With its foundation stone laid by Vice-President of C. P Radhakrishnan recently, Chethana Ganashram in Thrissur is set to become a centre for music as meditation, therapy and cultural practise.
The word Ashram conjures up an ambience of peace, meditation and inner purity. So an Ashram for ‘Gana’ (music) connotes the efficacy of music to create such an environment. When C P Radhakrishnan, the Vice-president of India, laid the foundation stone of Chetana Ganashram on March 1 in Thrissur; it marked a historic event in the cultural firmament of the country since the singular project was the only one of its kind.
Conceived by Dr. Fr. Paul Poovathingal, a consummate musician and presently director of Chetana Sangeetha Natya Academy, Thrissur, the institution will come up at Nadathara, Thrissur. A secular project, it will be open all people irrespective of caste, creed or sex.
The first Christian priest to secure a PhD in Carnatic music from University of Madras, Fr Paul’s interest turned to other branches of music like vocology, music therapy and music meditation. He further equipped himself with these advanced areas through training in the US.
Incidentally, he is the first vocologist and the founder of the only institute of vocology in the country. The vocology clinic in the academy has been providing solace to hundreds of patients including musicians, teachers, anchors and even common men suffering from vocal afflictions. All of them have vouched for the healing power of Fr. Paul for whom the main medicine has been music. Veteran musicians like Dr K J Yesudas, Fr. Paul’s Guru, and the late musician S P Balasubramaniam had sent musicians to him to be treated at the clinic.
Alayam’s of healing
As for the Ashram, when completed, will have five ‘Alayams’ (houses) for holistic health and wellness.
The first one, ‘Dhyanalayam’ is exclusively for Music meditation. Needless to mention that Music is a powerful medium with high level of positive energy to set right human brain and to balance the chemistry of human body. Regular classes of music meditation based on universal themes will be held in this Alayam.
The second is ‘Sangeethalayam,’which is a house for neurologic music therapy. In this section, music therapy, the most advanced system of therapy for human brain development, will be available. This can help the development of brain of children affected with autism, cerebral palsy, strokes, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders.
‘Sabdalayam,’ the third Alayam is exclusively for voice therapy ie. vocology. This new branch, basically developed in the west, where Fr Paul has undergone intensive training, is the science and practice of voice habilitation and rehabilitation with the help of professionals. The patients will receive scientific techniques of voice production through the art of breathing and relaxation through Yoga.
‘Kalalayam’has been planned on the lines of the ancient Indian system of Gurukulam. Fundamentals of Music and Dance and advanced courses in these branches will be provided under experienced Gurus.
The fifth house is ‘Yogalayam.’ Yoga is the discipline, a unique contribution to the world by India. It is a mind and body practice that combines movements, meditation and breathing. Systematic training in Yoga will naturally be a catalyst to training in all the four branches.
Fr Paul Poovathingal is the executive Director of Ganashram, managed by KESS (Kuriakose Elias Service Society) of the Devamatha Province of CMI congregation. In the present world of conflicts and tension, Ganashram will be a blessing for creating peace and harmony in the society. It may be remembered that both in India and the West, development of music owed to the priestly class. Ganashram stands as an extension to that hoary tradition.
