M.S. BIRTH CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS – 5/8/16

[CRama]

The huge hall of Kamaraj Arangam in Teynampet posed the festive look of a grand marriage hall. There were badge held volunteers with smile and courtesy to welcome us and lead us to the canteen where coffee and snacks packet were supplied. The editor of Kalki Mrs. Seetha Ravi herself was standing in the entrance to the hall with her infectious smile to welcome the guests and the way she anchored the programme in chaste tamizh, warmth in speech and action was very much heartening. It was indeed the function of the Kalki family which included not only the management, staff of Kalki, but extended to the thousands of admirers and readers of Kalki who gathered there to celebrate the centenary of Bharat Rathna Smt.M.S.Subbulakshmi, who not only was the world renowned musician, but was also one of the kind souls who was instrumental in establishment of the Kalki magazine seventy five years ago. Yes. Even though apprehensive initially, M.S. donned the role of Narada in the film Sakunthala and she donated half of the proceeds from the film for the establishment of the Kalki Magazine. There had been many glorious and turbulent periods for Kalki magazine in its long journey which had its impact on the life of M.S and T.Sadasivam too, and it is now celebrating its seventy fifth year. I myself an avid reader of Kalki for the last fifty plus years and an ardent admirer of Kalki Krishnamurthy’s songs and stories- my favourite being Ponniyin Selvan. The hall was brimming with people like me to celebrate two great events- the Birth Centenary of the one and only M.S and the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of Kalki.

The events started at 5.30 P.M with the prayer song by Archana and Arathi- talented disciples of Sangeeta Kalanidhi Smt R.Vedavalli. Most appropriately they rendered Bharatiyar song Nenjukku neethiyum tholukku valum in the ragam Sindubhairavi. This song is so special to sangeeta rasikas as also to the Kalki family. It is a composition of Bharati which was selected for representing Tamil language when M.S released a L.P record of songs in ten languages titled Bhavan’s L.P. When you hear M.S singing Sakthi Om and Sakthi Vel in the higher octaves in that song one definitely get goosebumps. This is special for Kalki family too. Every year during the Ayudha Pooja in the Kalki Press, M.S used to sing this song only for the function and enthral the staff present there. This was nostalgically recalled by Ms. Seetha Ravi, the editor of Kalki. The Chief guest for the day was Smt. Gayathri, Veenai Exponent and Vice chancellor of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University. Others in the dais were Sri. Venkatraman, CEO of Karur Vysya Bank, Mrs. Dhanalakshmi of RMKV and Vikku Vinayakram.

Welcome address was provided by Mrs Lakshmi Natarajan, daughter of K.Rajendran (son of Kalki Krishnamurthy) and Vijaya Rajendran (daughter of T.Sadasivam and M.S), present M.D of Kalki Group.

The speech of Veenai Gayathri was so much soothing because she spoke from the bottom of her heart. She started by saying that she is standing there not because she is the Vice chancellor or a great vainika, but because she is a great bhaktha of M.S Amma. For her M.S is like God. She is not an ordinary human being or simply a sangeeta vidushi. She is a Gandharva Sthree who had descended on this earth to stay amongst us for some time and we are all blessed to get soaked in her divine music. As a child, once she was asked to garland M.S. The affectionate smile and glitter in the eyes of M.S was haunting her for long time. Neverthless she did not get the courage to go and meet M.S for many years. Then Parthasarathy Sabha gave the title Sangeeta Kala Saraswati to Veenai Gayathri and she was in cloud nine because she was to receive it from the hands of M.S Amma. So herself and her huband went to M.S Amma’s house to pay their respects to her. To her amusement, she found M.S Amma, very much humane, affectionate as if they had known for many janmams. She was taken aback by her simple demeanour in spite of her stature, vidwat and fame. M.S Amma gave her the phone number and told her to speak whenever she gets time. Her adoration for M.S Amma increased multifold after this meeting. After many days, Gayathri again mustered some courage to telephone to M.S Amma and told that I will deem it my bhagyam if you permit me to do some service to you- even if cleaning your room or washing your cloth. M.S Amma replied- Ayyo athellam vendam. Nee nerayya veenai vaasi,. Athuve enakku romba santhosham.

What is so unique in the music of M.S. It is pure sangeetham, that comes from the nabhi direct. Here music is pure, astounding fidelity to sruti, well measured gamakams, voice control, reflecting the minds of the composers, complete understanding of the sahithyam and reproducing with the most appropriate bhavam and touching the hearts of the listeners. Her music is absolutely divine, embodiment of bhakthi. All the sthothrams she has recorded vouch for this. If I wanted to go to Tirupati and have the darsan of Balaji and it is getting delayed for some reasons, if I listen to MS Amma’s L.P record of Annamacharya kritis, I will feel as if I had got the darsan of Lord Balaji. Similarly, when you hear the song Rangapuravihara, you can see Lord Ranganatha before your eyes. Kamakshi swarajati will take you to Kancheepuram and give you the darsan of Goddess Kamakshi.

Gayathri quoted another incident. Once, a famous recording company approached her to play in Veena and record Venkateswara Suprabhatam, Bhaja Govindam and Vishnu sahasranamam. She was skeptic initially and told these stothras are significant because of the lyrics. If played in Veena, you cannot hear the lyrics, and it will be superfluous. But when the recording company told that they are planning to get it released in the hands of M.S Amma, she readily agreed. She further stated that she recorded the entire sthothrams by hearing the M.S L.P records only.

Once when Gayathri visited Tirupati, she happened to see the statue of M.S installed there and felt sad that nobody has taken the initiative to install her statue in Tamil Nadu which was her home. Subsequently she has taken the lead and installed the statue of M.S in the premises of the Govt Music College in Adyar and got it unveiled by Puratchi Talaivi Amma Jayalalitha on her 68th birthday. This single instance, Gayathri considers as one of her greatest achievements as the Vice chancellor of the University.

At the end Gayathri thanked the organisers for giving her the opportunity to express her sentiments about M.S Amma and share the moments she cherish about the great Bharat Rathna.

Sri. Venkatraman, CEO of Karur Vysya Bank spoke about the relationship his bank had with M.S. He was proud to state that M.S had her SB Account with KVB. One of their branches was opened by MS Amma.

Next Vikku Vinayakram was very emotional while speaking about his long association with M.S Amma. He said that whatever fame and money he got are all because of the blessings of M.S Amma. He became known to the world only when he got to play for M.S.Amma. It is because of her that Ghatam got recognition worldwide, through his accompanying her in the concerts over the globe. Afterwards only Shakti happened and he became famous. He remembered the many concerts they had in the U.S tour and the many pallavis in various talams like Misra Jhampa, Tisra Triputa, Khanda Ata etc she performed in that series. And he got the opportunity to play tanis in those talams. He cherish those golden moments. It was Radha Visvanathan who gave the name Vikku Mama to him and that name became world famous. He considers M.S and Sadasivam as his mother and father and Radha and Vijaya as his sisters. Vikku Vinayakram is going to be honoured in Shanmugananda Sabha next month by the M.S.Centenary Celebrations Committee.
(To be continued)

[kvchellappa]

A riveting account. A worthy substitute for direct attendance when that is not possible.

[Rsachi]

If anyone were to start a Lonely Planet guide to Carnatic music, CRama would be one of the prominent contributors indeed!

[Sivaramakrishnan]

What is so unique in the music of M.S. It is pure sangeetham, that comes from the nabhi direct. Here music is pure, astounding fidelity to sruti, well measured gamakams, voice control, reflecting the minds of the composers, complete understanding of the sahithyam and reproducing with the most appropriate bhavam and touching the hearts of the listeners. Her music is absolutely divine, embodiment of bhakthi. All the sthothrams she has recorded vouch for this.

Quite true.
I came across a photo a few days ago in The Hindu (IIRC) taken at the recording of MS's Vishnu Sahasranaamam. So aesthetic, with Tambura (for Sruti) and as one would sit for chanting the sacred verses in Perumaal sannidhi.

CRama, was Mr Raghu (who has recorded most of MSS LPs) at the event? (I arrived late for the programme)

[CRama]

Continued.
After the speeches by the distinguished guests, the Commemmorative CD- FOREVER M.S specially made by saregama for the occasion was released by Veenai Gayathri and presented to the guests. This CD contains compilation of songs specially selected by various personalities like Vijaya Siva, Gowri Ramnarayanan, Visalam Mami (MS’s close attendant for more than sixty years) from the earlier recordings. This CD will not be available for purchase in the stores/on line. It was given as compliment to the attendees on the second day. Mementos were given to the people who have nominated the songs for inclusion in the CD. The video of one song from the CD- Giridhara Gopala was played which created a sense of awe in the minds of the listeners gathered. After this, a short film on MS titled GIFT OF THE GODS made by Avinash Pasricha- the renowned performing arts photographer was screened. The film runs for 15 minutes, in black and white and captures many endearing moments of M.S with her mesmerising music starting with Bhaja Govindam and also including a vibrant Sankarabharanam alapana. This was followed by the concert of S. Aiswarya, Great Grand daughter of M.S and Grand daughter of Radha Viswanthan. (Review of the concert will be given separately).

This evening turned out to be special to me in another way. Myself and Sivaramakrishnan excused ourselves in between the concert and came to the lobby to meet our MKR. That was the only time available to meet him. We exchanged pleasantries and naturally our talk centred around M.S and Aiswarya who had just sung a daring Panthuvarali and Enna ganu nama bhajana. MKR demonstrated the panthuvarali sung by M.S in the film Sakunthalai- Manam kulira, kann kulira and also S.G.Kittappa in Kodayile Ilaippatri. In spite of his age, he could effectively bring the filigree sangathis in them. True, MKR had impressed all of us with his singing in one rasikas meet a few years back. MKR told about the celebrations they had in US and gave many anecdotes about his M.S and Sadasivam. We took a few snaps and I will post them soon.

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Rasikas forumites at the venue

1.Sivaramakrishnan, M K Ramasubramaniam & C Ramakrishnan(CRama)
https://goo.gl/photos/qci9tve3m53SkuuM6

2.CRama, MKR & Self(ie)
https://goo.gl/photos/hNTGRpW7joTivT5v8

[CRama]

S.AISWARYA- VOCAL
Acc. Kamalakiran Vinjamuri-Violin
M.S.Venkatasubramaniam-Mridangam
H.Sivaramakrishnan-Ghatam.

After the inaugural function, the concert started at 7 P.M. Aiswarya has got a very big responsibility of satisfying the ardent fans of M.S who will be pleased to hear the songs sung by M.S. M.S songs are immortal and Aiswarya has to come upto their expectations in manodharmam segment also like alapana, neraval etc and she is putting hard work to come upto their expectations as could be seen in the progress in her music over the years. I had heard her concert three years back and there is remarkable progress since then. Aiswarya has got a pitch perfect voice just like her Grandmother and Great Grand mother and the strong voice combined with hard work and determination will positively bring success to her. There is definite promise that she will achieve great heights in the days to come. Song list.

• Slokam- Om Namah pranavarthaya
• Vandadum solai- Harikambodi- Kalki Krishnamurthy (N)
• Enna ganu Rama bhajana-Pantuvarali- Bhadrachala Ramadasa (R,N,S)
• Dolayam-Khamas- Annamacharya
• Aartha piravi- Sankarabharanam- Tiruvembavai-Manickavasagar (R,N,S)
• Rangapuravihara-Brindavanasaranga- MD
• Nithyanandakari-Slokam-Adi Sankara
• Kanakasaila viharini-Punnagavarali-SS
• Kalamam vanathil- Kavadichindu-Anandabhairavi-Bharatiyar
• Kattrinile varum geetam- Kalki Krishnamurthy
• Vazhiya senthamizh

Aiswarya seized the attention of the rasikas with the first number itself in Harikambodi. This song is one of the classic masterpieces of M.S- Kalki combo. As expected, the neraval at pada tamaraikal nonthida paar tannil enai thedi vandavan made us nostalgic. Aiswarya did her best in the neraval segment with her imaginative sancharams around the key notes culminating in the mel gandharam and here her kaarvai balam was appreciable. She could have sung some swarams too. There was time available. She then launched on Pantuvarali, the first ragam of the day. Her Pantuvarali alapana for 10 minutes was elaborate which was a proof for her pouring manodharmam and it had many M.S sancharams. Her open throated singing with the long akara passages, kampita, jaru gamakams were typical of M.S and it came off in a highly polished manner. The audience expressed their happiness with a long applause. The kriti was executed in the appropriate kalapramanam and here also the neraval at Ramachiluka nokatakinchi was handled very well in two kalams and the elaborate swara prastarams revealed her vidwat. She had cultivated her voice very well to execute those M.S pattern neravals in an admirable manner.

I presume Dolayam was tuned by Kadayanallur Venkatraman. Hats off to him. It is so suave that you will visualise Lord Krishna and Gopis dancing to the tune. After the filler Dolayam in Khamas, Sankarabharanam was portrayed in a wide canvas interspersing with time tested sancharams, akara passages, characteristic pidis all combined to present an authentic essay of the ragam. The Tiruvembavai Aartha piravi was one of the sure hits of M.S. This was set in Sankarabharanam by Semmangudi and it was first sang in a Congress Conference. An anecdote is worth quoting in this context. After that concert, next day Semmangudi, M.S and T.K.C were talking in the house of M.S. (Remember Semmangudi was not a staunch supporter of Tamil Isai movement at that time and the other two were activists in that field). Semmangudi said- Kunjamma, nettraikku onnoda neraval innamum en kaaduleye nikkaradu, to which T.K.C. retorted. Appadi vaanga vazhikku. Ippa theriyuda naanga en tamizh isai paada venum endru solkiromnu. Really, the neraval of M.S at Vaarthayum pesi valai chilamba will be haunting. It is available in one Tamil Isai Sangham concerts. Aiswaraya did the neraval in a very enchanting manner and rounded off with a few rounds of swaras.

Young Kamalakiran Vinjamuri from U.S, disciple of Sangeeta Kalanidhi designate Smt. A. Kanayakumari proved that murti siridanalum keerti peridu. His training under great vidwans and vidushis have shaped him into a violinist of good promise. He has remarkable mellinam vallinam even at this young age. The percussion duo played with good understanding and were good pillars of support to Aiswarya. Their tani, though short, received good audience cheer. The post tani pieces were rendered very well. Kalamam vanathil one of my favourites. Good that Aiswarya skipped some permanent tail enders. An enjoyable concert for less than two hours.

[Ramasubramanian M.K]

Folks: Both CRama and Sivaramakrishnan have done an outstanding job. I will add my 2 cents ASAP. Every item in both the functions brought goosebumps in my body--I was sitting next to Radha--in between we exchanged notes with tears in my eyes. What a role Radha has played over 60 years in MSAmma's music and life still juggling her own family's responsibilities. Cienu did an outstanding job in ministering to his Mom's needs which had Radha tell me "that nobodyelse can take care of me as well as Cienu!!" Heaven knows what thought currents must have passed thro her mind and despite her disabilities her mental strength was indomitable and the way she was following Aishwarya's every piece and feeling puffed up with legitimate pride(I know how hard Radha has been working with her in the initial stages and making sure that Aishwarya gets the diverse exposure to other teachers.music genres--typical of MSS Amma tradition of Bhakthi and Patriotism) that her "ward" on the stage was holding up the legacy. beautifully .

Sorry for the "clumsy" report with all possible syntax lapses!!!

More later on Aishu's concert.

Thanks,Rama and Sivaramakrishnan for taking the trouble despite your own work schedules.God bless you all!!

[Vignesh Viswanathan]

Vocal - Kum. S.Aishwarya
Violin - Sri Kamalakiran Vinjamuri
Mirudangam - Sri M.S.Venkatasubramanian
Ghatam - Sri H Sivaramakrishnan
Tambura - Sri Vignesh Viswanathan and S.Balaji

1. Om NamahPranavarthaya - Yaman - Dhakshinamoorthy Dhyana Slokam
2. Vandaadum Sholai - HariKamboji - Rupakam - Kalki Krishnamurthy
3. Enna Ganu Rama Bhajana - Pantuvarali - Rupakam - Bhadraachala Ramadasar
4. Dolayam - Khamas - Aadi - Annamacharya
5. Aartha Piravi - Shankarabharanam - Aadi(2 Kalai) - Thiruvempaavai - Maanikavasagar
4. Sri Ranga - Brindhavana Saranga - Virutham - Sri Ramanuja
5. RangapuraVihara - BrindavanaSaranga - Rupakam - Muthuswamy Dikshitar
6. Annapoornashtakam (Nithyanandhakari - Nadanamkriya followed by the stanza naanaa vichitra - Punnagavarali) - Virutham - Adi Shankaracharya
7. Kanakashaila Viharini - Punnagavarali - Aadi - Shyama Shasthry
8. Kalamaam Vanathil - Anandha Bhairavi , Senchuruti and Sindhu Bhairavi - Kaavadi Chindu - Misra Chaapu - Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi
9. Kaatrinilay Varum Geetham - RatipathiPriya - Aadi - Kalki Krishnamurthy
10. Vaazhiya Senthamizh - Madhyamavathi - Aadi - Mahakavi Subramania Bharathi

I see that Sri C Rama has already covered the grand program with his excellent review. Thank you Sri CRama for this. I am just adding my feelings about Aishwarya;s concert.
The concert commenced with the beautiful Vandaadum Cholai of Amarar Kalki in Harikhamboji. At the neraval at "Paadha Thamaraigal nondhida paarthanil Ennai Thedi Vandhavan", Aishwarya did full justice to how the composer would have felt while creating this beautiful song. It was sung effortlessly.
The next song saw Aishwarya brilliantly impressing her mark on Pantuvarali Raagam just like her Great Grand Mother. Her Sruthi perfection is just awesome. As I played the tambura I could feel her voice and the tambura drone sync with absolute perfection. Before the concert Aishwarya spent 45 minutes tuning both the tamburas in the Green room. In the Neraval line "Raama chiluka" one gets goosebumps the way Aishwarya rendered by understanding the emotion and mood of the composer and raaga lakshanam. When she sang “Raama Raama” the lilt in her voice took the listeners to a different plane.
Shankarabaranam : A brilliant alaapanam of the raga by Aishwarya proved how confident she is and how well trained her voice is. What the mind intends during manodharma the voice executes impeccably. The sangatis that she sang during the alapanai were breathtaking (especially in mel Gandharam) . The Thiruvempaavai treasure was rendered with such a perfection. (The same Thiruvempaavai that M.S.Amma had confidently and uniquely set as a main piece of the Concert). The neraval by Aishwarya at 'Vartaiyum pesi valai silamba vilaiyadi' was a conversation with Lord Shiva.
During swaras she was at her calculative best with supreme confidence.
The accompanists were highly appreciative of her. Kamalakiran enjoyed each and every Sangathi of Aishwarya while she rendered them. The swaras of Aishwarya and the replies of Kamalakiran were a treat to watch. Tani followed this. The percussion team did a good job.
A real feast on Aadi Velli, Punnagavarali brought Ambal before the eyes of rasikas. One could see how audience enjoyed during the Khamas , felt blissful during Brindavanasaranga and just spellbound during Kaatrinilay.
To render the Kaavadichindu of Bharathiyar in the same feel and depth, the way M.S.Amma did, was really a great Challenge. One should appreciate the effort and hard work Aishwarya should have made to do justice to the song.
A special note on the accompanying artists of the evening. Kamala Kiran was just brilliant. He complements Aishwarya so well and was a real support during each and every sangathi. Sri M.S. Venkatasubramanian on the mridangam lifted the concert to another level with his sharp anticipation. Sri Sivaramakrishnan on the Ghatam gave a special feeling to the concert. I loved the way he appreciated and encouraged Aishwarya and Kamalakiran at right places and right moment during the renditions of each song. Balaji and I were truly fortunate playing on the tamburas which had been touched by MS Amma herself. !
It was a moving experience to see Radha Amma from the stage. Though on a wheel chair and with lot of difficulties she kept her eyes on Aishwarya like an eagle following each and every line, nodding her head at the appropriate places.
My hearty compliments to Aishwarya for keeping the tradition of Carnatic Music to its purest exactly the same way M.S.Amma and Radha Amma had done.
A review of a rasika from the Stage.
Vignesh Viswanathan

[cienu]

Thank you CRama for your kind report on the entire function. Missed seeing you and Sri Sivaramakrishnan. I thank Sri Nageswaran for his phone call wishing the function all success. Thanks to Vignesh too for his review.
It was a pleasure to see so many friends and well wishers. Amma was truly delighted to see Ramesh Mama. Musicians Sri Vijay Siva and Smt Gayathri Venkataraghavan were present too.
Smt Seetha Ravi and Smt Lakshmi Natarajan handled the proceedings with aplomb. The dignitaries spoke with lot of personal rapport. CRama has captured this extremely well in his report.
I have attached some pictures of the function for the benefit of rasikas.
A lovely back drop of the Bharat Ratna welcomes the Rasikas

The 3 founders of “KALKI” , Smt MSS, Sri TSadasivam and Sri Kalki Krishnamurthy along with the 2 well wishers and guides, Rajaji and Sri T K Chidambaranatha Mudaliar.

The program commenced with a beautiful prayer sung by Vidushis Archana and Aarthi, disciples of Smt Vedavalli.

The dignitaries release the special MSS CD brought out on this occasion

Sri Vikku Vinayakram speaks. He later spoke with my mother and said how happy he was that she had come down from Bengaluru for this program. (Vikku Mama’s son Mahesh Vinayakram is a student of Amma.)

Smt E Gayathri presents KumarI S Aishwarya with a memento before the concert

A moment of contemplation before the concert is to begin

The concert is progress

Two giant screens at the sides had a live telecast of the program. There were special lighting effects and the stage arrangements, acoustics were outstanding.

A picture of Sri MKR’s brother , Sri M S Shekar with my mother Smt Radha Viswanathan

An article on the events of 5th August 2016 which appeared in “The Hindu” dated 6th Aug 2016

[Sundara Rajan]

Excellent reporting of the proceedings by C. Rama. One small correction; M.S.acted as heroine Shakuntala in the movie of that name and as Narada in the movie Savithri.

[cienu]

CRama, was Mr Raghu (who has recorded most of MSS LPs) at the event? (I arrived late for the programme)

I checked with Sri HMV Raghu. In fact I had personally called and invited him. He however could not make it due to a sudden exigency.

[sureshvv]

Thanks, CRama, for the labor of love covering the entire event for those of us who could not make it. Thanks to the others for the pictures and their individual perspectives.

[CRama]

I have written an article about M.S and my concert experiences which is published in this month SRUTI magazine. It is titled FOLLOWING MS OVER THE COUNTRY. Pl read.

[pattamaa]

excellent pictures... best wishes to Aishwarya.

CRama sir - please share the link

[Rsachi]

CRama,
I toom an online subscription to Sruti in my Magzter Andriod app (thanks to a tip from Parivadini Ram). The latestvisdue features your article. It is really a journey for all of us, into the past, as well as to the different venues where you heard MSS. Your narrstive is lovely.

I am afraid Sruti will have to bend their copyright rules (unlikely) for anyone to share the article in this forum.
But a subscription is neither expensive nor a waste. Many good articles there!

[cienu]

The special CD "Forever MS" brought out by "KALKI" Group has a collection of songs (favourites) selected by the family and a few musicians close to MSS. Please find below the list of songs and the musicians/family members who selected the song and the reasons why these were chosen. (Ravi - I have one CD for you which I will arrange to send to you shortly through a friend of mine who leaves for US on 14th Aug)

[rshankar]

Cienu - thank you so very much! I am beyond words!

[arasi]

Cienu,
This event itself, for all its memorable moments in the history of music and journalism that it has brought to us, is something to cherish. Thanks...

[cienu]

CRama, I am afraid Sruti will have to bend their copyright rules (unlikely) for anyone to share the article in this forum.

Dear Sri CRama and Sri Sachi
I have taken permission from the Editor of "Sruti" Sri V Ramnarayan to upload the scanned copy of CRama's article on MSS in Rasikas.org
The 2 pages have been uploaded in the Vidwans and Vidushis section.

[Rsachi]

Lovely, Cienu. Thanks

[CRama]

Oh Great Cienu, Thanks

[Sivaramakrishnan]

Ceinu,
In the ' Kuraiyondrumillai' series (podhigai TV episode dt 9 Aug) HMV Raghu recollected his 'recording experience with MS ' and that was very interesting & informative. Hope you too watched. Can u give me his contact no?

[cienu]

Ceinu,
In the ' Kuraiyondrumillai' series (podhigai TV episode dt 9 Aug) HMV Raghu recollected his 'recording experience with MS - Can u give me his contact no?

I have sent you a message