Sir,
I recently entered the Shabad Kirtan Jatha Competition in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. My Sister, my tabla player, and | were in one group and we received the lowest of four ratings which was “Satisfactory”.
I know a few of the reasons why I did not receive a higher rating. ‘One reason was I did not have a loud, clear voice. Also, many of the children in the middle of their shabad would play a tune and sing, “Sa, Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, Ni, Sa”, all mixed up.
What does “Ga, Re, Sa, Dha, Ma, and so forth mean? If you are singing about God, why mix in meaningless words just to confuse. I also did not score well because I did not include these words in my performance.
Even though this was my first jatha competition, I have some Suggestions. I am requesting that next year, all judges be well— known Raagis, Bhai Jis, and Giani Jis. They should have a considerable amount of shabad experience. I am also requesting that the presence of “Sa, Re, Ga” should count neither for nor against the performer’s rating.
Madhu Kaur Age: 12
Huntsville, Alabama
Article extracted from this publication >> October 19, 1990
