Bhopal. March brings challenges for students—spring bids farewell, summer starts knocking, and exams loom overhead. But when the soothing notes of Raag Yaman fill the evening air, everything seems to pause for a moment.
This was precisely the atmosphere when renowned violinist Pandit Praveen Sheolikar played his strings at a lecture-demonstration (lec-dem) organized by SPIC MACAY at PM Shree School – Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Ratibad.
In the next segment, Pandit Sheolikar engaged the children by asking them to identify melodies. As Ashesh Upadhyay, accompanying on the tabla, played the rhythmic beats, the flowing tune of Vande Mataram emerged, prompting the children to sing along.
Pandit Sheolikar then revealed that the melody was based on Raag Des and played another piece in the same raga. Following this, he performed the well-known traditional Mira Bia’s bhajan Payo Ji Maine Ram Ratan Dhan Payo in Raag Khamaj.
While introducing the violin, he explained that it is a Western instrument that evolved into its current form during the Renaissance period in Italy. Ashesh Upadhyay then introduced various rhythmic cycles—Ek Taal, Teen Taal, Dadra, and Keharwa—on the tabla.
As the session progressed, the children began clapping in perfect rhythm. The event also featured an interactive Q&A session. One curious student asked how many types of violins exist. Pandit Sheolikar clarified that while the violin remains the same, the number of strings can vary.
The program concluded with a mesmerizing performance in Raag Malkauns, where the fast-paced violin-tabla jugalbandi was highly appreciated. A special highlight of the event was Pandit Praveen Sheolikar’s effortless movement across all three octaves, especially his remarkable control over the high octave (teevra saptak). The event saw an enthusiastic participation of around 500 students and teachers, making it a memorable experience for all.
