEBA Radio) headquarters on Commissariat Road. I remember singing ‘He’s Still Working On Me’.<br /><br /></p>.<p>My father, Reverend Billy Graham (yes, that’s his name), was working there and produced programmes for children that were aired in several countries. Although I don’t remember much about the performance itself, I have a faint recollection of worriedly questioning my dad several times whether Santa Claus was going to come and hear me sing. I was terrified of the bearded gift-giver but wanted my Christmas gift, all the same, like any other child.<br /><br />For me, this photograph is a representation of encouragement and trust in its purest form. My dad was my first music teacher. He sang to me everyday and encouraged me to sing — even before I could speak, perhaps! He's been an epitome of strength and excellence. His constant encouragement, words of wisdom and trust in my abilities have played a pivotal role in what I achieved then, as a child, and now as an adult.<br /><br />Over the years, my dad taught me to play the harmonium, the guitar and sing as if my life depended on it. I loved every moment of growing up around music. <br /><br />There was always fun at the Graham household. My parents, sister and I sang in harmony. We improvised a lot, often singing the same song in a variety of styles. My father was very particular about the kind of music I listened to. He gave me reasons as to why some music was best left unheard. That said, we feasted on some great gospel, jazz, country, Western classical, ghazals and a smattering of other genres. This environment was conducive to my versatility as a singer. <br /><br />Having retired as the Chaplain of Karunya University in Coimbatore, my father keeps himself occupied now by counselling and equipping professionals with leadership skills, offering advice on personality development and sharing the message of love and hope by travelling. He remains my greatest mentor to this day. He is a wonderful example of humility, hard work and integrity. <br /><br />Having grown up in Bengaluru, the ‘Garden City’ remains one of my favourite places. I love it for its sheer diversity and its old-world charm along with its enthusiasm in embracing new ideas. I can shop for almost anything here, attend great music concerts and taste cuisines from around the world. Growing up, this wasn't the case, but I do admit that I occasionally miss the charm of old Bengaluru with its less crowded streets.<br />I love the conglomeration of people that we see today. We have a taste of several cultural groups from around the country and the world bringing with them their traditions, music, value systems and such. <br /><br />You also take pride in little things in the City that are uniquely yours – the charm of strolling in Cubbon Park, the excitement of licking a fresh scoop of ice-cream from Lakeview Milkbar, the joy of sinking your teeth into a mutton puff at Thom’s, relishing the colours at Commercial Street and Shivajinagar and the pride one feels while gazing at the Vidhana Soudha. As chaotic as things may be, we’ve learned to live and let live. <br /><br />Sandra Oberoi<br /><br />(Founder and director of Harmony School of Music)<br />(For details, visit www.harmonybangalore.com)</p>
