’Madurakala Praveena’ conferred on veena artist Jayanthi Kumaresh

Paying rich tributes to the Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam for its service in promotion of art and culture, the Additional Solicitor General of India N. Venkataraman said that the institution would be celebrating its 75th anniversary next year.

Speaking at the 74th anniversary celebrations, he conferred the ‘Madhurakala Praveena’ title on veena vidhushi Jayanthi Kumaresh.

In his address, Mr Venkataraman explained the link of Carnatic music and Sanatana dharma through Sama veda, Bhakti yoga, Karma yoga and Gnanamarga respectively.

The chief guest also presented “Madhurakala Mani” on Mrudanga vidwan Valangaiman K Thiagarajan and presented cash award on thavil vidwan V. Chellappa on the occasion.

Samajam Secretary S. Venkatanarayanan welcomed. Secretary L. Rajaram read the citations and Treasurer G. Sivaraman proposed a vote of thanks.

The awardees, in their acceptance speech, thanked the Samajam and the House of TVS for their sustained support to the music and musicians.

Later, the veena artist, with Kumaresh on the Violin, Jayachandra Rao on Mridangam and Tiruchi Krishnaswamy on the Ghatam commenced with a Nattakurinji (melodically rich raga) in ragapravaham format, highlighting its devotional nature and specific swaras (notes).

Majority of melody flew through the Violin. They then played an emotional range of Kalyani ragam and brought tranquillity and devotion (Bhakthi) for Muthuswamy Dikshitar’s “ganapathi mahamate gauri” in roopaka thal.

The next piece was Shyamasastri’s sari evaramma amba” in bhairavi. They brought in the profound emotional depth, versatility and spiritual resonance of the kriti.  The RTP in vadya pravah format was highly improvisational that allowed all musicians to demonstrate the full range of their talent, creativity and knowledge of ragas.

The final numbers include Agastyar’s “Sree chakra raaja” in raagamaalika, a Thillana in kapi ragam and “Kamakshi loga sakchi” by Shyama Shastri in madhyamavati.

The rasikas enjoyed an absorbing and awesome concert.