56 Artistes Mark T N Rajarathinam Pillai Birth Anniversary In King's Circle
A two-day musical celebration honoring the 128th birth anniversary of legendary Nadaswaram exponent T N Rajarathinam Pillai commenced at Shanmukhananda Hall in King’s Circle, bringing 56 young artistes together in central Mumbai.
The programme began on Saturday evening with an ensemble concert featuring 50 young fellowship artistes, led by Shanmukha Rathna Vyasarpadi Kothandaraman. S Ramesh, 31, Tamil Nadu Minister for Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments, attended the event as the chief guest.
The commemorative event is organized to honor the legacy of Rajarathinam Pillai while encouraging the next generation of Nadaswaram performers. Born in 1898, Pillai passed away in 1956 and is regarded as one of the most prominent exponents of the Nadaswaram, a traditional wind instrument that holds a central place in South Indian classical music and temple traditions.
The celebrations are scheduled to culminate on Sunday morning when 56 young musicians gather at Gokul Hall near Kikabhai Hospital. Following a one-hour performance at a temple, the artistes will set out at around 7.30am on a musical procession toward Shanmukhananda Hall, performing on the instrument along the route.
K A Vishwanathan, a Nadaswaram aficionado, noted that attendees and organisers were hoping for favourable weather during the outdoor portion of the event, recalling past instances where rain disrupted performances.
Following the procession, the artistes will be felicitated during a ceremony at Shanmukhananda Hall at 10am. Minister Ramesh will present the musicians with the Shanmukhananda Nadaswara Chakravarthy T N Rajarathinam Pillai Fellowship, concluding the weekend tribute aimed at sustaining the classical art form.
