Mysore/Mysuru: Dr. T.S. Sathyavathi, Chairperson of the 30th JSS Music Conference (Sangeetha Sammelana), was conferred the prestigious ‘Sangeetha Vidya Nidhi’ award at the valedictory ceremony held at Navajyoti Auditorium in JSS College for Women, Saraswathipuram in city recently.

The Conference was organised by the JSS Sangeetha Sabha Trust in memory of late Dr. Shivarathri Rajendra Swamiji.

The award was presented by Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji, who, in his address, praised the significant contribution of Indians living abroad in nurturing and promoting Indian classical music and other cultural legacies on foreign soil.

“Music heals both physical and mental suffering. Indians can take pride in this powerful heritage. Troubled minds find solace in music. Music, dance and arts are India’s profound gifts to the world. While many Indians abroad have shown remarkable dedication in learning and teaching classical music, the growing attraction towards entertainment-driven shows is harming the growth of classical music,” he observed.

Responding to the honour, Dr. Sathyavathi said that the JSS Mutt has always taught compassion and inclusivity and she extended her best wishes to music enthusiasts and students.

Dr. C.A. Sridhar, retired Principal of Maharaja’s College, noted that Music Conferences stimulate both the mind and soul of rasikas. He lauded the JSS Mutt for its consistent efforts in promoting Indian classical music and offering platforms for artistes to showcase their talent.

Before the stage programme, a captivating Jugalbandi by Vidwan D. Balakrishna (veena), Vidwan V. Vamshidhar (flute), Vidwan B.S. Prashanth (mridanga) and Vidwan Shamit S. Gowda (ghata) enthralled the audience.

Office-bearers of the JSS Sangeetha Sabha Trust were present on the occasion.

Prize winners

Students who excelled in various categories were honoured on the occasion:

• Vachana Gayana (Senior): Anjana Matam (1st), A.G. Puneet (2nd)

• Vachana Gayana (Junior): Charvi Satish (1st), N. Vidhathri (2nd)

• Classical Music (Senior): Anjana Matam (1st), Anagha Bharadwaj (2nd)

• Classical Music (Junior): Lalita Sriram (1st), Srihan Suhas Karvey (2nd)

• Classical Violin (Senior): A.G. Puneet (1st), V.  Samarth (2nd)

• Classical Music – Veena (Junior): Sriranga V. Chakravarthy (1st),  M.B. Raghav (2nd)

• Flute (Junior): Omkar (1st)

• Mridanga (Junior): K. Prahallad Das (1st), Nirupama Divakar (2nd)