Last week, I received a copy of Viram Jasani’s book, ‘ Independence to Freedom’. Viram was born in Kenya in 1945. He came to England in 1949. Our paths crossed at Chiswick Grammar School for Boys (Chapter 6). We shared a passion for cricket, as well as an academic interest in Geography.
Between 1956-1963 Viram developed a deepening involvement with Indian classical music.
“For me Indian music grew to be a means of peace and reconciliation both at a personal level and on the global stage; it gave me a true sense of my identity.” p.122.
After completing his undergraduate degree at St Andrew’s University Viram joined the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) and became part of the music scene in London, playing the sitar.
After working in the business world, Viram created the Asian Music Circuit (AMC), Europe’s best company promoting traditional music culture – generating huge audiences all around the UK, many iconic productions at major venues .’ From 2000-2012 AMC the charity was at the height of its achievements producing major events throughout the UK and also in Europe’
Subsequently Viram became more deeply involved with traditional Indian culture through several trips to India and the inspiring thinking of ascetics and wandering scholars – the Vedic culture and revelations. The final chapter (18) describes his path to freedom. ‘ He overcame the prejudices he faced from the British arts elite and jealous Indians by embarking on a journey into Vedantic philosophy.
Reading Viram’s life story provided inspiration, starting with our parallel paths at Chiswick Grammar School for Boys. We continue to seek the same freedom, away from ruling elites, huge imbalance of power and wealth in societies across the world, uncertainty in our daily life. p.353.
Acknowledgements.
To Viram, Andrew Ronay and others who have shared these moments in time. To Heather Stewart for her lifelong support.
Reference
Viram Jasani. 2023. Independence to Freedom. Austin Macauley Publishers.
Ernest Blair Experiment 