New Classical Music Artiste: Mayank Aranke Begins His Journey
By Sunil Pangarkar
Last Updated:August 01, 2008
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HOUSTON: On 6th July in the Old Stafford civic center, audience witnessed Hindustani classical music tradition in the richest hues. It was the Manch-Pravesh of Mayank Aranke.
None other than Mewati Gharana’s torch bearer and Houston’s favorite Pandit Suman Ghosh accompanied him on the Harmonium. As Mayank’s Guru, Pandit Suman Ghosh had reasons to be proud of his student that day. Mayank was also extremely blessed to have the Tabla maestro Pandit Shantilal Shah accompanying him that day.
Traditionally, the students of Indian Classical music have always taken it up as a journey towards the innermost depth of the vast ocean of this performing art. This requires unconditional dedication to the art, faith in the power of blessings, and tireless hard work. In this whole process, the Guru finds a few of his disciples worthy of representing to the world his style, his school of music, and the tradition as a whole. After making him go through a painstakingly difficult process of training (Talim) and practice (Riyaz ), the Guru finds the right time to introduce the musical attainments of the disciple to the world: The Manch-Pravesh (formal beginning of the disciple’s performing/musical career). Through this event, the disciple vows to take up the challenges of being a dedicated and serious musician for the rest of his life.
The performance was complete in more ways than one. To begin with, there were a very wide range and variety of Raags and the forms of rendition. From slow tempo (Vilambit) 12 beat cycle to medium and fast tempo (Madhya Laya and Drut) 16 & 10 beat cycle compositions were performed. There were also Bhajans sung in 8 beat cycle. Mayank did full justice to all the compositions. He was able to improvise and decorate the compositions with his own musical thoughts in difficult and intense Raags like “Bihag” and “Jog”, and sing intricate, offbeat & superfast taans as well. The hard work of both the Guru and his Shishya was plainly apparent even to non-connoisseurs of this art. The arduous process of being able to develop the liking, teach the techniques of the art and make it a permanent feature of the Shishya’s life is really the true essence of Manch-Pravesh and that is what one witnessed in action.
Another highlight of the performance was the careful organization of the whole concert. The sound system was tested and balanced, the stage decoration, the snacks, the invitation cards and seating arrangement – everything spoke of dedication and hard work that was put in by Guruji, the Aranke family, and the whole Saadhana family at large. The Master of ceremony Smt Archna Tripathi fabulously managed the flow of the event. The brief speeches from fellow students Mithila Bhadbhade and Nikita Pangarkar added a personal touch. It is the author’s opinion that even if one was not a music enthusiast, one would have benefited greatly from observing the meticulous organization of this event just like other Saadhana event.
Mayank, who just finished his junior year at Clements High School in Sugar Land, has earned numerous awards, and has held various office positions. He has been a PAL’s Representative (a mentoring program for elementary school children); building coordinator for Habitat for Humanity in 07-08, will be a treasurer in 08-09; VP-German Club; Student Council Representative; the Ranger Camp Leader; VP-National Honor Society; a Volunteer Coach for Fort Bend Basketball and Soccer teams, Member of the Science National Honor Society, and the recipient of Academic Excellence Award for the year 07-08. Watching Mayank’s demanding schedule packed with academics and several extra-curricular activities, his parents Naval and Rupa Aranke were apprehensive whether he will be able to do justice to all the tasks including the Manch-Pravesh he had taken upon himself. Mayank instead claims that his rigorous riyaz sessions in preparation for the Manch-Pravesh provided him the relaxation, and enhanced thinking capacity that helped him in completing all the various tasks with ease. Mayank called music as his “religion”. One must say that he was true to his faith. The obstacles to faith are many in a young teen’s life, but he has been able to overcome them and deliver results that made his parents, Guru and the whole classical music community proud. That was the main reason for the standing ovation he received at the event.
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