Date:24/08/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/08/24/stories/2003082404600300.htm

Southern States - Karnataka

`Music too can bring rainfall'

By Our Staff Correspondent

MYSORE AUG. 23 . The noted Carnatic vocalist, M. Balamuralikrishna, said on Saturday that music could bring rainfall to the drought-affected areas. In an informal chat with presspersons here, Dr. Balmuralikrishna said the State Government, which was trying out cloud seeding technology, could use music that was known to bring rainfall.

He claimed that he had brought rainfall to the water-starved areas twice earlier. He said: "Through my music, I have brought rainfall in Bellary and Thiruvananthapuram in the past. Music can also stop the rainfall if it is heavy."

Asked if he would help the State Government in its effort to bring rainfall, he said he would be happy to do it for any State facing a drought. Regarding the encouragement from the Government for the development of Carnatic music, Dr. Balamuralikrishna said it was sad that there was no representation of musicians from the South, especially to the Rajya Sabha. The problems faced by musicians were never highlighted, he said.