Riyaaz

The ‘Pundita of percussion’, Anuradha Pal was in Goa, for an event organised by Samraat Club, Panaji. She also interacted in a workshop session with Tabla players. A student queried about tips for warm-up before the performance. The answer from the master was prompt, ‘Riyaaz is the warm-up!’

The Pundita insisted that the practice of Riyaaz was the only way to be fully fit for one’s skill. Riyaaz, she explained, was all about revisiting the basics, on a regular basis. She eloquently declared, ‘jo riyaaz karega... woh raaj karega’ (the one who practices the basics, will be the master of his trade)

It is pertinent to note that Anuradha Pal’s advice is applicable to all disciplines that strive for brilliance. She used an apt analogy to make her point... grammar basics needed to be revisited on a regular basis to build effectiveness in any language. Persons, who regularly return to their dictionaries and grammer texts, are better empowered to optimise their language skills.

So often, we pursue new knowledge and skills. But worthy pursuits are turned feeble if basics are ignored. To be better at building our skills we must return to the ‘riyaaz’... where we revert to the essentials of our own art, craft or trade. However, ‘riyaaz’ should not be an occasional exercise fuelled by a looming need. ‘Riyaaz’ should be a continuous and consistent commitment!

In every field, practice of the fundamentals is vital to the path to perfection. A sound foundation is imperative for building on the edifice of excellence. We must regularly go back to the nuts and bolts... to the ABC of our knowledge and skills. After all, the recurring ‘riyaaz’ is the warm-up that will ensure our fitness to scale the desirable journey to the summit of excellence.

‘Back to the basics’ is the way to the top...

Let’s BE BETTER at the ‘Riyaaz’ warm-up!

- Pravin K. Sabnis

Goa, India.