"I am lucky to have Vinayakram for my husband …"
– Chandra Vinayakram

Q: (to Vinayakram) Please tell us about some interesting happenings during your performances abroad …

A:Once, in Jakarta, they had invited music troupes from other countries for performing. A troupe headed by me also participated. My wife wished me and expressed confidence that my troupe would win the first prize. Our program received very good response. The organizers requested us to stay for one more day when we were leaving. The next day, a Japanese connoisseur spoke at the valedictory function. He announced that my troupe had been selected for the first prize! The prize carried 4,000 dollars. We donated the entire amount to that cultural organization itself. And, we made a request to award the prize to the young artists coming from other countries.

And, there was another moment that was unforgettable. At the Athens airport when I came out after checking, I found my ‘gatam’ lying in a corner in a damaged condition. People, who didn’t know its value had mishandled and broken it. ‘Sakthi’ troupe’s program was scheduled for two days later. At that time, the other members were in Germany and I informed them that I would return to India because of the mishap. But they told me that something could be done and told me to wait for their arrival. I telephoned and told my father and wife about the problem. My wife is a great devotee of Kanchi Sankaracharya. She told me to pray to him. Surprisingly, a person who happened to hear the members of the ‘Sakthi’ troupe in Germany when they were talking about this problem volunteered that he had a ‘gatam’ in his possession! It was the same instrument given by me to him when he asked for it with so much wish in his heart! The program at Athens was a total success with my own ‘gatam’ coming back to my hands! During times of contingency, we need comforting words from our well wishers, especially from our life-partner.

Q: During your stint with ‘Sakthi’ troupe, you would have had many foreigners as guests … please tell us about your experiences …

A:Many foreigners had been my guests. Guitarist John Macro had been to my house on many occasions and had dined with me too. ‘Tabla vidwan’ Zakir Hussain and mandelin Srinivas had also been among the guests. Thirumati M. S. Subbulakshmi came to my marriage in the morning itself and sung the ‘oonjal’ (swing) song. She, along with her husband had been to my house for lunch and had appreciated my wife’s cooking. Even foreigners and people with other religious slant had taken our traditional food in my house; they all used to like our food a lot.

Chandra Vinayakram: M. S. ‘Amma’s husband Sadasivam uncle applied ‘vibhuti’ on our foreheads and blessed us when we fell at his feet at the time of their leaving after taking food at our house. Uncle used to like my husband a lot. He would often say that it was because there still lived a few honest and virtuous people like Vinayakram that we were getting rains!

Q: What is your advice to the present generation couples?

A:Both the man and the woman should love and understand each other. When one of them is in trouble, the other should not criticize but should act in an encouraging manner. Even if one commits wrong, the other should talk in a comforting tone. The woman comes to the man, placing full faith in him. It is the man’s duty to see that she never sheds tears. Life will be very pleasant if there’s love and flexibility. ‘Light Foundation’ will also be a success like Kalyanamalai as its aim is very noble deserving appreciation. Family is a beautiful structure. In the success of every man, his wife and family play important roles. And, to drive home this truth, we surely require a platform. In this regard, ‘Light Foundation’ acts as a pedestal to take the message to today’s youngsters. My best wishes!