What is the difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music!

February 7, 2002 (Thursday)

Swami came out at 4.15 pm and blessed the birthday boys. He came towards the school students seated in the third block and enquired from one of them.

Swami : Where is Mysore lion? (Immediately, one student came running and stood behind Swami. Swami was very happy on spotting him, and enquired whether he had gone home after the Sports Meet. The student replied in the negative. Then to another school student…) Which lion are you?

(The student was silent.) Which place are you from?

Student : Shimla, Swami.

Swami : You are Shimla lion? But Shimla lions are fair. (Swami then spoke to an Institute student who had participated in the Lion Dance.) (Calling one of the Music College students…) Which degree are you studying?

Student : Swami, I am in Music College.

Swami : What are you learning?

Student : Veena, Swami.

Swami : Why are your hands shivering?

Student : No, Swami. (Swami held the boy’s hand and started rotating it. He then asked him to show his palm. Observing it for some time …)

Swami : See, your hand is shaking. Which Raga do you know properly?

Student : Swami, Raag Mohanam. (Swami then asked him to sing in a low tone. He also corrected the boy while he was singing.)

Swami : Did you hear Prof. Anil Kumar playing Veena?

Student : No, Swami.

Swami : Where do you come from?

Student : Hindupur, Swami.

Swami : What is the difference between Carnatic and Hindustani music? (There was no reply from the student. Swami then asked the boy to sing some Swaras (notes). The student replied that he knew only songs.) Who knows Swaras?

Student : Swami, my Principal knows.

Swami : Being the Principal of the Music College, he has to know Swaras!

Source: Students with Sai: Conversations (2001-2004)