It is proposed to record and publish an audio CD recording of the Sai Bhajans composed and set-to-tune by Mayavaram Saraswathi Ammal, (also known as Mayavaram Papa). Mayavaram Saraswathi Ammal, has been a Sai devotee for several years, and has been composing several compositions, in bhajan, kavadichindu, (folk) kirtana and such formats for many years.
Music lovers and patrons of music are requested to contribute to the project. The background of this veteran musician and sponsorship schemes are given below.
Background of the veteran musician
Mayavaram Sarawathi Ammal, more popularly known in the music circles during the yester-years as Mayavaram Papa, was born in Raja Mannargudi on 3 rd September, 1921, to Sri Balasubramanian and Smt. Brahadambal, in a musical family. She learnt vocal under Mayavaram Sri Venugopala Iyer, and later in Chennai under Patamadai Sri Sundaram, Sri Krishnan and Tanjore Sri Sankara Iyer. She learnt flute from Sri Peruncheri Muthu, and the stalwart Tirupambaram Sri Swaminatha Pillai. She was a child prodigy, and started performing vocal cutcheris in and around Mayavaram when she was hardly sixteen years of age. She was recognized as a high grade concert artiste by radio (Tiruchi). After she shifted to Chennai in 1942, her concerts flourishes in Chennai and other major centres of South Indian Arts.
Around the year 1952, she started teaching music extensively, and trained a number of students on vocal, veena and flute. Saraswathi Ammal, apart from the above contributions, has also been in the field of composing right from the mid-fifties. She has to her credit several compositions which are inspired devotional songs, not only in kriti format but also as bhajans, kavadichindu, etc. She has also set to music several compositions of yester-year musical stalwarts like Kothamangalam Sri Seenu for many recordings and broadcasts over All India Radio, Chennai, Tiruchi and such places. During the era when acting in films required one to be a top singer, she has contributed extensively to that field also, acting in several films, many of them in lead roles. She has been honoured by the Ramani’s Academy of Flute, Chennai in 2004 with a citation, and with the title ‘Sangeetha Seva Nirata’ by the Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Vidwath Samajam, Mylapore, Chennai, in 2007.
The total project costs are expected to be approximately Rs. 40000 - 50000, on a simple scale, which will include production of the master CD and a modest release function. Request for donors to contribute upwards of Rs 2000.00. Contributions over Rs. 10000 would be honoured individually during the release event. All donors of Rs 1000 and above would be presented with complimentary CD. The function is planned around Sep 2009. Contributors of over Rs 20000 could get their logo printed as prime sponsors on the first batch of CDs (on the box, inlay card ).
Cheques (crossed) may be made in favour of Mayavaram Sarawathi, and sent to (her music students co-ordinator )
K. Bhaskaran (9841031680)
65 Oliver Road, KESAVA III Floor
Mylapore Chennai 600004
Contact persons K. Bhaskaran - primary - 9841031680
Diwakar M - - 9176666719