Jai Joy Way is a pedagogy developed by renowned musicologist Prof VV Sadagopan (VVS). His body of work for children – ‘Thyagabharathi Songs for Children’ comprises stories and songs through which the Tamil language and Carnatic music can be introduced to young children. VVS’s sessions with children in the ’70 s would see him as a bearded grandfather engaged in joyous music creation. The teacher and the children always formed circular groups with teacher often becoming the learner and vice versa.
I was one of the children who were part of that magical circle. I have held several Jai Joy sessions for children over 25 years. My storytelling involves music and theatre to invoke the inner joy.