Sitting with Classical Indian singer Ravi Jagroop and listening to his views of life will leave you in awe. Although he is just 25-years-old, Jagroop is as mature as a 35-year-old. His views, values and vocals are indeed astonishing. I have known him for years and found him to be one of the most remarkable young men around, today.
One may think it is because of Jagroop’s good looks that he has gotten this far in his life, but his gift—his voice—and his passion for his culture are what define his success. His humility, too, is one of the attributes I admire most about the level-headed young man.
So how did he get involved in this field that he is in love with? “I think I started singing as soon as I could speak,” laughed the singer. He then related what reminded me of Lord Krishna (one of the most popular Gods in Hinduism) as a baby—being naughty.
“Apparently, when I was a baby, I used to sleep for two hours and wake for two hours so my parents would turn on the radio in an attempt to keep me occupied so I grew up listening to Geetanjali (a radio programme), Lata Mangeshkar and the like. As I grew older, we had some cassettes with Indian Classical music and so, it is what I grew up with and naturally liked it.”
At six years of age, Jagroop started going to the temple with his parents where he listened to verses of the Ramayan and other Hindu scriptures. These events, he said, all helped to shape him into the person he is today.
But from where did Jagroop’s beautiful voice come? Well, for those of you who are old enough to remember – he is the grandson of Vidoor (Gangadhar Jagroop). Vidoor was a blind Indian Classical Singer and drummer who was as astounding as his grandson. Vidoor’s talent won him the T&T championship, and then in 1969 he represented the country at an International Indian singing contest, in Guyana.
Following in his grandfather’s footsteps, Jagroop’s innate talent also won him quite a few titles. In 1999, he was a semi-finalist on Children of Mastana and in 2006, a finalist in the Mastana Bahar competition. In 2004, he copped the first prize in the Sanskritik Sangam (Local Classical Singing Category). In 2005 he managed to take the third place prize in the NCIC’s Coca Cola Teen Talent and then in 2006, 2007 and 2008, he performed remarkably, winning the competition in all three years (performing two of his grandfather’s songs).
His list of achievements does not end here. The holder of a BSc in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, then again showed off his talent at the Nationwide Independence Day Classical Singing competition (Under 19 Category).
He took the first prize again for three consecutive years—2005, 2006 and 2007. In 2008, he copped the first prize once more in the same competition but in the B Class.
In 2009, encouraged by his passion to worship God through song, Jagroop entered the NCIC International Classical Singing and Drumming Competition. Competing against drummers from throughout the world, the vibrant young man showed off his skills in winning that competition.
The year 2010 turned out to be another great year for Jagroop. He placed second in the Bal Vikas Chowtal Drumming Category and captured second place in the Mastana Bahar grand finals—a major accomplishment. “Placing second was a thrill and a privilege,” stated Jagroop “but, the biggest thrill was being a Mastana Bahar finalist because this competition is, in my opinion, one of the more prestigious, and one of the first for Indians to showcase their talent.
The standard of the artistes and performances throughout the competition was unpredictable. I was grateful, however, to win the prelims and semis and was indeed amazed when I placed second against the calibre of artistes there.”
It was time for Jagroop to take his talent regionally. In November 2011, Jagroop, determined to promote Indian culture, represented T&T in Paramaribo, Suriname at the Baithak Gana Concert.
The following year he again represented his beloved country in Guadeloupe as a Cultural Ambassador for T&T when he attended the GOPIO International Cultural Exposition and Youth Conference. In 2013 Jagroop again represented T&T at the Baithak Gana Concert in Paramaribo, Suriname.
In the same year he was awarded the Kapil Gayadeen Award for his contribution to Indian Culture and Music from the Mahatma Gandhi Charitable Organisation (MGCO) of Gandhi Village, Debe.
Currently a Hindi student, Jagroop is always learning new things and trying to upgrade his skills and perfect his talent. Asked what he has planned for the future, Jagroop, who freelances as a consultant in the HSE field, insisted, “I do not plan, however, I will grasp any opportunity that presents itself to me.”
I believe that no man can plan his destiny and I make the best of every moment. I live everyday to the fullest and I really do live every moment as if it will be my last.”
So what does the young man think of the industry here in his beloved country, and does he think enough is being done to promote this aspect of Indian culture? “In the past, I have not seen much being done, but I must commend Mr Roodal Moonilal for the recent Classical singing shows held on Republic Day and Independence Day,” he said. “I had a lot of great opportunities in this industry and I have met international music directors and shared the stage with some of the most talented youths in Trinidad and Tobago, and for this I am always grateful.”
Music (and all that it entails) is what drives Jagroop forward. He is definitely making his mark through his passion.
