Mr.Jahar Lal Sutradhar
(
Sangitacharya)
Speaks to Tripurainfo

 

An interview with Sangitacharya Jahar Lal Sutradhar on the occasion of his recent visit to USA for research poster presentation on “A study of music in sensual pleasure’ hosted by American Music Therapy Association.


Question: Our viewers would like to know what experience you have gathered in the course of your recent visit to USA on musical poster presentation?

Answer: It was a lovely, unique, cheerful, beautiful and comfortable trip. I have further gained knowledge in the field of music therapy, how music is used as a therapeutic tool.

Question: Can you please tell us how this music therapy concept has come in your mind?

Answer: You may be aware that I have been awarded with senior fellowship by the department of Culture, government of India for research work on “Music in Medical Science” and that is the source of my theme “A Study of Music in Sensual Pleasure” which I have presented on a research poster session at Galt House Hotel and Suites, Louisville, Kentucky, USA on November 17, 2007 last.

Question: What are the feedbacks you have received from this international music therapy conference for your presentation?

Answer: You are aware that Indian culture and Indian classical music are very popular in the Western and European countries; my research work was supported by proper sound track on the theme and has been responded to by the viewers as also by general audience.

Question: Can you please describe what the meaning of the word ‘Sensual’ is?

Answer: The meaning of ‘Sensual’ can not be disassociated from its root ‘sense’. Scientifically, whatever pertains to the senses and are capable of stimulating or exciting can broadly be called “Sensual”. The plaintive note of “Koel” that is capable of evoking interest and attention in us is to be attributed to sensory reaction to external stimuli caused through auditory or visual perception.

Question: The nature of your research and the findings you have arrived at are indeed original. How far will they benefit people ?


Answer: Yes, it is really surprising. You know I have been working in ONGC and it is difficult to work on such a subject as this while at work in such an organisation because of the conflicting nature of the engagements. Anyhow I have been able to do it besides my service in ONGC.

Question: Why have you chosen this subject ? Any special reason ?

Answer: You are aware that sensual pleasure is a right, automatic and natural phenomenon of people living in the society. It is spontaneous and instinctive. Sensual pleasure is a supreme felicity. We cannot properly work when it exists in our mind. When it is met with obstruction, it creates depression, worries, hardship, disorder and so on. Thinking for its therapeutic aspect the theme” A Study of Music in Sensual Pleasure” has been contemplated. You are also aware that in the present age people remain busy in various ways; by means of musical communication emotion and feeling can be applied as an effective tool for beautiful, romantic and novel situation.

Question: What are the basic components for musical stimuli you have drawn out for the conference presentation?

Answer: I have gone through and taken the clue from Hindu Mythology where Lord Krishna played flute and Radha,the lover came closer to the Lord. Similarly, it is known from the writings of great ancient poet like Kalidas who extolled the effect of music on various moods of love and sensousness in immortal works like”Kumashambhavam”.

Question: What is your further plan for the field of music?

Answer: I would like to work for music in Tripura. For the moment I would not go beyond this comment.