02-02-2016
M.S.Subbulakshmi: Centenary Tribute
A music critic once wrote “Her music has the power to soothe a savage beast, soften rocks and bend a knotted tree." The nightingale of India, her bhajans and sacred chants resonated in Carnegie Hall and UNGA and even today from the hills of Tirupati to temples across continents.
M.S. cut her first disc at the age of 10 and maiden public concert at 11. She starred in many successful films, including the all-time Indian classic Meera. It created a wave and gave her an all India status as a musician.
Following her meeting with Mahatma Gandhi in 1941, she performed many concerts to raise funds for the Kasturba Memorial Trust. Her immortal bhajans Hari thumo haro and Vaishnava Janatho were Bapu’s favourites.
She led a life of detachment, without being a slave to material and terrestrial needs. A Magsaysay award winner, she donated her entire prize money to welfare schemes. In 1996, she was honoured with the nation's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
Today we were fortunate to pay our Centennial tribute to such a saintly musician. When we sang her very popular number, Kurai ondrum illai (I have no regrets), all of us on stage and the assembly in rapt attention felt truly blessed.
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