Idiot Glee: The Journey of Sanjay

Chapter 1: The Crossroads

Sanjay sat on his balcony in Bangalore, the city buzzing with life below him. At 40, he found himself at a crossroads, the weight of his decision pressing heavily on his shoulders. He had trained in Carnatic music since he was ten, but life had led him down a different path. After completing his engineering degree, he had moved to the United States for his master's, worked there for 15 years returning home 2 years ago only after getting United States citizenship and settle back at Bangalore with a cushy job and be with family.

The soft hum of traffic blended with the distant sounds of a street vendor calling out to passersby. Sanjay's gaze wandered to the vibrant horizon, where the sun dipped behind the buildings, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was a beautiful sight, but it felt bittersweet.

For years, he had sung in the privacy of his room, his heart yearning for the stage. Yet, every time he thought of pursuing music full-time, the pragmatic voice in his head reminded him of the stability his IT job provided. Now, with a decade of corporate life behind him, that voice was quieter than ever.

Chapter 2: A Chance Encounter

It was during a casual evening stroll that Sanjay's life took an unexpected turn. He stumbled upon a small gathering at a local park, where musicians were performing. The sound of a veena, accompanied by a melodious voice, drew him closer. As he listened, he felt a surge of inspiration, his heart racing with every note.

After the performance, he approached the musicians, introducing himself as a fellow artist. They welcomed him warmly, and soon he found himself sharing his own experiences. The joy in their laughter reminded him of his childhood, of the simple pleasure of making music together.

One of the musicians, a young woman named Meera, noticed the spark in his eyes. "You should join us for our next jam session," she said. "We could use someone with your experience."

Sanjay hesitated but felt an overwhelming urge to say yes. Perhaps this was the push he needed.

Chapter 3: Rediscovery

The following weeks were transformative. Sanjay found himself immersed in music once again. The jam sessions became a sanctuary where he could express himself freely. With each note, he rediscovered the joy that had once filled his life. The musicians shared stories, laughter, and a sense of community that was intoxicating.

As he practiced, he noticed a shift within himself. The fear of failure that had haunted him began to fade, replaced by a sense of purpose. He started writing his own songs, blending traditional Carnatic elements with contemporary themes.

His evenings were filled with music, and soon, he began to share snippets of his creations on social media. To his surprise, the response was overwhelmingly positive. People resonated with his journey, finding inspiration in his story of perseverance.

Chapter 4: The First Performance

One evening, during a casual gathering, Meera suggested that they hold a small performance at a local café. The idea of performing live sent a thrill through Sanjay. Despite the butterflies in his stomach, he agreed.

The night of the performance arrived, and the café was packed. As he stepped onto the stage, the lights dimmed, and the chatter quieted down. With a deep breath, he began to sing. The first notes flowed out of him effortlessly, and the audience was captivated.

The joy of performing filled him with an energy he hadn't felt in years. Each song was a story, a piece of his soul laid bare. The applause that followed each set was like a warm embrace, reminding him that he was exactly where he belonged.

Chapter 5: The Call of the Past

As Sanjay's confidence grew, so did his ambitions. He began to dream of larger venues and bigger audiences. One afternoon, while scrolling through his old photos, he stumbled upon a picture from his early days of training. It was a reminder of the dedication he had poured into his craft.

That evening, he decided to reach out to his former guru, a revered Carnatic musician. Their conversation was filled with nostalgia and encouragement. His guru saw the potential in Sanjay and offered to help him refine his skills further.

With renewed determination, Sanjay began formal lessons again, diving deep into the complexities of Carnatic music. The blend of tradition and his new experiences enriched his artistry, and he felt a sense of growth that was exhilarating.

Chapter 6: Facing Doubts

Despite his progress, doubts began to creep in. The stability of his IT job loomed over him like a shadow. He had responsibilities—bills to pay, a family to support. The fear of leaving behind a steady income for the uncertainty of a music career gnawed at him.

In moments of solitude, he questioned whether he was chasing a dream or simply being foolish. One night, he confided in Meera, who listened patiently. "Sanjay, pursuing music is not a waste," she said. "It's about living fully, embracing the mad joy of what we do. If you don't try, you'll never know."

Her words struck a chord. That night, Sanjay decided he would give himself a timeline—a year to make music his primary focus. If it didn’t work out, he could always return to IT.

Chapter 7: The Breakthrough

With a newfound sense of purpose, Sanjay poured himself into his music. He collaborated with other artists, exploring various genres and styles. One day, he received an email that would change everything: a local music festival was looking for emerging artists.

He submitted his application, unsure of what to expect. Weeks passed, and just when he began to lose hope, he received the news—he had been selected to perform. The festival would be a significant platform, and the excitement was palpable.

In the weeks leading up to the festival, Sanjay practiced relentlessly. He crafted a setlist that showcased his unique style, weaving together Carnatic melodies with contemporary sounds. The night before the festival, he couldn’t sleep, his mind buzzing with anticipation.

Chapter 8: The Festival

The day of the festival dawned bright and clear. As Sanjay arrived at the venue, the energy was electric. Musicians from all walks of life mingled, each sharing their passion for music. He felt a sense of belonging among them, a feeling he had longed for.

When it was finally his turn to perform, he stepped onto the stage, the crowd buzzing with excitement. As he began to sing, he felt a wave of adrenaline wash over him. The music flowed through him, each note resonating with the audience.

The applause that followed was thunderous, a validation of his journey. In that moment, Sanjay understood the sheer joy of pursuing one's passion—a mad, beautiful reality that left him breathless.

Chapter 9: The Aftermath

The festival was a turning point. Sanjay's performance caught the attention of several music producers and enthusiasts. He received offers to collaborate and perform at more events. The mad joy he had sought for so long was finally manifesting in his life.

However, with newfound success came challenges. Balancing his music career with his responsibilities was a tightrope walk. There were late nights spent writing songs, rehearsing, and attending gigs, all while managing his day job.

Sanjay learned to navigate this chaos, finding moments of peace amidst the whirlwind. He began to prioritize his time, dedicating certain hours solely to music, while ensuring he met his obligations at work.

Chapter 10: The Decision

Months passed, and the dual life became increasingly unsustainable. Sanjay faced a critical decision: to fully embrace his music career or remain in the safety of his IT job. One evening, after a particularly exhilarating performance, he returned home and sat in silence, contemplating his future.

The joy he felt on stage was unmatched. It was a feeling he had longed for, a reminder of the passion that had driven him as a child. But the fear of uncertainty loomed large.

He spoke to his family, who had watched his journey unfold. Their support and belief in his talent gave him the courage he needed. With a heavy heart but a hopeful spirit, Sanjay decided to take the leap. He would leave his IT job and commit fully to his music.

Chapter 11: Embracing the Madness

With his decision made, Sanjay plunged headfirst into the world of music. He collaborated with other artists, experimented with different genres, and even began teaching Carnatic music to children. The joy of sharing his knowledge was fulfilling, a way to give back to the community that had nurtured him.

As he traveled to perform at various venues, each experience deepened his understanding of music and its power to connect people. Sanjay's voice became a vessel for stories, emotions, and the sheer madness of life.

Chapter 12: The Legacy

Years passed, and Sanjay's journey as a musician flourished. His unique blend of Carnatic music with contemporary styles garnered a loyal following. He released albums that resonated with listeners, each song a testament to his growth and evolution.

One evening, as he sat on his balcony reflecting on his journey, he felt a sense of peace. The madness of the world around him was no longer daunting; it was exhilarating. Sanjay had embraced the chaos, finding joy in the unpredictability of life.

He thought of the young aspiring musicians he now mentored, sharing his story of perseverance and passion. In doing so, he realized that the gift of music was not just about personal success; it was about weaving connections and celebrating the mad beauty of existence.

Epilogue: The Joy of the Journey

As Sanjay looked out at the vibrant city of Bangalore, he felt a profound sense of gratitude. The idiot glee of pursuing his passion had transformed his life. He was no longer just a musician; he was a storyteller, a bridge between tradition and modernity.

And in that moment, Sanjay understood that the true essence of life lay not in the destination but in the journey—the sheer joy of embracing the madness that life had to offer.

How does music affect us? Philosopher Schopenhauer believed it connects with the unconscious will, creating a resonance between ourselves and the world. Similarly, Nietzsche suggested that music is the highest art form as it touches our deepest selves. Both thinkers recognized a profound connection between music and human experience. This attunement allows music to evoke emotions and insights that other art forms may not reach. I find these ideas compelling, as they highlight the unique power of music to resonate within us on a fundamental level.