An evangelist through dance, a bhajan chanting Christian priest. That is what Rev Dr Charles Vas was, who preached “God experience through song and dance.” Song and dance is natural and universal in character. They know no language, religion, race, culture or gender. In them East meets West, and God meets man. The life and works of Fr Charles are a ballet of these noble expressions.
Fr Charles Vas was born to the late Jacob and the late Seraphine Vas on 12 February, 1944 in Omzoor parish in Mangalore diocese. As a young boy Charles Vas took to music by instinct like a fish takes to water. He played side drums for the village music band, sang in the Church Choir and developed a penchant for music.
Generously responding to the divine call for religious and priestly life, he joined the Society of the Divine Word (SVD). While pursuing his priestly studies, he engaged himself in a systematic study of guitar and piano during his philosophical studies at the seminary. Soon after his studies of Philosophy, he commenced his formal training under the renowned maestro Ramakrishna Joshi, a disciple of Pandit Vishnu Digamber, a great exponent of Hindustani music.
Rev Dr Charles Vas was a proud holder of the following academic degrees, which render him fully qualified, and absolutely professional in his field of work:
Doctorate in Indian Classical Music (Vocal) in the year 1983 through Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya Mandal, Bombay; Qualification in Western Music as a Pianist through Trinity College of Music, London, B.A. (English Literature); Bombay University, L.Ph. (Licentiate in Philosophy) and Papal Athenaeum, Pune, B.TH. (Bachelor of Theology).
Rev Dr Charles Vas had multifaceted talents in music. He was a composer and director of music. He choreographed ballets, performed bhajan sessions, and lectured several music seminars.
“Prem Ragini” is an outstanding ballet from the genius of Rev Dr Charles Vas, which deserves a special mention. It has successfully performed 350 times in and out of India.
Rev Dr Charles was the director of Sangeet Abhinay Academy – a religious institution of song and dance in Mumbai during his last years. He breathed his last on 30 November 2021 at the age of 77.
Related links :
- Funeral Mass of Fr. Charles Vas, SVD - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-4pZNMlXCY4
- TRIBUTE TO REV DR CHARLES VAS SVD - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xCOS_fA1Tg
Watch Video : Amchi Maati Amchi Monsham with Fr Charles Vaz│Daijiworld Television
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