Harmony Function

Yesterday evening I visited the Danish Mission School, Tiruvannamalai (run by the Arcot Lutheran Church) to watch a cultural programme put on by Quo Vadis. The programme was scheduled for 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. When I arrived final preparations were being made and a stage had been set up in front of a building in the School's main courtyard.

The event known as 'Quo Vadis Harmony' is intended to be the engagement of music and arts to promote cultural dialogue. It is proposed that 'Quo Vadis Harmony' will have similar cultural programmes in the future.

It was the first time I had ever visited the Danish Mission School, located near the Periyar Statue in the heart of Tiruvannamalai. I have heard that it is the largest school in Tiruvannamalai with over 4,000 students. Fortunately school was over for the day and the school grounds were deserted except for a contingent in charge of preparations.

I look forward to re-visiting the school another time and view some of its grand old buildings.

Final preparations were quickly completed and the crowds arrived to watch a 2 hour programme comprising; a violin recital, drama, performing arts and a dance programme, put on by the 42 members of the 'Quo Vadis Forum'.

As I sat watching the much appreciated programme in the dusk at the Danish Mission School, I observed Arunachala in the distance and thought how delightful it was to be listening to a 12 instrument violin recital playing Beethoven and Bach at the foot of the sacred Hill.

The below backdrop to the stage was painted by Rev. Joshua Peter (the co-ordinator of Quo Vadis and a Lutheran pastor in this area) with the words:

DISSOLVES THE EGO, THE FLAME OF AWARENESS
RIGHT SPEECH, HELPFUL PEOPLE
RIGHT VIEWS
RIGHT MINDFULNESS
RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
RIGHT EFFORT, INNOCENTS
CAREER, THE JOURNEY

The programme included a Bharat Nityam dance by three young lady members of the 'Quo Vadis Forum'.

The main highlight of the evening was a recital by 12 violins playing music by Western composers including Beethoven and Bach. The recital, an 'arangettram' (debut public musical recital) included some violinists that had been playing for only a very short time. The violinists had been trained by Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Devanesan.

As well as music there were many cultural and performing arts sketches and short dramas including both men and women enacting lessons of morality and righteous living.

The large audience was well entertained and inspired by the programme and even the young kids enjoyed the evening. In the below is a sweet little princess all made up by her Mum.

The evening was a great success and well enjoyed by the large audience.

At the end of the evening the Bishop of Arcot, Rt. Rev. Dr. Gideon Devanesan made a short speech to us visitors.

I am already looking forward to the next 'Quo Vadis Harmony' programme.