by Shikha Sinha
In the serenity of ATS Village, Kanak Chaturvedi moved in 2015 to her apartment (5571) after retirement of her husband, Atul Chaturvedi, from administrative services. They were apprehensive of life in a confined apartment, after staying in sprawling accommodations. To their amazement they now believe they made a wise decision. A gifted singer, we met Kanakji during her vocal music session in which she imparts free classical music lessons for those keen to learn; and wanted to know her journey in this field.
Born and brought up in Hatras, in UP, she did her BA in 1974–76 from Agra University. A born singer, her formal music lessons began when 6 years under Jumman Khan of Hatras. In graduation she took music as one of her subjects.
After her marriage, in Lucknow, she gives all credit for her onward path in music to her father-in-law who was of a liberal outlook and did not want her ‘bahu’ to be confined to home. He got her admitted in Bhatkhande Music Institute. After 8-year course she attained Nipun in music, which is the initiation into stage performance. Under her guru Dr. Prem Singh Kinot, she attained proficiency of the ‘sur’ and ‘taal’ of music over tanpura. After completion of studies, she was softly pushed by her guru into teaching Musicology subject in the Institute; she taught for 4 years. On his advice did MA in music from Kanpur, in 1998. Later she was motivated to do PhD in music, but could not complete because of the passing away of her guru.
In the panel of ICCR; worked in the music department of Rai Foundation at Mathura Road, New Delhi; in DPS international and DPS society she prepared children for musical events; in Pearl Academy, Naraina, she taught music – are her accomplished assignments in New Delhi between 2000–14.
Besides teaching, she did stage performances. With Muzaffar Ali did 4–5 shows and got opportunity for opera singing. Under Iqbal Siddiqui she learnt gazal singing. She performed on stage for charity and foundations at various places, in Kolkata, in Dantewada (for miners/tribals), for BSF at LOC and Army at Leh.
Along with music, Kanak ji paid equally attention to the bringing up of her son and daughter who are into finance and medical professions, respectively.
Now she wants to impart free music lessons to keen learners. Those willing should join her!
