The Healing Hearth

The evening reached another dimension through Guruji’s presence and performance. His music carried an effortless command that deeply moved everyone present. His rendition of Raag Charukeshi and Raag Bhairavi left the audience immersed in a rare musical experience that only comes through decades of sincere sadhana and a generous spirit of sharing.

I had the blessing of sharing the stage with my Guru, Ustad Usman Khan, after twenty-five years of learning under his guidance. I presented Raag Darbari, a raga known for its depth and introspection. As my friends teased me, 'Darbari was taking you, not the other way round!' You cannot control the Raag. You have to be in allowance for it to flow through you.

This relationship between sound and structure extends into architecture. Architecture is frozen music - sharing the language of rhythm, proportion, harmony, and intentional space-making.

The sitar, with its layered resonance, reflects this beautifully. Each string, each microtone, and each pause between notes becomes a dialogue between discipline and surrender. Deep listening has the ability to quiet the mind, balance emotions, and anchor us into the present moment.

That evening at Shriyog Iyengar Institute transformed into a Healing Hearth. Coming together of two lineages - Yogacharya BKS Iyengar and Ustad Usman Khan was no ordinary space. It was a powerhouse of healing energies for all who came and experienced it.

Music, above everything, is a lifelong learning. No matter how many years one spends with it, we remain students — listening, unlearning, relearning, and growing with every note.

I am very grateful to Rajeshree Tupe, the founder of Shriyog for always wanting to give the best to the Shriyog students and beyond. And very grateful to all dear friends, and well-wishers for their encouragement, presence, and support in making this evening so special.