Vishakha Hari
Smt. Vishakha Hari, noted Harikatha exponent, concludes this podcast by bringing in a philosophical perspective. She talks of a ‘jvarA’ (fever) mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam, and other anecdotes from the scriptures, to make sense of the malady we are currently amidst. She suggests programs resume in green zones, with adequate precautions, also taking into account the opinions voiced by those in the podcast’s previous six episodes. She urges viewers to think and stay positive, saying that mental well-being can help surmount physical ailments.
This video is part of the Melodies during Maladies podcast. After almost two full months of worldwide quarantine due to COVID, restrictions gradually began loosening in late May 2020. In this podcast, musicians, concert organisers and audience members share their thoughts on getting back to physical concerts.
Vishakha Hari is a noted Harikatha exponent who learned Carnatic music from Lalgudi Sri. G. Jayaraman. She is an A Graded artiste of All India Radio. After her marriage, she was instructed by her guru and father-in-law, Sri. Krishnapremi Swami, in Harikatha, which weaves stories of value and wisdom interspersed with music of well-known composers. She has presented harikatha programs world over and received several awards from leading auspices. Academically, she was All India 3rd in the Chartered Accountancy final examination, All India 1st in the Direct Taxes final examination, and University First in her BCom examinations. She is Distinguished Professor of Oriental Studies at SASTRA University, Thanjavur.
Check out the earlier Quarantunes podcast where several Carnatic and Hindustani musicians shared their thoughts while quarantined.
Mrs.Visakha Hari if not in the Harikatha line spreading bhakthi marg to those who give their ears, would have easily been a Women CEO or an entrepreneur. She spoke at length the implications of Covid19, on fine arts, temples, and in the process nicely connected the teachings of Srimad Bhagavatam , shall I say on a virtual mini platform , for the audience to enjoy the bhakthi rasam at their convenience. As there are 2 sides to a coin, Visakha made us to look more on the non economic aspects of Covid19. Without caring for mental well being there is no use of mere physical well being. The need to strike a balancd between the two. We hear more people suffer with mental illness during Covid19 isolation, and men or women with a strong mind will easily come out of the panic and fear. She even referred to such evils on humambeings and society time immemorial and drawd a parallel with Bhagavatam, and the Jwara created by Lord Krishna. The anecdotes are more timely while referring Hiranyakasibu to Covid19. Though in the first part of her interview she strongly wanted opening of temples, dnd staging of live auditorium shows, in the way the Govt reopens more activities, still in the later part, she was also aware of the likely consequences when people mingle easily and cause the virus to spread. We have not seen before at anytime the Tirupati temple closed for such a length of time. She is also openly admitting nothing can be firmly said about what will happen and what time and time (kaalaa) will give us the answer. Let us prepare ourselves for the many changes if any post Covid19, and adopt ourselves to changes in our life style or in patronizing the various art forms. But the past changes have made our lives more happy and comfortable and we hope the new changes would further more make our lives happier. Hindu religion has taught us the right, make a total surrender brfore God, and he knows how to protect. To conclude, the young women of today have more to learn from Mrs.Visakha be it Education, profession, and goals in life. When Visakha is destined to be a Harikatha exponent, she cannot be a woman entrepreneur or a CEO of a Company. The podcast has left messages for the viewers to be more positive in thinking and action.
Excellent interview and valuable lessons from Smt Visakhs Hari.