Singing
Sa-Re-Ga-Ma-Pa-Dha-Ni are the seven basics notes for Indian classical music, much like Do-Re-Mi-Fa-So-La-Ti. Over the last seven years in which I have been learning to sing Hindustani music, I have come to appreciate the profound symbolic nature of these notes. Like their western counterparts, these notes ascend by orderly steps to higher pitches. What makes them unique, however, is that each note is associated with a specific Sanskrit word. Whenever I reflect on the symbolic meaning of this scale, I cannot help but think about my life story.
Sa, short for “Shadja”, means six-born because it gives “birth” to the following six notes. This note reminds me of my father who grew up in India as one of six children. His dream was to become a neurosurgeon, but his father could barely afford to provide for his family, let alone the cost of medical school. After coming to America, my father worked hard to ensure that his children had the opportunities he did not have.
Re means “Rishabha”, or bull, because it is a strong note. Even though I faced failures, such as not making the basketball team at first, I remained determined. Being the first to come to the gym and the last to leave, I was able to develop my basketball abilities. The coach, impressed by my determination, offered me a spot on the team.
Ga is an abbreviation for “Gandhara”, the sky—a source of endless opportunities. Likewise, this note represents my dreams to pursue a career in medicine. At a young age, I noticed my cousin suffer with epilepsy, observed my grandfather’s numerous strokes, and most recently, saw my father fight cancer. Seeing all this suffering within my family has inspired me to seek a profession in the medical field. Not only will I provide genuine service to the public, but also receive personal satisfaction through my efforts.
Ma comes from the word “Madhyam”, which translates to middle. As an Indian American, I embrace both Indian and American cultures. I have attended classes about Jainism and Hinduism, learned to speak Hindi fluently, sang sacred Indian songs, and remained a vegetarian throughout my life. Nevertheless, I am still very much American. I talk like an American. I play and love sports like an American. And I live like an American.
Pa, derived from “Panchama”, is symbolized by a nightingale. When I sing, I am very much like the nightingale that does not worry about the past or future; it simply sings joyfully with all its might. Since I was in middle school, I have practiced singing about an hour a day. Some of my friends thought this as burdensome; however, I have found this time to be an invaluable source of comfort, particularly in the midst of stress.
“Dhaivata”, the Earth, is the source of Dha. After starting high school, I realized that my goals and aspirations would be only dreams in the sky unless I did the hard work necessary to bring them down to earth. With my determination and discipline, I will be able become a doctor despite the many obstacles I encounter.
Ni, the last note, represents “Nishadam”, the hunter. Like a hunter, I intend to capture my goal of becoming a doctor. During the past two summers, I had the opportunity to closely observe a physician and work with PhD students at UC Irvine. In the clinic, I filled patient’s charts and learned about different diseases. While in the lab, I helped conduct biochemical research on the presence of fungi and bacteria in the environment. These experiences were my first expedition into the realm of medicine.
Now, I’m back to Sa, only an octave higher. It’s time for me to take these notes and weave a beautiful song together.
Sa, short for “Shadja”, means six-born because it gives “birth” to the following six notes. This note reminds me of my father who grew up in India as one of six children. His dream was to become a neurosurgeon, but his father could barely afford to provide for his family, let alone the cost of medical school. After coming to America, my father worked hard to ensure that his children had the opportunities he did not have.
Re means “Rishabha”, or bull, because it is a strong note. Even though I faced failures, such as not making the basketball team at first, I remained determined. Being the first to come to the gym and the last to leave, I was able to develop my basketball abilities. The coach, impressed by my determination, offered me a spot on the team.
Ga is an abbreviation for “Gandhara”, the sky—a source of endless opportunities. Likewise, this note represents my dreams to pursue a career in medicine. At a young age, I noticed my cousin suffer with epilepsy, observed my grandfather’s numerous strokes, and most recently, saw my father fight cancer. Seeing all this suffering within my family has inspired me to seek a profession in the medical field. Not only will I provide genuine service to the public, but also receive personal satisfaction through my efforts.
Ma comes from the word “Madhyam”, which translates to middle. As an Indian American, I embrace both Indian and American cultures. I have attended classes about Jainism and Hinduism, learned to speak Hindi fluently, sang sacred Indian songs, and remained a vegetarian throughout my life. Nevertheless, I am still very much American. I talk like an American. I play and love sports like an American. And I live like an American.
Pa, derived from “Panchama”, is symbolized by a nightingale. When I sing, I am very much like the nightingale that does not worry about the past or future; it simply sings joyfully with all its might. Since I was in middle school, I have practiced singing about an hour a day. Some of my friends thought this as burdensome; however, I have found this time to be an invaluable source of comfort, particularly in the midst of stress.
“Dhaivata”, the Earth, is the source of Dha. After starting high school, I realized that my goals and aspirations would be only dreams in the sky unless I did the hard work necessary to bring them down to earth. With my determination and discipline, I will be able become a doctor despite the many obstacles I encounter.
Ni, the last note, represents “Nishadam”, the hunter. Like a hunter, I intend to capture my goal of becoming a doctor. During the past two summers, I had the opportunity to closely observe a physician and work with PhD students at UC Irvine. In the clinic, I filled patient’s charts and learned about different diseases. While in the lab, I helped conduct biochemical research on the presence of fungi and bacteria in the environment. These experiences were my first expedition into the realm of medicine.
Now, I’m back to Sa, only an octave higher. It’s time for me to take these notes and weave a beautiful song together.