Communication protocols

R. Shekar

Inspired by late Bismillah Khan, Marcel Othavio, enrolled himself at MS University

Baroda, India to learn Shehenai. Looking angelic, this kurta-pyjama clad Italian
national overcame his limitations in conversational English and reached out to the
entire class. He resolved the mystery behind his meteoric rise to popularity over a
plate of his favourite ‘Spicy PC’ (Papri-Chat).

“Back home at Florence, we look for romance and joy in everything about life and
savour the natural order of evolution. Receptivity to and acceptance of life demands
our negotiating through the progression of the body, heart and mind to the spirit,
punctuated by interplay of content (X-axis) and cosmetics (Y axis).

Physical space relates to our first meeting when everyone was a stranger to
everyone else in the class and we meant nothing to one another. It took on a while
before we conceded space to others, conquered our self-consciousness and let loose
our curiosity to invite others into our space.

Emotional caring: Soon thereafter, some found my ‘Indianness’ fascinating while the
others appreciated my sense of dedication to learning Shehnai. When I exercised
care in reciprocating their sentiments, a chemistry of mutual acceptance began to
stir up feelings for each other.

Mental meaning: The protocols of the heart-to-heart chemistry cleared the way for a
confluence of the minds. To the uninitiated mind, the relentless riyaz to perfection
demanded by our ‘Ustad’ is an invasion of our mind and body. Once the mind
comprehends the meaning behind the pain of practice, it craves for this punitive
rigour and regimen in anticipation of the sheer ecstasy that is set to follow!

Spiritual being: When acceptance is spontaneous and implicit, a sense of abundance

ensues and dissolves all inhibitions. India is uniquely gifted in mastering this system
of learning of Guru-Sishya parampara. Perched atop, the ‘Ustad’ owns our souls so
completely, that we surrender to his demands with devotion that you call bhakti.
This is what makes India so special for me.

Pity that the virtues of speed learning and Western commercialism have undermined
the values of true learning at schools that a rich vocabulary and perfection in
phonetics, devoid of the essential accompaniment of social grace, are mistaken for
content while they are mere cosmetics. True communication relies on discovering of
the essence of our relationship.