It was a grand function at Narada Gana Sabha those who missed this function must be really unfortunate. Dignitories like Hindu Murali and Nalli Kuppuswamy were there to honour the mridangam doyen Palghat Raghuji . Veterans and stalwarts like Dr. Balamurali, sri Lalgudi,
Sri T.N. Krishnan, Trichy Sri Sankaran and Karaikudi Sri Mani felicitated Raghuji. Sri Sankaran , in his speech , emphasised the point that though Raghuji was the disciple of Mridanga Chakravarthi Palghat Mani Iyer, he mixed variety of styles and was particularly inspired by Palani's style, especially in the use of thoppi. Sri Karaikudi Mani praised the qualities of Raghuji in a poetic way. Raghuji spoke beautifully and spontaneously, also with a high command and fluency in English(Raghuji is a B.A. of those years where, artists were rarely educated) . He pointed out Dr. Balamurali's hit song 'Oru naal Poduma' and expressed his feelings of joy by stating that to think of all these things
'Oru naal Podaadu'.
Then, an interesting,educative and informative documentary was shown presented by Raghu Sir. There, Raghuji told that he regarded Mani iyer as God. Raghu Sir proved it by showing frequently more of Mani Iyer rather than him. The way he accompanied various yesteryear stalwarts were also shown. Then a fantastic jugalbandhi between Alla Rakha and Raghuji was shown. All these were a delicious treat to watch.
These were the thoughts which flowed in my mind about Raghuji's greatness.
Raghu as a genius artist
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His discipline and control in handling the instrument is a lesson to all upcoming artists.
It is a combination of power with grace.
His each and every stroke would flow with such precision and clarity . The scholar as well as even a small child can understand it.
It is a marvel to see him improvise the strokes on the Mridangam.
His repertoire and temperament and techniques are amazing
Even anything adventurous he used to play, would be surprisingly within the rules.
He is a wonder of wonders.
Nothing unnecessary or erratic, you can find in him.
His kalapramanam is so perfect that GNB had a special admiration for him.
He is a king both in thani avarthanam as well as accompaniment. The varieties, quality and knowledge he has at his command is miraculous
Nothing in Mridangam or music is impossible for him.
Each and every beat he plays, never a casual stroke in it, and he would strain every nerve for it.
Raghu as a unique Guru
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I was lucky to be taught by him for almost four years. I still consider it as a blessing in disguise.
He used to teach me almost everyday (I used to go with my father from Mylapore to Egmore). He would refuse to take any offering even on Vijayadasami day . He never expected anything from me, except that I truly play well. Now when I think about it , I am unable to believe it. Such a great artist being a true and simple Guru.
He used to get angry even at the slightest disturbance while teaching. Even the sound of the gas stove would irritate him. He would motivate me and I would have to do my homework and play it out to him the next day. It would be so interesting and I would be so anxious and eager to earn a Sabhash from him the next day.
The involvement he showed while teaching for an hour and a half, no other gossiping at that time.
Raghu as a special human being
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He never used to gossip.
A strict disciplinarian.
A principled gentleman.
Always in the truth.
He was the reason for my learning with Mani Iyer for 4 years. . Raghuji had an offer from America to teach in a new school for two years. At that time he told him that since he was leaving he was particular in me learning from Mani Iyer and also recommended for that.
Raghuji has an unique style of his own and can have no substitute. He is one of the very rare artists who has not compromised for the sake of popularity at any time. Peru eppadi vanalum vangalaam . Aanal peru vaanginal Raghu madiri vanga vendum. Avara madri Guaravama vazha vendum . Avarai guruvaga adaindadu ennakku kiddaitha varaprasadam. ( Meaning: popularity can be attained by any means. But if you want to gain true popularity, you should get it like Raghu and lead a life of self respect like him. It is with the mercy of god that a person like me has been blessed with the varaprasadam of being his proud disciple.