Srirangam Kannan, a revered Indian musician and distinguished morsing artist, passed away today, leaving behind a rich legacy in Carnatic music. Born on May 5, 1952, in Srirangam to K. Sathyamurthy and Kamalam, Kannan initially had limited exposure to Carnatic music until a transformative concert at the age of 19, where Sri Pudukkotai S. Mahadevan’s performance inspired him. He soon became Mahadevan’s disciple and honed his craft under the guidance of Kanadukathan Rajaraman, a renowned kanjeera and mridangam artist.

Kannan graduated with a degree in mathematics and joined the Indian Bank, where he dedicated 30 years of service, ultimately retiring as a manager in 2000. Despite his banking career, his passion for music remained paramount, and he continued to perform in concerts across India and for All India Radio Chennai.

Throughout his illustrious career, Kannan received numerous awards and honours, including the prestigious Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Carnatic Music from the Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam. All India Radio also recognised him as a Top Graded artist and received various accolades for his contributions to the field.

Kannan’s global reach was evident through his participation in numerous international tours and festivals, including performances in the USSR, Europe, and Australia. His collaborations with esteemed artists and ensembles showcased his mastery of the morsing and enriched the world of fusion music.

Srirangam Kannan’s profound impact on Carnatic music and his dedication to his art will be remembered by fans and fellow musicians alike. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the many lives he touched with his music.

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The post Renowned Morsing Artist Srirangam R Kannan Passes Away appeared first on The Commune.

C Velayutham, a renowned social activist and the first South India BJP MLA, passed away early today at the age of 73. Velayutham achieved a historic milestone by winning the Padmanabhapuram assembly constituency in the 1996 Tamil Nadu state elections, thereby becoming the inaugural BJP member to secure a seat in the state assembly in South India. His victory over DMK’s Bala Janathipathy was highly significant.

Despite the BJP only gaining one seat in the 1996 elections, Velayutham’s win marked a momentous occasion for the party’s foothold in Tamil Nadu. Even though subsequent elections saw the BJP attain the second and third positions in 2001 and 2006, respectively, Velayutham’s pioneering achievement remained a notable landmark in the state’s political landscape.

Before his electoral triumph, Velayutham served as an independent member of the Tamil Nadu assembly in 1984. Even after his term, he continued his social endeavors and remained dedicated to serving the community. His deep-rooted commitment to social work and his affiliation with the Hindu Munnani were defining aspects of his life, having been a devout Swayamsevak since the age of 13.

Following the Mandaikadu clashes, Velayutham joined the Hindu Munnani and contested the 1989 assembly polls, representing the Hindu minority community. Despite facing various challenges, including financial constraints, Velayutham’s perseverance led him to sell a portion of his agricultural land to finance his election campaign. His determination bore fruit when he emerged victorious in the 1996 elections.

Expressing condolences over Velayutham’s demise, BJP National President JP Nadda acknowledged his significant contributions to both the party and society. In a post on social media platform X, Nadda praised Velayutham’s commitment and dedication, highlighting his pivotal role in advancing BJP politics in Tamil Nadu. Nadda stated, “Deeply saddened by the passing away of former MLA and social worker C. Velayutham ji. He was the first-ever assembly candidate elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the BJP, representing the Padmanabhapuram constituency in the 1996 elections. His commitment and dedication to the party and to society will always be remembered. My deepest condolences to his family and supporters in this difficult time. Om Shanti!”

Deeply saddened by the passing away of former MLA and social worker C. Velayutham ji. He was the first-ever assembly candidate elected to the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly from the BJP, representing the Padmanabhapuram constituency in the 1996 elections. His commitment and…

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) May 8, 2024

Similarly, K Annamalai, the Tamilnadu BJP President remembered Velayutham, “The news of the passing away of Mr. C. Velayuthan, the first legislator of Tamil Nadu BJP and one of the pioneers of the party, is deeply saddening. He was devoted to the development of the party, a principled person and a hard worker. He who sowed hope for the growth of BJP in Tamil Nadu. My deepest condolences to the bereaved family and relatives of Sir Velayuthan. May his soul rest in feet of lord. Om Shanti!”

தமிழக பாஜகவின் முதல் சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினரும், கட்சியின் முன்னோடிகளில் ஒருவருமான, ஐயா திரு.C.வேலாயுதன் அவர்கள் காலமானார் என்ற செய்தி மிகுந்த வருத்தமளிக்கிறது.

கட்சியின் வளர்ச்சிக்கு அரும்பாடு பட்டவர். கொள்கைப் பிடிப்பு மிக்கவர். கடினமான உழைப்பாளி. தமிழகத்தில் பாஜகவின்… pic.twitter.com/xcAgXYoQBa

— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) May 8, 2024

The last rites are scheduled to take place in his hometown of Keezkaruppukkodu village on 9 May 2024.

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The post Tamil Nadu’s First BJP MLA C Velayutham Passes Away appeared first on The Commune.