Sugama Sangeetha Academy Trust, Mysuru, was founded more than 35 years ago by H.R. Leelavathi and her husband late S.G. Raghuram. The Academy is devoted for promoting light classical music based on the poems written by Kannada poets and poetesses. Under the guidance of well-known singer H.R. Leelavathi, the Academy arranges four programmes annually including one State-level competition. On Aug. 25, Academy in association with Rotary West conducted 25th State-level light music singing competitions. More than 80 singers in varied age groups participated.

Prize distribution

 Tomorrow (Aug. 31), the Academy has organised a programme to distribute prizes to the winners of the competition. Rtn. K.V. Murthy, President, Sugama Sangeetha Academy, will preside. Rtn. Reginald Wesley, President, Rotary West, will be the chief guest. On the occasion city’s talented but unsung singer who is serving the music and cultural world selflessly, Sunanda Dileep will be honoured.  This will be followed by a light music programme by Dr.H.S. Indira, Chennai.

About the artiste

Dr. H.S. Indira, a Doctorate in Geology from Mysore University, is the daughter of Venkatalakshamma and H. R. Srikanthaiah. Born and brought up in Mysuru, she started learning light music from H.R. Leelavathi and classical music from Vidushi Mahalakshmi at a very young age.

She is a graded artiste in Akashavani and Doordarshan. Currently, she is residing in Chennai and there she is learning Hindustani classical music from Pandit Krishna Balesh, who is the disciple of Ustad Bismillah Khan.

On Saturday (Aug. 31), Indira will be accompanied by Shanmuga Sajja on Keyboard and Indu Shekhar on tabla. Sugama Sangeetha Academy welcomes all music connoisseurs. Entry for the programme is free.

—C.K. Sanjay Kumar