The Tapasya Chamber Concert on 8 March 2025 for the Madras Literary Society (MLS) was more than just a musical event; it was a deep conversation about the role of women in the arts. Organised as a fundraiser for MLS—an institution with over 50,000 books dating back to 1908. The first half of the event featured a soulful concert themed “Women Composers” by vidushi Sriranjani Santhanagopalan, accompanied by  Deepika Venkatraman on the violin and Charu Hariharan on the mridangam. Their music was further enriched by the evocative abhinaya of dancer Jyotsna Akilan, whose expressions deepened the impact of the performance.

The program opened with a verse by Avvaiyar, celebrating Tamil literary heritage, followed by the varnam Vallabha Nayaka in raga Purnachandrika, composed by Sriranjani, offering a fresh perspective on the theme. The performance continued with Andal’s fourth pasuram, highlighting the voice of the only female Alwar, and Mathada baradeno a Javali by the trailblazing musician, devadasi and saint Bangalore Nagarathnamma. The concert concluded with a Meera bhajan, in raga Pilu, adding a spiritual touch. Adding to the uniqueness of the concert was the Adufe, a Portuguese instrument traditionally played by women, which was beautifully demonstrated by Charu.

Enhancing the beauty of the javali was a deeply expressive dance by Jyothsna Akilan, who metaphorically depicted the longing of a true devotee for the divine. She evoked the joyous memories of life with her beloved lord through vivid imagery— the sorrow of separation of the Nayika from her beloved, likening it to a fish left gasping on barren land, separated from the water, the tender dependence of a creeper, yearning for support of a tree, a flower searching in vain for the life force of sunlight, and the last one being the Shruti’s interwovennes with layam.

This was followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion with accomplished women in the arts—Shreya Devnath, (violinist), Apoorva Jayaraman, (dancer),  Akhila Krishnamurthy, founder of Aalaap; and  Anjana Rajagopalan, a music producer and composer. The panel was ably moderated by Sriranjani. They shared valuable insights on a range of topics, from bringing women composers to the forefront to navigating professional boundaries and achieving work-life balance.

The panel sparked an important discussion on the invisibility of women in mainstream composition. They spoke about the lack of time, space, and access to creative opportunities for women and how, historically, women’s work has often been claimed by men. The struggle for recognition and validation remains a challenge, as does balancing artistic careers with motherhood and entrepreneurship, often without adequate support.

The discussion highlighted the challenges women face in gaining recognition as composers, often overshadowed by societal expectations. While their performances are celebrated, they are frequently questioned about their personal lives—scrutiny rarely directed at men. Validation of their creative contributions is essential to encourage more women to step forward, but audiences must also be willing to hear their stories.

Collaboration among women should come from genuine willingness rather than obligation, and setting boundaries remains a struggle, as women have long been seen through the lens of beauty rather than as individuals with agency. The ability to say no is crucial for future generations.

Work-life balance, often treated as a woman’s burden, is a shared responsibility. The arts, still viewed as a hobby rather than a profession, pose challenges for both men and women, who are often asked what they "really" do for a living. The discussion reinforced that art demands more than passion—it requires surrender, sacrifice, and immense effort.

A key take away from the discussion was the need for collaboration among women. The speakers emphasised that the arts should not be treated as a competition, as there is space for multiple voices to coexist. They also addressed the pressure women face to conform in professional settings and the difficulty of asserting personal boundaries. Another crucial point was the importance of telling women’s stories from a female perspective rather than through a male gaze.

As the evening drew to a close, Sriranjani delivered the vote of thanks, bringing an end to an insightful and reflective discussion. Despite the challenges women face, it is important to recognize that men, too, navigate their own struggles. The essence of art transcends gender—it is a divine force, a means of rising above worldly sorrows, and a path toward the higher self. Whether celebrated or unknown, every artist carries within them a profound spirituality. Art has endured the test of time and will continue to thrive, leading generations toward spiritual and creative fulfillment.

This event truly embodied the spirit of Women’s Day, offering an enriching experience for all. Being in the presence of such trailblazers and hearing their perspectives was deeply inspiring. This event was a perfect blend of soulful music and meaningful conversations, making it both enriching and thought-provoking.

By

V.Ashvitha (9H), R. Samyukta (11 F2) & Vaishnavi Iyer (10 M)

Students of Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan Sr.Sec School

KK Nagar Branch