SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY- RAMAPURAM
EVENT TITLE : Songs of reality: Visual Representation of lyrics
DATE : 12.09.2024
TIME : 09:00am -10:30am
VENUE : Preview theatre, 6th floor, PG Dental Block
EVENT CONVENER : Dr.N.Meenakshi ( HOD of JMC)
EVENT COORDINATORS : Mrs. Ahila Ezhil Gowsalya
NO OF PARTICIPANTS. : 26
SUMMARY OF THE EVENT:
Welcome Address:
The event commenced with a warm welcome speech by Kishalini, a second-year student, who greeted the esteemed guests and the audience. Her words set the tone for the session, expressing excitement for the insightful discussions ahead.
Opening Remarks by HOD Dr.N.Meenakshi :
Meenakshi Ma’am took the stage to extend a formal welcome to everyone present. She highlighted the struggles that individuals often undergo to reach higher levels in their careers. She emphasized the importance of perseverance and hard work. She also praised Indian youth for their creativity and potential, citing that good content always finds its place. Her message underlined the notion that storytelling, especially in cinema, plays a significant role in shaping culture and influence.
Introduction of the guest
Following Meenakshi Ma’am’s speech, Ezhil Ma’am introduced the chief guest of the day, Mr. Ekadasi. Hailing from Paniyan village, Ekadasi’s journey from a humble background to becoming a renowned lyricist is inspiring. Despite not attending college, he has read numerous books, been closely associated with the audience, and his works are now studied in educational institutions. His rich experiences and deep understanding of cinema have made him a respected figure in the industry.
Felicitation of the guest :
Dr.N. Meenakshi Ma’am and Ahila Ezhil Gowsalya Ma’am presented Mr. Ekadasi with a memento as a token of appreciation for his immense contributions to the field of cinema and music. The gesture symbolized the department’s recognition of his achievements and influence in Tamil cinema, making the moment memorable for all present.
Insights from Ekadasi’s Speech
Mr. Ekadasi delivered a thought-provoking speech, starting with a warm welcome to the attendees in the preview theatre. He emphasized the importance of songs in cinema, explaining that songs are not mere add-ons but crucial elements that enhance the emotional depth of characters and stories. He shared his personal journey, revealing that although he initially aspired to be a director, his path led him to become a lyricist, writing for over 400 films, working with 300 directors and 200 music composers.
He discussed the evolution of songs in Tamil cinema, noting how in the past, movies featured numerous songs, while today, this number has significantly reduced. He cited the importance of aligning songs with the script, explaining how even a three-page screenplay can be condensed into a three-minute song, carefully crafted to match the film’s emotional tone.
Ekadasi also elaborated on the technical aspects of song creation, detailing how songs are often composed before the shoot but sometimes written post-shooting due to actor availability. He highlighted that the true success of a song lies in not overshadowing the plot but enhancing it, using films like Mugavari and Rhythm as examples.
Q&A Session :
In the interactive Q&A session, students posed several insightful questions, allowing Mr. Ekadasi to delve deeper into the nuances of songwriting and music production.
Sundar asked about the use of animal sounds in songs, to which Ekadasi explained that they are often added using CGI to appeal to younger audiences or to add a modern touch.
Meenakshi Ma’am raised a philosophical question about relying on illusions in life, and Ekadasi responded by encouraging students to write and speak out about real issues like water scarcity, emphasizing that change begins from within.
A student questioned if one needs special talent to become a lyricist or music director, to which Ekadasi replied that passion and mindset are the most important factors in achieving success in any field.
Aarthi inquired about song dubbing into other languages, and Ekadasi explained that lyrics are adapted to fit the lip movements while maintaining the original tune.
Saamrat asked about Tamil pop and its relevance for Gen Z, and Ekadasi commented that music evolves with each generation, and it’s important that lyrics resonate with today’s youth.
Meenakshi Ma’am posed another question about the media producing songs that cater to everyone, to which Ekadasi explained that just as books are tailored to different age groups, songs are made to appeal to different audiences.
Vote of Thanks by Bharath
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Bharath, a first-year student, who expressed gratitude to the chief guest, faculty, and all attendees for their participation in the enriching session. He acknowledged the valuable insights shared by Ekadasi, which left a lasting impact on everyone present.
Closing Statement and Photo Session
In his closing statement, Mr. Ekadasi thanked the audience for their engagement and thoughtful questions. He concluded by encouraging everyone to reflect on the truths and illusions in everyday life, drawing parallels between cinema and reality. The session ended with a group photo, marking the conclusion of a successful and informative event
OUTCOMES OF THE PROGRAM: (Based on SDG and Feedback) SDG 4: Quality Education
This event significantly contributed to SDG 4 by fostering a learning environment where students had the opportunity to engage with a distinguished lyricist, Mr. Ekadasi. His insights into the creative process of songwriting and his journey in the film industry enriched the students’ understanding of cinema and lyricism. This session encouraged creative thinking, critical analysis, and the importance of storytelling in education, enhancing the students’ overall educational experience.
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
By sharing his personal journey and professional experiences, Mr. Ekadasi highlighted the importance of hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning in achieving success in the creative industry. His story inspired students to pursue their passions and understand the value of decent work in fostering economic growth. The event provided practical knowledge about career opportunities in cinema and music, helping students envision pathways to decent employment in the growing creative economy.
SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
The discussion on the role of media, music, and culture in shaping communities tied directly to SDG 11. Mr. Ekadasi emphasized how cinema and music can influence social change and create awareness around crucial issues like water scarcity. This event reinforced the idea that sustainable communities thrive when cultural industries like film and music promote meaningful narratives, fostering a sense of shared identity and responsibility within cities and communities.
