Honouring 90-year-old mridangam exponent T.K.Murthy with the title ‘Nadhadweepa Kalanidhi’ marked the beginning of the 14th anniversary celebration of Nadhadweepam Trust, Srirangam, here on Friday.
‘Alathur’ S. Thiagarajan, secretary, Sri Sathguru Sangeetha Sabha, presented the title at a function held at the Sringeri Sankara Mutt, Srirangam. N.Gopalaswamy, director, Dalmia Cements, presented Mr.Murthy, a contemporary of legendary Mani Iyer, a gold coin and a purse.
The award was in recognition of the doyen’s contribution to Carnatic music over eight decades. Mr.Murthy had accompanied M.S.Subbulakshmi, the doyen of Carnatic music, for four decades in various concerts. He also had the honour of accompanying several great musicians , including Arikesanallur Muthiah Bagavathar, Alathur brothers, Tiger Varadachariar, Mazhavarayam Subbaraya Bagavathar, Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, Maharajapuram Santhanam, and Flute Mali , the citation said.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Thiagarajan said that the Nadhadweepam Trust was fortunate enough to honour the veteran artiste. He recalled the role played Mr.Murthy in the successful conduct of Tiruvaiyaru Thiagarajar Urchavam, when he was the treasurer of the organising committee.
‘Nagai’ R.Muralidharan, violin artiste, S.Gopalakrishnan of Agasthiar Publications, and Rajagopal, manager of the Srirangam branch of Canara Bank, offered felicitations. Nagai Muralidharan and Nagai R.Sriram presented violin duet at the end. They were accompanied by Mr.Murthy and Sivasubramanian on mridangam and Tiruchi S.Krishnaswamy on gatam.
