Dr Lushen Govender during a veena recital
Image: SUPPLIED
DOCTOR Lushen Govender is pioneering the integration of Carnatic music into mental health treatment. Drawing from his expertise as both a medical doctor and accomplished veena player, Govender aims to establish a holistic practice where traditional Indian classical music serves as therapy for conditions like depression and anxiety.
His journey from Chatsworth musician to emergency physician studying psychiatry, showcases a unique approach to healing that bridges South African and Indian cultural traditions.
While working in the emergency room of a Johannesburg hospital, Govender, 31, is also studying psychiatry. This will take him five years to complete.
“When that is done, I would like to open a holistic mindfulness practice where I can incorporate music therapy and mindfulness practices into the realm of clinical practice,” said Govender.
He said in many countries, music therapy was extensively used to treat mental illness such as depression and mood disorders. “
Even now, I try and incorporate mindfulness in every recital I play at. People come up to me afterward, telling me that they felt so calm. Studies have shown that Western classical music like Mozart and Carnatic music help with regulating brain waves. It has even been documented that certain ragas lower blood pressure levels,” added Govender.
He said over the years there had been growing research undertaken into Carnatic music and music therapy.
“Carnatic music positively impacts mental health by reducing stress and anxiety, improving cognitive functions like memory and focus, and fostering emotional well-being and discipline through both passive listening and active practice. Specific ragas are even associated with therapeutic benefits, such as calming the mind and promoting feelings of hope,” he said.
“As an artist and a doctor, I believe part of our work is to integrate all aspects of who we are into one. That is what drew me to psychiatry. It offers a holistic way of caring for people, and it naturally opens doors to music therapy. My dream is to one day create a holistic medical centre where psychiatry and music come together,” Govender added.
His foray into Carnatic music began at a young age, with his great grandfather introducing him to the veena, a traditional Indian classical string instrument.
“My great grandfather, Govindasamy Nadesan Moodley, was one of the first vainikas (a person who plays the veena) in South Africa and he initiated me on the veena. Sadly after a year or so of teaching me, he passed away.
“My grandmother, Radha Govender, started me on the harmonium when I was about 3-years- old. At the time, I probably thought it was a fun toy. With the help of her sister, Dhanaluxmi Naidoo, my granny bought my first veena.
"She was in India at the time, post-tsunami, in 2005, volunteering for the Red Cross Society in Chennai, when the veena was bought, packaged into a massive wooden crate, and sent to South Africa. That was the start of my musical journey,” said Govender.
He said he completed his foundation in Carnatic music under Durban maestro Isai Selvamani Karthigesan Pillay and his grandmother, Dhanaluxmi Naidoo, before completing his advanced veena training under retired Professor Anantha Narayanan, of the Kalakshetra Foundation in Chennai.
He experienced his first veena recital at the age of 12 and his first live veena performance almost 10 years later.
“I watched my first live veena recital when I was 25-years-old. It was when my guru Professor Anantha Narayanan, visited South Africa.
“That tells you how scarce veena performances are in South Africa. Until then, I was self-studying. I borrowed CDs and made trips to India to search for a teacher. When I met my guru, I finally obtained the guidance I had been yearning for,” he said.
Govender said the veena offered him grounding, peace, and solace.
“It has carried me through many moments in my life, including long nights of medical study, exhausting hospital shifts and even the grief of losing patients. Each time I play, it becomes a source of healing and renewal,” he said.