Mysore/Mysuru: Paying rich tributes to noted art patron and industrialist, K.V. Murthy, who passed away recently, Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji termed him as a true ‘Cultural ambassador of Mysuru.’ 

He was speaking at a programme titled ‘Kala Namana,’ a condolence meeting organised by various cultural organisations to pay tributes to K.V. Murthy here on Monday. 

The Seer said, though Murthy was an engineer by profession,  he had special interest towards art and culture. “Physically he may not be with us, but he is in the heart of every art-loving citizen in city,” the Seer added. 

Murthy was not a singer or an exponent of any particular art form, but he was a patron of many art forms. Had he showed interest in any particular art,  other art forms would have suffered. But he loved every art form and patronised all of them till the end, the Seer said. Murthy was the President of JSS Sangeetha Sabha and no other person has taken that position ever since he became the President. Murthy had built a guest room in his house to accommodate visiting artistes, the Seer noted. 

Noted dancer Dr. Vasundhara Doraswamy said that Murthy had been the President of her organisation VPAC (Vasudhara Performing Arts Centre) for over 15 years. He was not only a promoter or music and dance, but also of drama and Gamaka. He would be immortal in the hearts of Mysureans, she added. 

T.R. Harish, President, Sri Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha, Mysuru, said that Murthy was responsible for the coming up of Sri Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha in city. He was listening to only a few Kannada songs and continued his passion of promoting art and culture.

Stating that his father and K.V. Murthy had a very good association, noted violinist Dr. Mysore Manjunath said: “I grew up seeing him and under his guidance. The credit of bringing all the artistes of Mysuru together goes to Murthy. His death has created a void in the art field,” he added.

C.R. Himamshu, Art promoter, Raghuram Vajpayee, social worker and KSN Prasad, Secretary, Sri Nadabrahma Sangeetha Sabha and others were present.

On this occasion, Dr. Mysore Manjunath and Mysore Nagaraj paid tribute by playing violin. They were accompanied by Vid. H.S. Shivashankaraswamy on mridanga.