Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala – The air crackles with a potent blend of passion and patriotism as the MBS Youth Choir (MBSYC) rehearses. The lines, "Thikkugal ettum sithari, Pakka malaigal udainthu, Andam saayuthu" (All directions shatter, mountains crumble, the universe collapses), drawn from Subramania Bharati’s evocative poem "Mazhai" (Rain), resonate with a power that sends shivers down the spine. This powerful rendition, a hallmark of the choir’s performances, is more than just an artistic interpretation of nature’s fury; it’s a potent metaphor for the societal upheavals and the clarion call for public uprising that the poet championed against British rule.
As India stands on the cusp of its 80th year of independence, the MBS Youth Choir is not merely preserving the musical legacy of its founder, the legendary M.B. Sreenivasan (MBS). They are actively upholding his vision: to foster secularism, peace, and unity through the transformative power of music. MBS, a pioneer who masterfully fused Indian classical and folk traditions with Western harmony, believed in music’s capacity to ignite change. The MBSYC, in its unwavering dedication, embodies this philosophy, weaving a rich tapestry of patriotic songs that transcend linguistic and cultural barriers.
The Genesis of a Musical Movement
The story of the MBS Youth Choir is intrinsically linked to the vision of M.B. Sreenivasan and the profound impact he had on the cultural landscape of Thiruvananthapuram. Following MBS’s untimely demise in 1988, a group of like-minded musicians and cultural stalwarts, spearheaded by the late Subramania Sharma (Sharmaji), came together to commemorate his legacy. It was during this gathering that Sharmaji, inspired by MBS’s fervent wish for a choir in Thiruvananthapuram, proposed the formation of the MBS Youth Choir. This initiative, born out of deep respect and a shared artistic aspiration, officially took root in 1988.
"We are the only choir in Kerala that follows this format of singing, without a break for the last 38 years," states Ashok S, the current coordinator of the choir. He proudly carries the torch passed down by his father, Sharmaji, who, along with a dedicated group, laid the foundation for this enduring musical institution. Ashok, along with his sister Anitha S, continues to guide the choir’s artistic direction, while another sibling, S. Santhi, serves as its patron.
The choir’s consistent presence and unwavering commitment over nearly four decades are a testament to the dedication of its members and the enduring appeal of their mission. Their weekly rehearsals, held every Saturday at Lenin Balavadi in Vazhuthacaud, are a vibrant hub of musical activity and camaraderie.
A Symphony of Dedication and Evolution
The choir’s longevity is a narrative woven with dedication, passion, and a remarkable ability to adapt while staying true to its core values. Ashok S reflects on the evolving landscape of music and society, yet emphasizes the enduring power that drives them: "Times have changed. But what drives us is the energy we get from the songs and the dedication of the singers. Over the years, probably 1,000 singers have come and gone." This constant influx and outflow of talent has not diluted their spirit; instead, it has enriched their collective experience.
The choir’s impact is evident in the careers of its former members. Ashok fondly recalls composer M. Jayachandran, who trained under MBS himself and was present during the choir’s nascent stages. "He still acknowledges the role played by the choir in his musical journey," Ashok shares, highlighting the formative influence the MBSYC has had on prominent figures in the music industry.
John Mathai, 61, the choir’s secretary and a founding member, underscores the profound sense of purpose that fuels their endeavors. "MBS had once said that Thiruvananthapuram should have a choir. So when we got together for the condolence meeting after his sudden demise, Sharmaji recalled his wish," John explains, illuminating how the choir became a tangible realization of MBS’s dream. This connection to the founder’s aspirations imbues their work with a deep sense of historical significance and ongoing commitment.
A Legacy Under the Wings of Madras Youth Choir
The MBS Youth Choir’s journey of musical development and artistic excellence has been significantly shaped by its affiliation with the Madras Youth Choir (now known as the Madras MBS Choir), an organization founded by MBS himself in 1971. This symbiotic relationship ensures a continuous flow of musical expertise and tradition.
"Since then, every year, trainers from the choir come down to Thiruvananthapuram to teach us new songs," John Mathai elaborates. This consistent guidance from experienced mentors has been instrumental in maintaining the choir’s high standards and expanding its repertoire.
A core tenet of MBS’s musical philosophy, which the choir strictly adheres to, is the primacy of human voices. "MBS was particular that human voices should have prominence and not the instruments," John emphasizes. This deliberate artistic choice shapes their sound, with a focus on vocal arrangements, often accompanied by minimal instrumentation. While tabla and harmonium form the foundational rhythm and harmony, the choir occasionally incorporates keyboard or guitar to add subtle textures to their performances. This emphasis on the human voice allows for a more intimate and emotionally resonant delivery of their patriotic songs.
A Diverse Ensemble, United by Song
The MBS Youth Choir is currently guided by a team of four dedicated conductors: Gokul V.B., Sreedevi Narayanan, S. Sreekumar, and V.S. Ramachandran. Sreekumar and Ramachandran also play a crucial role in nurturing the next generation of singers by training the children’s choir.
The choir boasts a core group of long-standing members who have been instrumental in its continuity and growth. Among them are Jayanthi B, Uma Vijayachandran (who serves as the vice president), Dhanalekshmi Premjith, and Ashalatha A.R. B. Vinod Kumar presides over the choir as its president, overseeing its administrative and organizational aspects. This blend of seasoned veterans and newer members creates a dynamic environment where experience and fresh perspectives converge.
The choir’s membership is open to individuals aged 15 to 40, who undergo an audition process to ensure their vocal aptitude and commitment. The ensemble is a vibrant cross-section of society, comprising working professionals, homemakers, students from various educational institutions, and young individuals embarking on their careers. This diversity not only enriches the choir’s sound but also reinforces its message of unity and inclusivity.
A Patriotic Repertoire: A Pan-Indian Harmony
The heart of the MBS Youth Choir’s mission lies in its extensive and diverse patriotic song repertoire. Spanning over a dozen regional languages, these songs are a powerful testament to India’s rich cultural heritage and the shared spirit of nationhood. The lyrics are often penned by renowned poets, adding a layer of literary depth and emotional resonance to their performances.
The choir’s repertoire includes soul-stirring Malayalam songs like "Janmakarini," "Ethu videsathu," and "Kezhuka priya naade." From Tamil Nadu, they present "Thikkukual," "Anumathiyon," and "Paarukkulle nalla naadu." Their Hindi offerings include classics such as "Hind desh ke nivasi" and "Ye waqt ki." The rich musical tapestry extends to Kannada with "Cheluvina mudina" and "Ee mannu namudu," Marathi with "Aata uthau" and "Bharatamatha," Assamese with "Ei matire," and Odia with "Ae desha ae maati."
The poets whose verses are brought to life by the choir include celebrated figures like P. Bhaskaran, Vallathol, and O.N.V. Kurup from Malayalam literature. Their counterparts from other languages include Pandit Vinayachandra Maudgalya, R.N. Jayagopal, Sane Guruji, Sathish Das, Prem Dhawan, and Niranjan Rout, among others. This extensive collection of songs, carefully curated and powerfully rendered, serves as a potent reminder of India’s unity in diversity.
Igniting the Spirit of Patriotism: Outreach and Impact
The MBS Youth Choir’s commitment to fostering patriotism extends beyond its regular rehearsals and performances. A particularly impactful initiative was undertaken during the golden jubilee year of Indian independence in 1997. At the suggestion of Sharmaji, the choir embarked on a statewide mission to educate school children about patriotic songs.
"Members of the choir travelled across the State to train children to perform on Independence Day at respective district headquarters," Ashok recalls. The songs chosen for this monumental undertaking were the universally cherished "Vande Mataram," "Saare jahan se achcha," and "Bharatha samudayam." This program not only instilled a sense of national pride in a new generation but also solidified the choir’s role as a cultural ambassador.
Connecting with the Youth: A Resounding Call to Action
In an era where the patriotic fervor of younger generations is sometimes questioned, the MBS Youth Choir stands as a beacon of inspiration. The presence of members from Gen Z and Gen Alpha within the choir is a powerful counter-narrative, showcasing a deep and genuine connection to nationalistic ideals.
Bhava Priya, a postgraduate student at the University of Kerala, Karyavattom campus, articulates this sentiment powerfully. "I get goosebumps every time I sing a patriotic song. I feel overwhelmed, especially while singing ‘Thikkugal,’ ‘Jayabheri,’ ‘Aata uthau,’ etc," she shares. Her experience highlights the emotional and spiritual connection that the choir fosters through its music.
A fundamental rule within the choir is the memorization of all songs, prohibiting the use of lyric sheets during performances. This practice, while demanding, fosters a profound internalization of the lyrics and their meanings. "When the trainers teach us, they explain the meaning of the song as well. Thus we get more connected to the song," John Mathai explains. This approach ensures that each rendition is not merely a vocal performance but a heartfelt expression of the song’s message.
For Kalyani P.N., a Plus Two student who joined the choir only a month ago, the experience has been transformative. "I didn’t know that we had so many patriotic songs until I joined the choir. There is a special feeling when I render them," she enthuses. Her favorite is the Sanskrit song "Samarasa bhavana Bharata samrajyam," and she expresses her strong desire to continue her journey with the choir. This testament from a new member underscores the choir’s ability to inspire and engage individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups.
The MBS Youth Choir, through its unwavering dedication, rich repertoire, and commitment to its founder’s vision, continues to be a vital force in promoting national unity, peace, and patriotism. Its resonant melodies echo the spirit of a vibrant and diverse India, ensuring that the legacy of M.B. Sreenivasan continues to inspire generations to come.
For those interested in joining this harmonious movement or learning more about their work, contact numbers are available: 9495747231, 9447130111.
