2024
Year 2024 Award presented to Madurai Thirumalai Nambi Seshagopalan
Madurai Thirumalai Nambi Seshagopalan (born September 5, 1948) is a celebrated Carnatic vocalist, composer, and versatile musician, known for his mastery over the veena, harmonium, and harikatha. Born in Nagapattinam, Tamil Nadu, he trained under his mother and the legendary Ramanathapuram C. S. Sankarasivan. A recipient of the prestigious Sangeetha Kalanidhi (2006), he has enriched Carnatic music with his innovative thillanas, bhajans, and abhangs while maintaining a deep connection to tradition. Equally adept at North Indian ragas, he has participated in jugalbandhis and performed worldwide, including as India’s cultural ambassador to Russia in 1987. Seshagopalan holds degrees in science and music and has served as a professor at Madurai Kamaraj University. Beyond music, he produced and acted in Tamil films, including Thodi Raagam (1983). A revered guru, his disciples include notable singers like Gayathri Girish. Seshagopalan’s artistry and contributions continue to inspire the world of Carnatic music.
2024
Year 2024 Award presented to Vaikom Venugopal
Vaikom Venugopal is a highly respected mridangam artist and teacher known for his profound contributions to Carnatic percussion. Hailing from Vaikom, Kerala, he has earned a reputation for his mastery over rhythm and his adherence to the traditional Thanjavur Bani style. A dedicated performer, he has accompanied many renowned Carnatic vocalists and instrumentalists, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of laya (rhythm). Alongside his performance career, he has been a passionate teacher, nurturing the next generation of mridangam artists. His dedication to preserving the rich heritage of Carnatic percussion has earned him recognition and respect in the music fraternity.
2024
Year 2024 Award presented to Ragaratnam Nedumangad Sivanandan
Ragaratnam Nedumangad Sivanandan (V. Sivanandan Nair, born 30 June 1935) is a celebrated Carnatic violinist, teacher, and performer whose contributions to Indian classical music span over six decades. Born in Neyyattinkara, Kerala, into a musical family, he received early training from his father, Neyyanttinkara Vasudevan Pillai, before graduating with a Ganabhushanam in music from Swathi Thirunal Music Academy in 1954. He pursued advanced violin training under Virudunagar Ganapathiya Pillai, a disciple of Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. A versatile artist, Sivanandan has accompanied stalwarts like Padma Shri K. J. Yesudas, Parassala Ponnammal, and Sudha Raghunathan, while mentoring renowned violinists such as Thiruvizha S. Anand and international artists like Toronto Jayadevan. Recipient of awards like the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award (2000) and titles such as Ragaratna, he is a dedicated teacher who continues to inspire students. He has also performed as part of a violin trio with his daughter Sindhu V. and grandson Adarsh Dileep, leaving a profound legacy in Carnatic music.
