I remember leaving the high school campus half-heartedly and wondering what will happen to me. Mostly, I have learnt from music; all my education came from life experiences. It is true that I learned a bit of music and I received some basic education but I must admit that the most important learnings for me came from the journey of life. I had an interest in science apart from music and I was passionate about both. That has now become the foundation of what I am doing now. If my music connects with many people, be it Indian, Pakistani, Arab or American, it’s because my music is imbued with unconditional giving and because my heart gravitate towards purity. I have heard even musicians proudly declare that “my son is a doctor or an engineer or my son has found a job in the US.” I wonder, why didn’t they make their children violinists; I suppose it is because it could be beneath their dignity to openly admit that their children are violinists. Music has given me everything – Oscar, Grammy, money, fame and whatever I need in this life. Many people had given me advice as to what I should do and I should not do but I love to be myself. I am happy sitting in a room, doing my music and I don’t wish to be that person who others want me to become. Maybe I was fearless about the result; I simply pursued my dream without regard to consequences.
My kids complain that I am always on travel. They want me to spend more time with them. Although I try to spend with them whatever time I can spare, still, they are not happy. Then, I tell them: “At least you have a dad who comes back to you after all his travels. But I didn’t have that luxury. My dad never came back”. We should honestly appreciate what we are blessed with and not cry over what is denied to us. If bad things happen to you, compensate it with more good. If ‘x’ number of bad things happen, my thinking will be to compensate it with ‘10x’ or ‘20x’ number of good things. That is the positive way of countering the bad and moving forward. In my life, this is the principle I like to follow. Just wanted to conclude by saying ‘Ella Pugazhum Iraivanuke (All praise to God)’.
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