‘SPICMACAY- Society for Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture amongst Youth’ is one of the oldest of such organizations in the country. The organization has been one of the most important players in taking the baton of Indian Classical music forward, by constantly holding events so as to cater to the lovers of Indian Classical and at the same time, making others more aware and getting them to explore this side of music.
SPIC MACAY is run by thousands of enthusiastic volunteers from around the world who give some of their time towards different parts of the cause they find attractive. These volunteers are from all walks of life – schoolchildren, college students, professionals, housewives, academicians, government officials, retired people – those who appreciate beauty in all its forms and seek to combat the cultural homogenisation and inner blindness that is slowly creeping upon the society. In 2014-15, 4600+ programmes were organised in more than 1500 institutions in more than 350 towns in India and 50 towns abroad impacting more than 2 million students.
SPICMACAY was founded in 1977, and the SPICMACAY Surat chapter started in the year 1990. Initially it was organised by volunteers from various institutions like Surat medical college, SVNIT, SCET and few professionals. Presently the team of volunteers consists of students mainly from SVNIT campus and few enthusiastic professionals from different walks of life.

“I have been associated with SPICMACAY since February 2015. The first orientation session inspired me to be a part of SM. The experiences of the senior volunteers made me enthusiastic to work for it. I am really grateful to be a part of SM because the satisfaction and contentment that I get after an organized event becomes successful is out of this world. From managing last minute crisis to talking to high dignitaries for sponsorship to fighting with friends for SM, it has been amazing.” said Gaurav, a student at SVNIT and a SPIC MACAY colunteer.
Every year, SPICMACAY Surat organizes Virasat, which is is a festival comprising performances and workshops in folk and classical arts, literature, crafts talks theatre, films, yoga held in different educational institutes. It aims at a close interaction between students and artistes. This year, it’s being held during the months of August to October.

“Virasat’15 would include movies, arts and craft workshops, and folk, classical music & dance concerts(lecture demonstrations), yoga, and talks about different artistic and cultural aspects of our country. We hope to organize around 15 to 20 concerts(lecture demonstrations) 2-3 arts and craft workshops 1- 2 yoga & talk sessions in Surat during this series” said another one of the volunteer.

A brief description of few artists who will be associated with Virasat’15 is as follows.
1- Mr Pushpraj Koshti

Born in a musician’s family Mr. Pushpraj Koshti is a known sitar & surbahar player of the country. He had his initial training in sitar from his father, late Shri Ramlal Koshti who was the disciple of Ustad Hafiz Ali Khan of gwalior . Early demise of his father put a break in his musical pursuit.

However the search of guru was over when he came in contact with Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar, the famous Veena player who kindly consented to accept him as his disciple. The long association with Ustad for more than 15 years was very fruitful & Ustad also guided him very generously in mastering the technique of instrumental music. His rendering of “Aalap” & “Jod” is meditative & unique, there is no compromise with the tradition & purity of the style.

 

 

2- Gotipua Dance

Guru Birabara Sahoo is one of the pioneers of this form of dance and at present Guru BIrabar is working as Chief Architect (Mukhya Acharya) of  Gotipua Training in Konark Natya Mandap, Arka Vihar, Konark,Puri, Orissa.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Currently Guru Shri Jayakrushna Nayak is the Principal of Gotipua dance faculty. He is an experienced teacher, a renowned vocalist of the Gotipua troupe. Guru Banambar Swain is a noted violinist. He is working as the accompanying musician of the Gotipua troupe. Chintamani Rout is a young and talented Mardal Player and teacher. He is engaged in the teaching of mardal to the Gotipua boys and an accompanying musician of the Gotipua troupe of the Konark Natya Mandap.

 

3-PadmaShree Darshana Jhaveri

Padmashri Darshana Jhaveri a classical Manipuri Dancer, Research scholar, teacher is one of the four internationally renowned Jhaveri Sisters, whose name has become synonymous with Manipuri Dance.

She has dedicated her life to preserve, perpetuate and propagate the classicism of Manipuri dance , having specialized both in Tandav Lasya elements of Manipuri dancing and drum playing.
She has performed with her sisters all over India and foreign countries since 1958 and as a leader of the group since 1975 including Radio and television appearances, lecture demonstrations, workshops, contributing articles in magazines and news papers, seminars etc.

 

4- Sanjeev Shankar and Ashwini Shankar

Born in an illustrious lineage of musicians of the ‘Banaras Gharana’, Sanjeev & Ashwani displayed their strong affinity towards music at a very early age.
Their father, the internationally acclaimed Shehnai Maestro Guru Pt. Daya Shankar nurtured his son’s blooming talent and encouraged him with his personal inspiration and guidance.

Hailed as one of the foremost and serious young musicians in the country today who is carrying the 300 years old family tradition and the art of Shehnai playing forward to a new level, Sanjeev & Ashwani’s music represent an superb blend of traditional classical music with modern approach. The brother duo have to their credit a wide spectrum of performances and have mesmerized the audiences at various music festivals.

 

 

 

 

The world of classical music is such that once immersed in it, an artist or an connoisseur explores the depths and vibrancy of it forever.
Come have a taste of this intoxication. Here’s the schedule :

 

Virasat’15 would be awe striking and splendours without any doubt. 😀