Author, Lakshmi Rao with her tanpura(Image by Jigna Desai)
Poetry As Sanctuary – A column where we explore poetry as a means of expression for voices of the South Asian Diaspora.
“Geetam Vaadyam Tatha Nrityam, Trayam Sangeeta Mucchyate.”
This quote from the ancient Sangeet Ratnakar by Pandit Sharangdev, defines ‘sangeeta’, or ‘collective music’, as singing, instrumental music, and dance. De rigeur for many Indian children, I have fond memories of training in Bharatanatyam and Carnatic vocal music myself. While my exposure to playing instruments was limited, I spent time listening to soulful Hindi film songs and singing in the school choir.