Veena Virtuoso Jayanthi Kumaresh Honored in Chennai

When Chennai's Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam celebrated its 74th year of promoting Indian classical music, they chose veena virtuoso Jayanthi Kumaresh for their prestigious "Madhurakala Praveena" title. The honor recognizes artists who've dedicated their lives to preserving and advancing Carnatic music traditions.

The ceremony also celebrated other masters of traditional instruments. Mridanga artist Valangaiman K. Thiagarajan received the "Madhurakala Mani" award, while thavil player V. Chellappa earned a cash prize for his contributions.

Additional Solicitor General N. Venkataraman, who presented the awards, highlighted how the institution has quietly supported Indian classical musicians for nearly 75 years. Both awardees thanked the organization and its sponsor, the House of TVS, for standing by traditional artists through changing times.

Kumaresh didn't just accept her award and leave. She performed an absorbing concert that showcased why she earned the recognition, joined by Kumaresh on violin, Jayachandra Rao on mridangam, and Tiruchi Krishnaswamy on ghatam.

The performance moved through devotional pieces by legendary composers Muthuswamy Dikshitar and Shyama Shastri. Each raga explored different emotional territories, from tranquility to profound spiritual depth, with improvisational sections letting each musician demonstrate their mastery.

Why This Inspires

In an age of streaming pop music and viral TikTok songs, institutions like Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam prove there's still deep appreciation for centuries-old art forms. The organization has supported classical musicians for 74 years without fanfare, creating space for artists to develop their craft and pass traditions to new generations.

These awards matter because they tell young musicians that dedicating your life to traditional arts has value. They show that communities still celebrate the patience and discipline required to master complex classical forms.

The concert itself demonstrated why these traditions endure. When Kumaresh and her ensemble played pieces composed hundreds of years ago, audiences didn't hear museum pieces. They experienced living art that still moves people to tears and contemplation.

Traditional arts survive because people like those at Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Samajam choose to honor and support them, one concert and one award at a time.