NURTURING THE SOUL OF MUSIC IN GOA Journey of Pravin Gaonkar in The Pursuit of Musical Excellence

In the vibrant state of Goa, where the sound of the crashing waves resonates with an inherent musicality, a humble man named Pravin Gaonkar has dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the essence of classical music. With a deeprooted passion for the art form, Gaonkar has not only embarked on his own melodic journey but has also established the renowned Sanjeevan Music Academy, where he cultivates the talents of aspiring musicians. Through his unwavering dedication, he has created a platform that nurtures the soul of music in Goa, inspiring both young and old to embrace the harmonious world of melodies.

Padmabhushan Pandit Ajoy Chakrabarty at the Samrat Sangeet Sammelan in Ponda that ignited the flames of G a o n k a r ' s p a s s i o n f o r classical music. The maestro's enchanting performance left an everlasting impression on

By Kalyani Merwade

backing, and a conducive musical environment. Despite t h e c h a l l e n g e s , h e p e r s e v e r e d , t r a v e l i n g extensively to learn from accomplished musicians and expanding his horizons His r e l e n t l e s s p u r s u i t o f

A Musical Heritage:

Born in the enchanting town of Canacona, Pravin Gaonkar was fortunate to be raised in a musically inclined family. His father, the late Shri Pandurang Naik Gaonkar, was a revered Bhajan singer who instilled a love for music within his young son From an early age, Gaonkar was immersed in the mesmerising world of Bhajans and temple melodies The Marathi Sangeet Dramas held in Canacona also left an indelible mark on his musical journey. Despite the absence of formal training facilities in his hometown, Gaonkar's raw talent and ardent dedication propelled him forward. The Spark of Inspiration: I t w a s a s e r e n d i p i t o u s encounter with the legendary the young musician, becoming a turning point in his life. While his father had previously encouraged him to pursue music, it was this concert that kindled a deep desire within Gaonkar to embark on a formal journey of learning and mastering the intricate nuances of classical melodies.

Overcoming Challenges:

Like any pursuit of passion, Gaonkar encountered his fair share of hurdles along the way With music being a continuous learning process, he emphasises the importance of sacrifice, dedication, and hard work. Gaonkar was blessed to find a supportive guru, his family's unwavering excellence continues to this day, as he remains committed to his own musical growth.

The Birth of Sanjeevan Music Academy:

After serving as a professor of Commerce for 26 years, G a o n k a r m a d e t h e courageous decision to retire early and devote his life entirely to music. Driven by a desire to create a space that w o u l d e n a b l e a s p i r i n g musicians to fully immerse themselves in their craft, he founded the Sanjeevan Music Academy. Located in Panaji, the academy offers a wide range of courses, including vocal, tabla, harmonium, sarangi, sitar, violin, and flute.

With no age restrictions, Gaonkar welcomes anyone with a passion for music, fostering a diverse community of learners.

The Path Forward: While establishing the music academy came with its own set of challenges, such as finding suitable premises and assembling a competent f a c u l t y , G a o n k a r ' s indomitable spirit propelled him forward. The academy's reputation has grown steadily, and it currently boasts 125 students, all of whom are guided towards becoming p e r f o r m a n c e - o r i e n t e d musicians Notably, the academy has taken on the ambitious project of reviving the Sarangi in Goa, with the a i m o f p r o d u c i n g t w o professional Sarangi players within the next five years.

Swaramangesh: Celebrating Musical Legacies:

A d d i n g t o h i s l i s t o f accomplishments, Gaonkar initiated Swaramangesh, an annual classical music and dance festival held in honour of the great Goan musician a n d t h e s p i a n , M a s t e r Dinanath Mangeshkar This t h r e e - d a y f e s t i v a l , inaugurated by the illustrious B h a r a t R a t n a L a t a Mangeshkar herself, has become a highly anticipated event in the cultural calendar of Goa Swaramangesh showcases renowned and budding artists, bringing together classical music and dance enthusiasts from all walks of life.

A Harmonious Future:

L o o k i n g a h e a d , P r a v i n Gaonkar envisions a future where he continues to refine his own artistry and guide his disciples towards achieving international acclaim. With plans to establish a state-ofthe-art music studio and further expand the Sanjeevan Music Academy, Gaonkar seeks to create a haven for m u s i c i a n s t h a t f o s t e r s creativity, exploration, and musical excellence. His invitation to the readers of Incredible Goa is an earnest plea to embrace the divinity of music, to join the ranks of those who find solace and inspiration in its timeless melodies.

Pravin Gaonkar's journey exemplifies the transformative power of music and the unwavering spirit of a true artist From his humble beginnings in Canacona to the establishment of the esteemed Sanjeevan Music

A c a d e m y a n d t h e Swaramangesh festival, Gaonkar has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape o f G o a T h r o u g h h i s dedication, passion, and perseverance, he continues to inspire and shape the next generation of musicians, ensuring that the soul-stirring melodies of classical music will endure for generations to come.