A Karma Yogi: P. Nataraja Achari
"When an action arises from the depths of the mind, body and soul, it breathes life and transcends time. Such a person is a Karma Yogi.
The vina craftsman P. Nataraja Achari exemplifies this. He follows a family tradition of vina makers, a legacy passed down from his father, M. Palaniappan Achari.
I would describe him as a simple, unpretentious soul - a spiritual meditator who beholds the vina daily. Karma is the mystery that fuels his life force. When he is at his craft, he seeks neither food nor rest. His childlike curiosity drives him to explore innovations beyond established tradition. He is indifferent to praise and unaffected by insults. He becomes one with his craft, just as a virtuoso artist becomes one with their art. His devotion has led him to a life of simplicity, living in a hut like a hermit, finding contentment in his work. Yet this dedication does not translate into financial gain.
Though the vina holds great cultural significance as a symbol of India, both vina players and makers are dwindling in number. Various factors contribute to this decline, but through collective effort, we can strive to restore the legacy of this ancient art and craft.
This short film tells the story of a Karma Yogi in his own words." - Karaikudi Subramanian
Featuring:
Vina Craftsman: P. Nataraja Achari
Brhaddhvani, Founder-Director: Dr. Karaikudi Subramanian
Entrepreneur, Thanjavur Paintings: Madhumitha Senthilkumar
Photographs: (© 1999) Norbert Beyer. Lautenbau on Südindien: M. Palaniappan Achari und Seine Arbeit (Book)
Filming and Editing: Thenuga Thevapalan
Location: Tiruchirappalli, India
Subtitles: Karaikudi Subramanian, Mathuriga Thevapalan and Thenuga Thevapalan
© 2025. Brhaddhvani.