My deepest condolences to the Shankar family for your great loss and the world’s loss ~ I feel so fortunate to have grown up in Encinitas and was able to attend the beautiful memorial for Ravi Shankar at the Yogananda’s Self Realization sacred grounds ~ It was deeply moving to experience the family memories, music and essence of such a tremendous uplifting spirit as Ravi under the gold domes of the temple and deep blue skies ~ His contribution to world music will forever be part of lives as well as his influence on striving for a more gentle and peaceful world ~
If I may, a few observations to share of the memorial ~ First one is struck by the beautiful display of white roses throughout the setting of the memorial with pictures of Ravi at various stages of his magical life ~ We were later told that the flowers came from Olivia Harrison, George Harrison’s wife, for Ravi and George’s friendship are legendary ~ Olivia later spoke at the ceremony, sharing her memories and personal insight on the man and life of Raviji ~
Each attendant is given a beautiful Harrison rose when entering the grounds and lovely Indian girls shower us with flower pedals and hold pots of red powder which are applied upon request ~
On stage special Indian music is performed ~ I tried to capture some of the music and speeches on film ~ I will share the videos I filmed of the ceremony, here on D.E., if they come out successfully ~ Ravi’s wife and two daughters, Anoushka and Norah were joined by other notable guests at the memorial ~
All the speeches were heart felt ~ Among the speakers were Anoushka and conductor Zubin Mehta and other close relations… One of the memories in particular that deeply moved me was from Ravi’s son-in-law, film director Joe Wright..He recalls he was on his way, driving to the hospital from Los Angeles to San Diego to be at Ravi’s bedside with the other family members .. and before arriving he had a vision at the precious moment Ravi passed away .. that he saw Raviji as a young boy of 6 years of age ~ He was happy and was playing in a beautiful field …and he had his whole life before him ..his extraordinary life all lay before him ~
Ravi was deeply loved by his family and friends and in the words of Oliver Craske from the memorial program handout – Ravi was “one of the giants of twentieth century music. As a performer, composer and teacher, he was an Indian classical artist of the highest rank…If he could walk with these kings and prime ministers, he never lost the common touch. Friends loved his impish sense of fun, which complemented his air of dignity”…and in the words of filmmaker Mark Kidel, he had “a marvelously light touch and a strong spiritual core.”.