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Life from Yesudas’ perspective

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: There will hardly be any corner in the world where the soulful intonations by K.J. Yesudas do not strike a chord.

In fact, his mellifluous renditions have been an integral component of the life of Indians who speak myriad languages, especially of Keralites who nostalgically cherish the celestial voice of this musical genius over the past five decades. However, not many are familiar with the life and philosophy of the acclaimed ‘Gana Gandharavan.’‘My life and my thoughts’, a translated compilation of interviews and articles on Yesudas by K.V. Pisharady, gives a clear perspective about his worldly wisdom and yearning for a classless and casteless society.

Starting with Yesudas’ approach to life and a call to relinquish the passion for desires, the book deals with various topics, mainly music, with undeniable philosophic undertones.

Certain incidents that have cast a profound influence on his life figure in the book. “One of my friends has told me about a brother’s opinion why I cannot change my name to (as) Krishnadas, for, after having sought the blessings of the Pope, I had also gone for (to) Sabarimala to seek the blessings of Lord Ayyappa, the Hindu God.” Yesudas goes on to clarify that he is proud of bearing the name given by his parents and that he does not reserve the right to change it according to his will. Poet O.N.V. Kurup says in his preface that “Yesudas the philosopher is a different experience than a singer.” It took more than a year for Mr. Pisharady to collect the details and compile the book. “The proceeds from the book to be released later this month will be used for setting up a library on Carnatic music at the Tharanganisari School of Music in the capital.

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