CHENNAI, July 28, 2013

Vocalist Sudha Ragunathan, a student of late M.L. Vasanthakumari (MLV), and a representative of the G.N. Balasubramaniam (GNB) school of music, has been chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi award of the Music Academy for 2013.

"She was the unanimous choice. The award to her represents the transition from musicians from yesteryear to the next generation,” said N. Murali, president of the Music Academy.

The Natya Kala Acharya award will go to Chitra Visweswaran.

Ms. Ragunathan is the fourth generation of musicians from the GNB school to receive the award. After GNB himself, who received the award in 1958, it was MLV’s turn in 1977. In 2012, the award went to Tiruchur V. Ramachandran, another student of GNB and MLV.

"I cannot measure my words in happiness. I have been receiving calls and sharing the happiness is gratifying,” Ms. Sudha Ragunathan told The Hindu.

A post-graduate in Economics, Ms. Ragunathan learnt music first from her mother V. Sudamani and later came under the tutelage of B.V. Raman.

She also excelled in academics and won the most outstanding student award three years continuously when she pursued her under-graduate studies in Ethiraj College.

"Later, a Central government scholarship brought me under the tutelage of MLV for advanced training in Carnatic music,” said Ms Ragunathan.

She was with MLV for 13 years and accompanied her in many concerts.

A Padma Shri awardee, winner of the Isai Perarignar award of the Tamil Isai Sangam and the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani, Ms Ragunathan has won awards instituted by most of the sabhas in Chennai.