A group of talented singers led by playback singer Nishad Kumar entertained a gathering of music lovers at a music concert organised by Changanacherry NSS College Alumni Qatar Chapter (Chanss Qatar) in memory of Malayalam poet and lyricist Vayalar Ramavarma.
The event ‘Upasana’ was held at Birla Public School on February 8, and featured the rendition of a number of beautiful melodies, penned by late Ramavarma, more than 40 years ago. All these songs continue to have extensive appeal among the music buffs in the Malayali expatriate community.
Very rarely do music lovers in the expatriate community get chances these days to listen to music events featuring only melodies and that way the organisers did a remarkably good job to host a show of many evergreen songs in Malayalam.
This was the second music show of its kind organised by Chanss Qatar, the first being one dedicated to the multifaceted Sreekumaran Thampi, which was compered by the multi-talented movie personality who has carved a niche for himself among Malayalis with his enormous lyrics, music composition and also as a film producer. 
Besides Nishad Kumar, who was flown in by the organisers from Kerala, six other Doha-based singers, Riyaz Kariyad, Manikantan, Jose George Karimkunnam, Pradeep Chandran, Malini Balachandran and Krishna Renjith mesmerised the gathering with an array of melodious songs.
The show was anchored by the late poet’s illustrious son Vayalar Sarat Chandra Varma, who is a well-known lyricist in the Malayalam film industry. While inviting the attention of the audience, Sarat travelled back to the situations and episodes in his father’s life that contributed to the concept, creation, and writing of the poems that have entertained and inspired music lovers. In short, Sarat’s presentation was as flawless as those melodies rendered by the singers. 
The poet’s meticulous presentation before and after each song showed how open minded a person he has been all along and he did not leave anything behind while narrating different episodes of his unsuccessful first love during his college days. 
While recalling those days, Sarat also explained what his shortcomings were and what stopped him from marrying his maiden love. Amidst applause, he also made many realistic disclosures, which were rich in wit and humour. 
Apart from the songs penned by Ramavarma, the evening’s proceedings also featured some songs penned also by Gnanapeeth Award recipient ONV Kurup, who passed away last month. Some of Sarat’s compositions were also there.
Responding to a query from Gulf Times, Chanss Qatar office-bearers said they are planning to make the show an annual event, considering the enormous interest for melodies among music lovers in Qatar. “More importantly, at such shows we are also getting an opportunity to remember, recall and acknowledging the painstaking efforts of the musicians and lyricists of yesteryears,” said general secretary Giridharan Nair.
Poet Sarat, who had a lively 30-minute interaction with the audience during the show, said it was sheer coincidence that he is here to anchor an event organised by the alumni of a college in Changanassery where his late father attended his last public meeting. He also said it is simply amazing that an alumni chapter is remembering his late father more than 40 years after he passed away.
The organisers honoured the singers and members of Singing Birds Doha orchestra with mementoes. 
Founding chairman of Birla Public School and prominent Indian expatriate Dr Mohan Thomas released a souvenir to mark the occasion.