Mridangam Master Wins Padma Shri After 60 Years of Rhythm

A 70-year-old drummer who started performing at age nine just received one of India's highest civilian honors, proving that lifelong dedication to your craft never goes out of style.

Thiruvaarur Bakthavathsalam, a master of the mridangam (a traditional Indian percussion instrument), will receive the Padma Shri award in 2026. The recognition caps an extraordinary year: his Chennai music school celebrates 26 years, and he marks 60 years as a professional artist.

Born in 1957 in Tiruvarur, a region known as the birthplace of Carnatic music legends, Bakthavathsalam learned vocal music from his mother before switching to percussion under his uncle's guidance. By age nine, he was already performing concerts with his mother.

At 16, he moved to Chennai (then called Madras), drawn by its vibrant classical music scene. He attended at least one concert daily, soaking up knowledge from the masters. His talent earned him a rare double promotion at All India Radio, skipping an entire grade level.

The young musician's big break came in 1992 when he performed at the Olympic Games opening ceremony in Barcelona, Spain. His energetic playing style and ability to enhance melodic improvisations set him apart from traditional techniques.

Why This Inspires

Bakthavathsalam's story shows how preserving tradition doesn't mean staying stuck in the past. He leads an ensemble called Laya Madhura that blends multiple instruments, helping transform percussionists from background accompanists to vital collaborators in cross-cultural music.

His dedication extends beyond performance. Over 26 years, he's trained more than 100 students who now teach and perform worldwide. He's also spent seven years organizing an annual festival honoring great composers at a historic temple in his hometown.

At home, he maintains 35 traditional mridangams made from jackfruit wood, some over 50 years old. He bought them decades ago, anticipating the growing scarcity of materials needed for authentic instruments. While lighter modern alternatives exist, he chooses to preserve the traditional craft despite the difficulty.

"I have worked hard to get to this stage, and even though I am 70 years old, I feel I have to keep improving myself," he says. Recognition only makes him more committed to constant practice.

His mother introduced him to spirituality, which has anchored him throughout his journey. He legally added his hometown's name to his own because he's deeply proud to come from the land where Carnatic music's founding masters lived.

After six decades of keeping ancient rhythms alive while helping them evolve, Bakthavathsalam proves that honoring your roots and reaching for new heights aren't opposite goals.