Living In Harmony

Music is the best teacher of living in harmony, BRIGADIER RAJIV MAHNA explains through this simple, heartwarming narrative

Our new television set has a very advanced parental discretion system,” said a visibly elated Papa. “But aren’t we already ensuring that our child does not watch any inappropriate programme on the TV by installing ‘Good’ Channel Package,” replied the Mom from the kitchen, busy preparing dinner.

“Apna time ayega (Our time will come),” crooned the child. “See the problem is that even the Good Package airs a large number of news channels,” Papa stated, in a very sagacious manner.

 “That is the good part of the package. By watching news and debates, our comprehension of contemporary and other issues stands improved, while at the same time getting entertainment by the circus-like characters participating in the debates,” bantered Mom in her inimitable mischievous manner. She was alluding to the family jokes, which always targeted Papa’s rather serious disposition and general aversion to the entertainment shows.

“How would you prefer the curry, spicy or bland?” asked Mom, changing the topic of discussion to the dinner menu. “Obviously spicy,” replied Papa. “I am not sick,” he emphasised the reason for his preference.

The child who was overhearing this conversation was hoping that the outcome of the discussion won’t be the imposition of more stringent TV viewing restrictions. Meanwhile, agreeing with Papa’s opinion that children should strictly avoid watching inappropriate content, Mom gently asked what was wrong in surfing news channels.

“Language and tone, it is so impolite. We can’t take risks with the tender minds of our children,” thundered Papa. “But look, even you prefer spice in the food; so how can a channel expect high TRPs by airing bland discussions and news,” argued Mom.

 Grandfather who was trying to enjoy reading an old classic, all this time, politely coughed and posed a gentle query, “Have you ever heard of an impolite raga in the classical music of our great country, India?”   Stumped by the inquiry of the old man, the perplexed family turned to face him and conveyed the message through glances, “You have missed the point.” 

Grandfather understood their message and thought that it would be best to put the issue in perspective through music, a subject he knew best.  So he said, “Melodious Indian music Ragas contain many types of notes (swaras). Vadi is the most important note, while Samvadi emphasises the importance of Vadi, and Vivadi note sounds discordant to other notes.”

He studied each one of them and was happy that they were listening intently. He continued, “Anuvadi represents the group of all assonant notes, which are other than Vadi, Samvadi and Vivadi notes. In string musical instruments, the soul of a Raga is brought out by playing on some notes with ornamental slides called Gamakas. Viewed philosophically, sweet sounds produced while sliding finger(s) on a string while approaching towards or away from the position of a note, represent the essence of a meaningful discussion.”

Papa, Mom and Son were all smiling with understanding. Soft-spoken Grandpa raised his voice a wee bit, to ensure that he could he heard clearly. “Opinions expressed and positions adopted by all participants should be welcomed. A healthy discussion can follow the composition pattern of Ragas in which sounds produced by playing or singing of all types of notes blend in a most harmonious manner; of course, coarse language does not add to the value of an argument,” concluded Grandpa.

He smiled happily and resumed reading his book, satisfied that he had conveyed an important message of practical spirituality gently and affably without sounding unduly preachy. The message is of harmony in relationships and family life ― discuss issues by all means, but without any discord. Music is the best teacher of life’s simple truths, Grandpa thought to himself, as he turned the next page of the book.

All members of the family were thoughtfully silent, as their noisy discussion had ended. Their silence conveyed a deep respect for Grandpa’s ancient wisdom, particularly relevant in these modern times of discord and chaos.   

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Brigadier Rajiv Mahna is an Indian Army veteran. He was awarded the Sena Medal for Gallantry while serving in Sri Lanka during Operation PAWAN, the Yudh Seva Medal while commanding a Brigade on LAC and the Vishisht Seva Medal for his role in the weapon procurement process of the Indian Army. He writes on geopolitics and other issues.