Tribute to my Guruji
Pt. Vindhya Prasad Gaur (Gaur Sahib)
I am extremely fortunate to be blessed with my Guruji's love, affection and blessings. Whatever music sense and sensibilities I have acquired, I feel those are my Guru's blessings to me!
My Guruji Pt. Vindhya Prasad Gaur from whom I have learned almost 11 years, is originally from Lucknow, India. He is contemporary of Pt. V. G Jog (Violin maestro). They were guru-bhai (learnt from the same guru).
Kirana Gharana and Agra Gharana are the two 'Gharanas' (school of Music) that he kept himself dedicated to. Initially he received his training form his father (Durga Prasad Gaur), cousin brother (Jwala Prasad, Ramsahay, Dalip Ram, Ayodhya Prasad). Later he received training from Mirza Maqsood Ali, Md. Osman Khan, Avval Khan, Govind Narayan Natu and Ratan Jankar.
Guruji has traveled extensively all over India. To my good fortune he finally chose to settle down in Patna. He was the head of the music department of 'Vindhya Kala Mandir', Patna. This institution is affiliated with Bhat-Kahande Sangeet Vidyapith, Lucknow.
His music was his 'Saadhna'(prayer) and his 'shradhanjali' (offerings) to the divine. He kept his music from the limelight of public performances. In his early years, he chose to perform only once a year in the temple at Janakpurdham. In his prime he has declined invitations to perform in 'Sangeet Sammelan' (music conferences) and recording offers from HMV( I wish he didn't though!).
For more than 10 years I was his 'shaagird' (student). I have wonderful memories of our sessions together. He was very fond of me and wanted me to learn the true essence of music. He was very liberal and unorthodox in many ways. He used to say "beta, khub suno guni kalakaaron ko aur dusre gharnon ki achhi baate apne me dhaalne ki koshish karo". (Listen extensively to other artists and try to incorporate their good qualities into your genre and style).
Initially he was reluctant to give me permission to audition for All India Radio but he eventually did. He was very happy and proud when I got accepted both for classical and light music!
His philosophy and some of the comments are engraved in my brain for ever! I take them as my life lessons. I vividly remember him saying "beta, taaliyon ke pichhe mat bhaag, pahele suron ki pahachan to karle! Chand jab beech aasmaan mein ho tab use oongliyoun se dikhane ki zarurat nahi hoti, log khud-bakhud dekhtein or sarhaatein haien" (Don't chase after name or fame, get acquainted with true music first. When you are good showing off is not needed. People will admire and appreciate you on their own).
I seek my Guruji's blessings to continue my journey as truthfully and sincerely as I can.
