‘Hadapada introduced tabla to the common man’

Mysore/Mysuru: National wrestler Shankar S. Kaligonnavar said it was Pt. K.S. Hadapada who introduced tabla to the common man and popularised it. He was speaking at the ‘Pt. K.S. Hadapada Award-2024’ conferment programme organised by Sri Guru Puttaraja Sangeetha Sabha, Mysuru, marking the 18th death anniversary of Pt. Hadapada at Ganabharathi in Kuvempunagar here on June 2.

Noting that Pt. Hadapada had a hunger for learning Music, Shankar Kaligonnavar said that Pt. Hadapada shot into fame in the Music world through relentless practise of tabla and determination during those trying times.

“Pt. Hadapada was from my  native village Mallapura. Though I have not seen him personally, I have learnt much about him. I will personally give Rs. 10,001 every year as cash prize from next year till as long as I live,” he said.

Raghuleela School of Music Director Suneetha Chandrakumar, who spoke after inaugurating the programme, said that no value can be attached to arts. Anything that mingles with arts will become lively and active and also paves the way for Samskara, she added.

Arivu School Head Mistress M.G. Chetana too spoke.

Pt. B.S. Venugopala Raju of Bengaluru was conferred with the prestigious ‘Pt. Hadapada’ award by veteran tabla player Shivaputrappa Hoogar.

Speaking after receiving the award, Pt. Venugopala Raju said that he feels honoured with the award. Pointing out that this programme was a bonhomie between Guru and Shishya, he recalled his long association with Mysuru. He has taken part in many concerts held in Mysuru, he added.

On the occasion, Pt. Venugopala Raju gave a tabla solo concert with Pt. Ranjan Kumara Bevra of Bengaluru on lehra accompaniment.

Earlier, the students of Sri Guru Puttaraja Sangeetha Sabha’s Music School gave group tabla recital programme.

Former Corporator M.V. Ramprasad, Akashvani artiste G.N. Manjunath, Sri Guru Puttaraja Sangeetha Sabha President Bhimashankar Bidanur, Vice-President Mrutyunjaya Hiremath and others were present.