Mannargudi S. Rajaraman, vice-president of Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Vidwath Samajam in Mylapore passed away on November 8.
He was 78.
His family said that ‘his demise marks the end of a lifetime of selfless service to the cause of music, spanning decades, following the footsteps of his father, the legendary Harikatha exponent, Mannargudi Sambasiva Bhagavathar.’
Rajaraman was wholly dedicated in planning and organising the Samajam’s core festivals with meticulous care and devotion. Under his stewardship, the Samajam conducted over 5000 programmes.
He was the driving force behind the seamless organisation of revered annual events such as Sri Thiagaraja Aradhana, Sri Muthuswami Dikshithar jayanthi, Sri Syama Sastrigal jayanthi,
Sri Purandaradasar jayanthi and the monthly panchami concerts.
Rajaraman dedicated his life to the institution, serving in various capacities from his youth and holding the position of vice president for the last 25 years.
In recognition of his service, he was awarded “Kala Samrakshaka” by YACD, “Kala Sevak” by Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer Trust “ and “Nallorukku Vanakkam” by Sri Krishna Sweets besides other recognitions.
He meticulously upheld the legacy established by his father, Mannargudi Sambasiva Bhagavathar, who served the Vidwath Samajam for six decades and who was instrumental in installing the panchaloka vigraham of Sri Thiagaraja swami as per the the instructions of the late Sri Kanchi Mahaperiyava.
Apart from his involvement in music, he worked as HR manager in the Shriram group of companies and after retirement, he was the HR director in Vivardhana Microfinance Ltd. He also helped many individuals through the magalir suya-udhavi kuzhu.
He was an alumni of P. S. Higher Secondary School, Mylapore
Rajaraman is survived by his wife, Kalyani Rajaraman, and his daughter, Harikatha artiste Vijayalakshmi Rajaraman.
The family’s contact – 8939320088
