{
  "id": 18830232,
  "title": "For master sitarist Kumar, Deepavali is a celebration of gratitude",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/for-master-sitarist-kumar-deepavali-is-a-celebration-of-gratitude",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T00:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/11/08/for-master-sitarist-kumar-deepavali-is-a-celebration-of-gratitude"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Kumar Karthigesu, a master sitarist, celebrates Deepavali as more than just a festival of lights and joyous gatherings. For him, it is a time for reflection, gratitude, and appreciation of life's blessings. Speaking with FMT Lifestyle, Kumar shared the deeper meaning of the festival, highlighting its symbolism of light overcoming darkness and good triumphing over evil. He emphasized the importance of gratitude, appreciating family, a roof over one's head, good food, friends, and education. Music is deeply intertwined with the celebration, with Kumar gravitating towards uplifting ragas during Deepavali. Playing the sitar is not just about mastering the instrument; it's about expressing emotions. Music has the power to unite people, transcending language, race, religion, and cultural differences. Kumar's musical journey began at age four, and after 35 years on stage, he continues to nurture young musicians, emphasizing that dedication matters as much as natural talent. The Temple of Fine Arts, where Kumar has established sitar departments and served as music department director, values arts for art's sake, promoting and sharing cultural traditions. In a touching display of generosity, when a renowned sitarist's Kuala Lumpur concert was cancelled, Kumar offered assistance and helped organize a free performance at TFA. This act of kindness showcased the enduring mission of the institution and the unifying power of music in the face of disappointment.",
  "summary": "Through music and a remarkable encounter with Anoushka Shankar, Kumar Karthigesu finds much to be thankful for.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}