Tabla in Japan: The Indo-Japan Experience (Nov 95-Jan 96)

Participating in the student exchange programme between the Gujarat University in Ahmedabad (India) and Otemon Gakuin University in Osaka (Japan) is a cherished dream of many students of these universities. Each year, amidst stiff competition, two students are selected by each university to participate in this cultural exchange programme. These students spend about three months (between Nov to Jan) at the other university; learning the culture, language, management,and other areas of interest of the other country. There are home stays where you stay with local families, historical and fun excursions, and exchange of local customs and traditions. Students get a unique opportunity to gain first-hand experience of a foreign culture - an experience which, I am sure, is unforgettable for all the participants.

For me, getting an opportunity to participate in this programme` was nothing less than an act of serendipity. I had not heard about this programme until about 4 months before Nov 95. While in the final year of Gujarat University's BBA programme, our Director, Mr. Parikh, informed us about this programme. Students were asked to submit an application form alongwith details of their interests and extra-curricular and cultural activities/achievements. We had about three days to submit. My colleague, Taral, and I were selected from our college, and after a gruelling inter-college interview at the Gujarat University, we both were selected to participate in the 1995-96 Indo-Japan Student Exchange Programme. It was my first overseas trip! I had decided to carry the Tabla to Japan to provide a glimpse of Indian culture. Fortunately, I got several opportunities to perform. Be it the International Friends Association, the Lion's club, the Indian cultural centre, the University, or Tagore Sensei's residence, playing the Tabla was a memorable experience.

In sync with Prof. Sandip Tagore at his residence...



At the International Friends Society..


At the Lion's Club...



It gave me a sense of great pride when Indian music and culture was appreciated in foreign land. I also got the opportunity to take some piano and guitar sessions.




Three months passed by quickly, and so has the decade since Jan 96. However, the memories of this experience are still fresh. Sayonara!

The Latin American Experience

Edinburgh - December 2004
Fusion with Latin American band.

While pursuing an MSc in Finance & Investment at the University of Edinburgh (2004-05), I was fortunate to get an opportunity to get associated and perform with 'Voces Del Sur' - a Latin American folk band. The assocaition was a matter of luck. My friend Alan Tweedie had taken me to one of the band's performances in Edinburgh. The band comprised of Valentina Montoya-Martinez (the lead singer and guitarist), David Russel (the guitarist),Emma Smith (double-bass) and Edwardo (Latin American drums). Their music was enchanting, and I was enthralled to listen to them. They performed a wide range of music within a broad umbrella of Latin American folk styles, including chacareras, zambas, joropos, valses, Cuban son, Afro-Peruvian songs and cuecas, much of it based on music from the Chilean New Song Movement.

After the show, Alan introduced me to the band, when I was offered to try out a gig with the band, since Edwardo was to be away for a month. Tabla and Latin American music!!!..I thought worth giving a shot. The first rehersal went very well, and I was a part of the band for over a month!! Improvising to the groove of latin American music was a challenging and wonderful experience. The timing was excellent, since we had a two-week winter break. It was a great feeling peforming and blending with Latin American music...

Below is a photo from our show at the Roxy Theater, Edinburgh, Dec 2004. This show was covered by the daily newspaper 'Edinburgh News', which stated " The mix of Latin rhythms and Indian drums might sound bizarre, but works beautifully.....The Tabla are naturally associated with Indian music, but for at least one night, joined the ranks of Latin percussion. Bhatt found the groove and made it seem as though the drums were native to this music."