Samakkulam K Balasubramanian (gobilalitha) has departed

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 08 Jan 2014, 06:34

Dear all

Thanks again for all the kind words.

Some of you wanted to know how the end came.

1. GBL was in completely normal health until I saw him last on December 23 (slowly but without difficulty walking the entire length and breadth of Kamarajar arangam with all its steps to the rest rooms on December 22 2013).
2. He attended my cousins and talented singers Toronto Brothers' concert on December 27, one that he enjoyed immensely (and also encouraged me and my sisters to attend their concert in Chennai a few days later). Incidentally, and very appropriately, the last concert attended by this wonderful rasika in his life was given by his very dear nephews.
3.He had 2-3 days of cold / breathing difficulty starting January 3. He was still composing e-mails, facebook chats etc until January 5 6PM IST and the end came on January 6 2 am.

In short, very peaceful death , without struggle, and in a matter of minutes. All true to Appa's character.

Although it is early days in terms of planning, I intend to organize a "GBL memory home concert" in Chennai in December every year to remember, respect, and celebrate Appa and his life.

Regards
Kamalamba

maduraimini · Post by **maduraimini** » 08 Jan 2014, 06:47

Very sorry to hear about Gobilalitha's demise. I have not met him, but read a lot of his posts. He was so interested in old Hindi movies and their songs, besides Carnatic music. Recently, I have not seen his posts and was wondering where he was. He used to write in this form often. He sure will be missed by me and other Rasikas. Deepest sympathies to his wife, children and family members.

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 08 Jan 2014, 08:36

all posts of Gobilalitha (shri samakkulam k Balasubramanian is here)
http://www.rasikas.org/forums/search.php ... 7&sr=posts

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 08 Jan 2014, 10:25

anAyAsa maraNam - though still premature !
He was lucky, and we Rasikas are unlucky !

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 08 Jan 2014, 12:06

I am glad to know that he departed easily and peacefully, but still so sorry he had to leave at all.

My early post in the thread was one of pure personal shock. Let me now offer condolences to family and friends. He must have had so, so many friends. How he will be missed.

Ashwin · Post by **Ashwin** » 08 Jan 2014, 21:38

To Lalitha Aunty, Mohan, Bhuvana, and Nandini - my sincerest condolences. Please pardon my late post to this forum, as I have been stranded in various airports and have still not arrived at home despite leaving India 4 days ago. We are all heartbroken by Balu Uncle's sudden departure and I will be getting in touch with the family members upon my return to Edmonton. There is not much for me to say that Rohin hasn't already said on my behalf. But I just wanted to add that Balu Uncle's defining feature, at least as far as I saw it, was his undying, effusive, contagious passion for music. He was not only an ardent music lover, but one with a high taste that found the best in CM, HM, film music, anything musical. I have not once heard him launch hurtful criticisms against any artist, though he was easily justified in doing so given his knowledge. Though I am his nephew and not qualified to make comments on his character, I wish to relay only what everyone else saw in him, which is that he was a gentleman, softspoken, unfailingly polite. He did not subscribe to the hierarchies of age and experience, though he well could have - he interacted with all, learned from all, and encouraged all. I was so happy to see Balu Uncle become an active and respected member of this forum - his agility and internet-saavy even at his age was truly remarkable! I will cherish the knowledge that Balu Uncle's last concert was ours, and hope that he was happy with it. We will continue to feel his presence in our lives.

RIP Balu Uncle.

Ashwin

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 08 Jan 2014, 22:17

Kamalamba/Ashwin: What a poignant reminiscence of a near and dear Forumite from family members. Reading it brought to my mind my own late Father KSM who died in 2006@93--the same anayasa maranam-his outlook was ditto similar to GBL's--I genuinely feel I have lost another "member" of the "tribe" that enriched so many music lovers' lives.

Please accept my heartfelt condolences--The Forum is a tightly knit group rejoicing and reminiscing about music and musicians to which GBL's contributions were immense.In fact going back and reading one of his posts where he had given personal details about himself(at the request of S.Nageswaran to forumites to volunteer info about themselves,GBL's was so modest he scarcely mentions the varied interests/connections to Music and Musicians that he had--a truly modest man!! How I wish I had met him or spoken to him!!!

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 10 Jan 2014, 21:32

As I indicated earlier, He is from my place..Salem..Residing very near our house at Maravaneri.

Classmate of my cousin and studied at Little Flower School at Salem..

Our contacts bloomed through Rasikas and FB..
Here is a photo sent by my cousin from salem ...
I am sending Samakkulam Balasubramanian school group photo taken in the year 1946 at l.f.h.s. Salem. He's standing 4th from right top row. I'm standing 1st from left same top row. real vintage..

VK RAMAN · Post by **VK RAMAN** » 11 Jan 2014, 03:32

"Although it is early days in terms of planning, I intend to organize a "GBL memory home concert" in Chennai in December every year to remember, respect, and celebrate Appa and his life" - kamalamba - it is a very appropriate homage to Gobilalitha (Samakkulam K Balasubramanian). May his Soul Rest in Peace.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 11 Jan 2014, 04:02

Thanks to all once again.
Special thanks to Venkatakailasam sir for the photograph. Such photographs are a rare treasure. Thanks to your cousin also Venkatakailasam sir.

Can't help but feel that GBL would have loved to have seen this picture. This picture would have been the starting point for his research on the whereabouts of each of the individuals in there and expand his network.

cmlover · Post by **cmlover** » 11 Jan 2014, 08:04

Well done Kamalamba!
As VKR suggests you can kepp the meomory of GBL alive annually arranging a concert and sharing it with us.
Of course we will never forget GBL...
Vkailasam
Thanks for that photo. Brings back memories of my own school days of the same era under the Raj..

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 11 Jan 2014, 08:34

VenkatK,
Thank you for the picture.
Yes, GBL would have been excited, seeing his old schoolmates in this photo.

We have lost a cherished member among senior folks at Rasikas.org.

His all-embracing goodwill and humor should make us pause and think before we lose our cool and bicker over matters which matter not a bit.

Hilarity was not merely hilarity for him, but was healthy stuff which nourished our souls too. Clever witticisms were not his wont. To put a smile on a fellow-human being's face, and at times also touch his heart too was his way...

Ramasubramanian M.K · Post by **Ramasubramanian M.K** » 11 Jan 2014, 09:18

Thank You!! VenkatK!!! Such memoroes are treasures and you shouldbe commended for the pre.servation and propagation of memorie.
Kamalamba: I welcome the idea of arranging a concert in December in his .
memory. I would like to share my family's experience

When we decided to celebrate the Birth centenary of our Father the late K.S.Mahadevan(Music Critc-Indian Express),several members of the family sugGested that we sponsor a concert every december in Chennai. But some of us felt that it would be better to establish an endowment in an Institution that my late Father had contact with and we chose to institute a two scholarships(Vocal.Instrumental@ KGS,Mambalam)--the First awardees were announced during the Gokula Ashtami festival .

Likewise the Institution that GBL was associated with be it in bangalore or Chennai can be chosen as a recipient of the endowment.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME IF MY UNSOLICITED SUGGESTION IS PRESUMPTUOS.

Rohin · Post by **Rohin** » 14 Jan 2014, 09:08

Dear All,

The overwhelming outpouring of condolence messages and remembrances here is a true testament to Balu Uncle's reach as a friend, rasika and as a true family man.

One of his last requests, literally hours before he departed us, was that we post a picture on Facebook taken at our concert in Bangalore on December 27, 2013. Ashwin and I would like to post this picture here, as well, as we're sure that Balu Uncle would have wanted this as well:

We know you are smiling as you see this picture Balu Uncle -- may you rest in peace.

Rohin & Ashwin

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 14 Jan 2014, 11:35

Thank you for the picture--the most recent one of his--that smile playing on his face...

I went searching in the forum for one of his recent pictures, and what did I find? the Rasikas.org meet at Cienu's house where we see him, and in the video of Sumitra Nitin singing makkaLa ATava nODirI, even his appreciative response. Will cherish that, of course :ymsigh:

Ranganayaki · Post by **Ranganayaki** » 24 Jan 2014, 08:11

I'm so sorry to learn of Gobilalitha's passing. I remember him on the forum. I gathered that he was elderly, dignified, knowledgeable in music and was quite impressed with the "Lalitha" part of his id, though I did not know what "Gobi" meant. My condolences to all who are experiencing his loss.

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 24 Jan 2014, 08:45

'Gopi'chettipalayam is the place of birth...

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 12 Aug 2014, 14:54

Dear Rasikas

I plan to organize 1-2 concerts in December 2014 after my fathers 1 year ceremonies (most likely on December 29) in his memory.

I am writing early to see if a number of our forum members will be in Chennai and will be able to attend, before making a firm plan.

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU ARE LIKELY TO BE IN CHENNAI AND WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND 1-2 CONCERTS. I will let you know the artists / location soon.

Regards
Kamalamba

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 12 Aug 2014, 15:52

Will be here, Should be able to attend.

I wonder if you will find a hall free on that date?

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 12 Aug 2014, 16:01

That will be a challenge, but I will look soon if I know if there is sufficient enthusiasm.

cienu · Post by **cienu** » 12 Aug 2014, 19:31

Dear Kamalamba,
I will surely be there if I am in Chennai

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 12 Aug 2014, 21:02

kamalamba
I was also thinking like Nick if hall would be available . I will give a sincere try to be there- getting busy with my kid and dec-jan is a period of getting school admission forms . May be a suggestion , usually the season starts as early as dec 1st week, If you could have it in first or second week of Jan that would also be fine - especially for you to search a hall.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 12 Aug 2014, 22:18

Mohan,
I'm planning to be there during the season, God willing. I would very much like to be there when a concert in dear GBL's memory takes place. I may not be able to attend on a couple of days in Dec/Jan when I can't get away from those events. I will make it, otherwise.

Look forward to seeing your mother and all the family...

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 13 Aug 2014, 02:23

Mohan, My plan is to be there. However, there are some work related uncertainties that preclude me from making concrete plans.
But my parents and other members of my family will be there.

Good luck getting the hall and making concert arrangements. If you need any help/suggestions, please let me know. I think there is a lot of collective wisdom in the forum on concert organization from afar, especially among non-residents.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 13 Aug 2014, 02:29

Mohan - good luck! Unfortunately, as of now, I do not plan to be in India...but I am sure you'll pull off a great way to celebrate your dad's life and his love of music.

maduraimini · Post by **maduraimini** » 13 Aug 2014, 07:12

Gobilalitha posted old Hindi movie songs. He was interested in Carnatic and Hindustani Music. He knew about many artists and had interesting stories.

varsha · Post by **varsha** » 13 Aug 2014, 07:22

+3
can help with hall - no problems-pls email me through forum
I suggest to mark this as an annual rasikas.org event as a tribute to all departed friends.
As a organiser pl expect lots of members to drop out at the last minute /who may keep you guessing,December is like that.
WE owe it to GBL.Must be regaling someone up there with a Talath Melody - singing jalthe hai jiske liye into a mobile
GREAT GUY . TOUCHED EVERYONE WITH HIS GENIALITY. :namaste:

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 16 Aug 2014, 12:16

Dear all

thanks for the feedback.

The date is set: 29 December 2014. Venue (Many thanks to Varsha): eAmbalam Arts, Yamuna Street, Kalakshetra colony

We have acceptances from Gayathri Girish, R. Suryaprakash (concert entirely on hindustani ragams, something GBL loved) and Violin-solo by Aishu Venkataraman.
I will confirm details soon.

We will have 3-4 concerts.

Can we make this rasikas.org departed souls day in years to come as Varsha suggests?

Regards
Mohan

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 16 Aug 2014, 18:50

Mohan,
So glad to hear this. What a line up! GBL's choice wouldn't have been any better. Hope many of us can join in and enjoy the music which he would appreciate no doubt, that too its being an all Rasikas.org members/performers concert

What time do you have in mind for the concerts? I would imagine their being short presentations.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 17 Aug 2014, 03:11

Very glad to hear it.

As a organiser pl expect lots of members to drop out at the last minute /who may keep you guessing,December is like that.

With the proviso that there are just one or two artists that I prioritise over everything I will certainly be there. You have a great line up there anyway! I will put it in my diary. First entry for 2014 season!

Ambalam is a very pleasant venue. Good idea.

rshankar · Post by **rshankar** » 17 Aug 2014, 05:20

Mohan, once again, best wishes!
What I remember of your dad (from a short face-to-face meeting and several email exchanges) is his childlike enthusiasm and his glass-half-full approach to life. He loved music so much, that I feel that just like tillAnA mOhanAmbAL said she could dance to the rhythm inherent when fireworks go off, your dad could hear the music inherent everywhere. A true connoisseur of music, regardless of the genre. The line up of Smt. GG, Sri SP, and Aishu (one of the 'children' of the forum) is just what's needed to celebrate his life!

appu · Post by **appu** » 25 Aug 2014, 11:09

Mohan,

I plan to attend. Do you know details of accompanying artistes for the performances. Will it be one set of accompanying artist or can we expect a variety.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 25 Aug 2014, 13:08

Thanks to all of you (Appu, Arasi, Rshankar,Nick H). Sorry for the delayed reply.
Accompanying artistes are being contacted / considered by the main artistes and details should be known in a few days.
Aishu Venkatraman will be accompanied by Sri. Vinod Venkatraman (mridangam) and Tripunithura Radhakrishnan on Ghatam.

In addition to the 3 concerts mentioned earlier, my sister (Swati - Bhuvana - Venkataraman) will also give a short concert.

Hope to see a large turnout from rasikas.org fraternity.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 25 Aug 2014, 13:10

Forgot to add, there will be a mix of different accompanying artistes.

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 25 Aug 2014, 19:00

Mohan,
It was at the tip of my tongue to ask if your sister was going to sing, but I did not ask because I was thinking you wanted to keep it all strictly CM. Glad to hear that your father is honored according to his wide taste in music. I remember how proud he was when Swathi was selected to perform in one of the popular programs on TV.

appu · Post by **appu** » 10 Nov 2014, 10:24

Mohan,

Are details for the event on Dec 29th finalized. If so, some details would be appreciated. Are we planning a Rasikas.org meet.

Thanks

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 16 Nov 2014, 15:22

Dear Rasikas

Sorry, hadn't logged in for a while.

Tentatively the program for the rasikas.org S.K. Balasubramanian concert series is

9:45-12:15 Smt. Gayathri Girish
1:30-3:15 Pandit Ballesn, Pandit Krishna Ballesh, and Smt. Swati Venkataraman
3:30-5:15 Kum. Aishu Venkataraman
5:30-8:00 Sri. Suryaprakash

I will confirm this with the names of all accompanying artistes in a few days.

Venue:"Saraswathi", New No. 18, Old No. H-48A, Yamuna Sreet, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090, India (special thanks to Sri. T.V. Ramprasadh and Sri. Shashi Kulkarni for this).

I hope this can be made a "Rasikas.org" special event.

Regards
Mohan

mahavishnu · Post by **mahavishnu** » 17 Nov 2014, 00:10

Best wishes for the event, Mohan.
I am sorry that I will not be there. I am hoping that my parents and/or other family members will be able to attend.

Nick H · Post by **Nick H** » 17 Nov 2014, 13:35

Thank you for the program, which looks good.

I'll be at RS Hall 10.00am morning concert, and will join after that.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 23 Nov 2014, 22:54

Dear all

As promised the programme with accompanying artist details.

The program for the rasikas.org S.K. Balasubramanian memorial concert series on December 29 2014 is

9:45-12:15 Smt. Gayathri Girish (vocal), Sri. Mysore Srikanth (violin), Sri. Neyveli Skandasubramaniam (Mridangam), Sri. Guruprasad (Ghatam)

1:30-3:15 Pandit Ballesh, Pandit Krishna Ballesh, and Smt. Swati Venkataraman (Hindustani vocal)

3:30-5:15 Kum. Aishu Venkataraman (violin), Sri. Vinod Venkataraman (Mridangam), Sri. Tripunithura Radhakrishnan (Ghatam)

5:30-8:00 Sri. R. Suryaprakash (Vocal), Sri. H.N. Baskar (violin), Sri. Rajesh Srinivasan (Mridangam)

Venue:"Saraswathi", New No. 18, Old No. H-48A, Yamuna Sreet, Kalakshetra Colony, Besant Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600090, India (special thanks to Sri. T.V. Ramprasadh and Sri. Shashi Kulkarni for this).

Mahavishnu, we will miss you, but hope to see your parents and friends.
Nick H, I will look forward to seeing you there.
All other rasikas (Arasi madam, Nageswaran sir, rshankar, appu, varsha, bilahari, and several others), I look forward to seeing you all.

Regards
Mohan

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 05 Dec 2014, 11:47

Dear Rasikas
Please let me know if you are attending the concerts on December 29 so that I can make appropriate arrangements.
Look forward to seeing a large number of you.
Of course, I will also personally invite friends I see in Sri. Nageswaran's house on 21 December.
Regards
Kamalamba

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 06 Dec 2014, 14:32

kamalamba(Mohan)
YOu are arranging it on Monday, have plans but not 100% sure if I can make it that long in distance being a working day . Will give a sincere try to take half a day depending on my situation at work then . As such I dont need any snacks or anything - no planning needed for me .

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 19 Dec 2014, 03:37

Rajeshnat, please do come even if it is only for part of the day. It will be very nice to see you.
Regards
Kamalamba

arasi · Post by **arasi** » 26 Dec 2014, 23:52

Mohan,
I 'm not able to contact you through the forum (srkris is still working on it with the updated version perhaps...). Would like to know if the attendees can bring some refreshments for the event...

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 27 Dec 2014, 08:19

Hi Arasi Madam

I have arranged meals / snacks / coffee / tea for all attendees. Although we cannot eat in the auditorium, the caterers have found a dining place less than 3 minute walk from the concert venue.

However, if for any reason you would like bring refreshments please do so.

I really look forward to seeing you and a large number of rasikas on monday.

Mohan

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 27 Dec 2014, 08:27

Dear Rasikas

Please note that if you are looking at Google Maps, Yamuna Street is indicated as "maruthu pandiyar street". I am not sure why, but on the street itself you see "Yamuna Street".

From Kumaran street (which is an extension of Tiger Varadachariar Road) turn right on to Cauvery street, then turn left once and turn right again on to Yamuna Street.

Regards
Mohan,

PUNARVASU · Post by **PUNARVASU** » 27 Dec 2014, 09:37

How I was looking forward to attend this! Unfortunately my trip to chennai had to be cancelled in the last minute. Wishing the function well. Remembering GBL mama a lot!

rajeshnat · Post by **rajeshnat** » 27 Dec 2014, 09:55

This place is closest to arupadai veedu murugan temple if you take an auto. nice lovely hall, please donot miss it.

kamalamba · Post by **kamalamba** » 28 Dec 2014, 10:14

Dear Punarvsu
Thanks for the message. We will miss you, but hopefully we can have your company in a future event.
Mohan

venkatakailasam · Post by **venkatakailasam** » 28 Dec 2014, 19:27

கோபியருகுந்த பாலகா!
லலிதாவை அடைந்த நாயகா!
வேங்கடவனின் இனிய நண்பா!
வெள்ளை உள்ளம் கொண்டு
நண்பர்கள் மனம் மகிழ்வித்து
தனக்கு புகழ் கூட்டியவா!
தேடினாலும் கிடைக்காத நண்பனை
பாசமென்னும் சொற்களில்
'பா'தொடுத்து நேசமுடன் அளித்தேன்
மோகன கமலனுக்கு!

Best wishes for the event...