In conversation with Jaya Thiagarajan

Musically yours…

Accomplished Carnatic Musician

Art of Living Foundation Teacher
who adores 'Guruji'

Her mission of life- Sangeet Sewa
(Service through music)

“If I want to do something, I just do it!”

“You can do your best, but something
greater takes over you eventually..."

"Music energises and motivates, more so when it is infused with spirituality. That is why Bhakti Sangeet gives Shakthi. Music elevates a person to a higher plane. It is twice blessed, for it benefits both the singer and the student."

Jaya Thiagarajan is surrounded by the shining aura of her life’s philosophy. She is immersed in and enriched by her music, creating an atmosphere of bliss for those in contact with her. “Music for me is a 24x7 activity, knowing no boundaries. It is an ongoing learning process”, she says. Having learnt the basics of Carnatic music from her grandfather, stalwarts like D. K. Jayaraman, S. Rajam and Nedunuri Krishnamurthy gave her intensive training. She says, "the styles of different schools have only enriched and enlarged by creativity and repertoire." She has learnt nearly one thousand songs from All India Radio.

She completed her B.A. in Music from Madras University and also a B.A. in Political science from Women's college at Hyderabad, apart from working as a tourist guide for a short duration. She has a number of music albums to her credit.

A certified teacher of the Art of Living Foundation, Jaya conducts classes in Basic courses that comprise breathing and meditative techniques and the famous ‘Sudarshana Kriya’. “I started attending and participating in Satsangs at Guruji’s (Sri Sri Ravi Shankar) ashram and soon came to be identified as a resource person for music for many of the ashram’s activities and projects.”

Her ability to bring solace to the stressful lives of women prisoners in Vellore jail while joyously singing slokas is remarkable. She has also conducted SEVA in slums.Once a week, Jaya visits a rehabilitation center for the mentally ill, among whom are destitutes. Story-telling, singing and meditating, she has captured the hearts of people who now rely on her. “They look forward to our visits so much. Their lives are so dreary and desolate, we are trying in our own small way to ease their pain a little”, she says in her enthusiastic and chirpy voice.

Diffident, shy and afraid of risks as a child, she proudly says her sister always a great source of comfort and support to her. Born with the urge to reach out to the people, she is now able to achieve her ambitions with confidence and zeal. Jaya is also a doting mother and is very homely. She loves meeting people and is a socialite in her own way!

It was a great joy interacting with Jaya Thiagarajan. This tete-a-tete revealed all aspects of a musical personality who cut across social barriers to render service.

*You are an integral part of the Art of Living’s phenomenal work. What service you enjoy the most?

I enjoy the Satsang, conducting the Sudarshana Kriya. There is great opportunity to meet people. AOL has changed my way of life.

*The guiding light that helped you rise above challenges…your source of inspiration?

Initially, I was not so spiritually inclined. Sri Sri Ravi Shankar gave a lot of meaning to my life. Guruji’s knowledge points and practical nature drew me towards what I now do.

*How has your profession changed you, your perceptions, your wishes?

If I want to do something, I just do it. Life should be more of silence and observation. Nothing affects me from the external world. I want to go more deep inwards and understand myself better, to get away from the rigmarole of life.

*Name your favourite performance.

The best performance so far is the one I gave in the Music Academy, Nanganellore, Madras. There was a power failure, the mike failed throughout the concert but I sang exceedingly well. It was one of my best concerts.

*What do you sense or experience when you are singing for an audience that is ultimately enthralled?

I am lost in my art. I lose myself, I am not able to feel anything around. I sing with complete dedication and devotion. One great inner experience is the Rudra abhisekam – deep meditation while chanting.

*Life’s most trying times, a very touching incident...

My son’s surgery was the most touching incident. While I was praying in the operation theatre, I randomly picked up a magazine called “Life Positive”. As I opened it, I found a small picture of Guruji. This helped me settle down emotionally.

*Your views of the world as it stands today…

The world is very exciting, there is never a dull moment. A lot of things can be done. But we are becoming slaves to technology and are lost without all this.

*What is your message to the youth today?

Stop expecting what the world can give to you. See what you can give to the world.

The youth of today are not easily forgiving. The element of patience has vanished. Unconditional love and a feeling of giving is the need of the hour. Can you teach anything verbally? You have to let one find it within oneself!

*Your greatest desire in life…

I want to be able to reach out to people with a feeling of plenty. One should be able to give and share with the less privileged. My wish is to travel, meet more people. At times, all I want is silence.

*What is the one thing you would like to do that you have never done before?

A crazy thing I want in life is to address a gathering of lakhs of people and sing crazy songs in total involvement. It needs a lot of guts!

Jaya has been involved in activities of the Nadopasana Sankeertana Sangham, Bangalore, singing the Krithis of Annammacharya. A semi-classical musician as well, Jaya Thiagarajan is indeed versatile.

Interviewed on September 14th for a Mass Communication and Journalism assignment (Semester 1)- St.Francis College for Women.

Photo- from the FOCUS, with basic information from an article by Vasanthi Natarajan.