"Myth must be kept alive. The people who can keep it alive are the artists of one kind or another. The function of the artist is the mythologization of the environment and the world."
-- Joseph Campbell
Mrs.Vimala Rajagopal, Founder-Member of Prasthapa and a well-known 'Nadapada' singer in Vijayawada Akashavani explained her experiences and her accomplishments in bringing folk music to people at large. She emphasized the necessity of preserving purity of nadapada's tune and meaning. She distinguished between nadapada and sugama sangeetha by giving examples, as many people cannot understand the difference between nadapada and bhavageete.
Full-length study of Vimala's domestic settings not only traces the native folk songs, but also measures the scope and depths of their representation. Exploring her early memories about her home, acquaintance with noted people, and the fertile musical environment, she explained how these factors contributed toward her aesthetic richness of folk music.
She explained the work done by some scholars to preserve what is valuable about the archaeological perspective of folk music, which are filled with implied meaning. It is useful for those who want to deal seriously with literary profession, as they become intelligible within the invisible system.
She described how her uncle Mattighatta Krishnamurthy influenced and inspired Vimala and her sisters to cultivate affection towards nadapadagalu by telling juicy stories and encouraged them to sing by amusing them in different ways. She gave credit to Mattighatta Krishnamurthy for all her accomplishments.
Mr. Rajagopal introduced "Prasthapa", a literary organization in Philadelhia, to the audience.
Vimala's sister Dr.Vasanthi Culleton assisted her in music and Dr. Robert Culleton accompanied them with his Guitar.
Dr. Vijaya Kulkarni delivered vote of thanks.
The program ended with light refreshments.