A gathering in Suva has been told that books provide a window to the world and an opportunity for learning.

The comment came during a book launch at the Swami Vivekananda Centre from Indian High Commissioner to Fiji Vishvas Sapkal, who added that the book he launched would inspire Fijian youths.

Mr Sapkal said the book called A Musical Journey by accomplished local musician Sattvik Dass, was an inspiration for youth to learn more about music.

He said there was a lot to learn from the book about Indian music and life because it was about a musician’s journey to become accomplished and recognised.

Mr Dass’ story is about the ceaseless struggle, of finding love, of losing a loved one, of joy and sorrows and eventual triumph and fulfilment of his childhood dream.

Born in Qeleloa, Nadi, Mr Dass learned music from top Indian musicians, has performed in top national and international events and is a well-known exponent of Indian music.

Mr Dass is a music teacher, performer, song writer and composer.

He has achieved the Sangeet Visharad (Bachelor in Music) from Gandharva Maha Vidhyalay Manda in New Delhi; Sangeet Visharad (Advanced Training in Music) from Bharatiya Kala Kendra in New Delhi; and Diploma in Vocal, Tabla, Sitar, Violin from Sri Vallabh Sangeetalay in Mumbai, India.

He said he had written more than 40 songs on national and religious themes, romantic rhymes and patriotic and environmental advocacy.

“I have done vocal and sitar performances in countries like US, Canada, Mauritius, Australia, New Zealand and India,” Mr Dass said.

“Writing the book taught me how I could craft my writing and especially to retrieve details from my memory.

“Writing was another kind of journey for me,” Mr Dass said

Mr Sapkal said the book was very important from the perspective of a musical journey.

He said the book related how Indian music was promoted and spread out from the motherland and of Mr Dass’ journey from Fiji to India to study Indian music.

“Mr Dass was the first recipient of the Indian High Commission’s Indian Council of Cultural Relations scholarship programme.

“He went to India in 1971 and learned music in Mumbai, India.

“When the then High Commissioner to Fiji Venkat Nair came to Fiji after Fiji’s Independence in 1970 he heard Mr Dass play the sitar and loved it.

“He offered Mr Dass the first scholarship to learn Indian music in depth.

“Mr Dass learned music in very difficult conditions and that is what his book is about,” Mr Sapkal said.

Among awards Mr Dass has won locally are the Fiji Performing Rights Association Awards in May 2015, Girmit Values and Cultural Honour award by the Indian High Commission in 2016 and the Living Legend Award in 2017.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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