Small Story 485.

Small Story 485. Encounter at the Thyagaraja Aradhana Shruti came home after finishing her shopping. Her mother, Smriti, greeted her warmly and said, “I have good news for you.” Smriti then told her that her friend Ranjini had invited Shruti as a guest singer for a special programme connected with the great Saint Thyagaraja Aradhana celebrations, to be held the next day in the hall of Ranjini’s house. Shruti was amazed and delighted. Singing in front of a gathering of nearly 75–100 people who deeply loved Carnatic music and Thyagaraja kritis was a great honor. Shruti had learned Carnatic music from a young age and had always dreamed of singing on such an auspicious occasion. She felt truly blessed by God to be invited during the sacred Thyagaraja Aradhana festival month at Gubbalala, in Ranjini’s independent house. The next morning, Shruti reached Ranjini’s house. She was warmly welcomed by Ranjini and several members of the audience, who were introduced to her. After breakfast and tea, the programme began. Shruti sang for nearly 90 minutes, and the audience of about 90 people thoroughly enjoyed her soulful and divine voice. The hall echoed with applause and appreciation. After the performance, a man from the audience came forward and introduced himself as Manohar. He expressed his admiration for Shruti’s singing and said that he wanted to take her as a singer in his upcoming film. Ranjini was astonished and told Shruti that Manohar was a famous music director who had worked with award-winning directors like Nagabharana. When Shruti returned home and shared the news, her mother Smriti was overwhelmed with joy. She felt that it was truly the blessing of Saint Thyagaraja, showered upon her daughter during the sacred month of his celebration. K.Ragavan 9-1-26