A star like none other, a stalwart whose rank every Carnatic singer wants to achieve. A voice that is evergreen with the spirituality that it renders. Bharata Ratna Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi, the iconic Indian musician, known for her divine voice and composed stature continues to rule the airwaves ever after years of her passing. Her dedication and contribution to the Carnatic music have redefined the reach that the art enjoys today.
Smt. M.S was no ordinary artist; she was destined to become the tallest singer of not just her times but for generations to come. Her ‘Venkateshwara Subrabhatham’ still invokes the spiritual blessings every morning in many Indian homes. A voice that mesmerises and infuses energy in every listener. Smt. M.S is one of the rare few who had the opportunity to take Indian Art to the global stage and the rarest of the few who ensured that she used her voice effectively.
Her performance to commemorate the UN Peace Day in 1966 is a milestone in more than one ways. Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi gave a stellar performance of the most captivating ‘Maitreem Bhajatha’ composed by the spiritual icon, Jagadguru Shri Chandrashekarendra Saraswathi. The saree-clad Madurai born M.S. Subbulakshmi stunned the gathering at the UN General Assembly. At the end of her performance, she received a standing ovation. The song with an in-depth message of peace, love and compassion is something that the world needed then and does so today.
Smt. M.S. Subbulakshmi gave peace messaging a new identity with her performance of the ‘Maitreem Bhajata’. Her work has inspired several young artists of the modern age. Awe-inspired by the stature and grandiose of all that Smt. M.S had accomplished in her lifetime, several young singers and musicians strive to experience a portion of the same.
Chennai based Carnatic singer and teacher Nandhini Chari has a full-time job with a leading newspaper in the city. Her day job helps sustain her passion for Carnatic music, for which she draws inspiration from the works of Smt. M.S, Smt. M.L.V and Shri. Maharajapuram Santhanam. Nandhini and her companions have produced an Acapella version of the classic ‘Maitreem Bhajata’, to pay tribute to Smt. M.S’ efforts to spread joy and hope. It is a tough and risky task to do justice to an iconic rendition such as the ‘Maitreem Bhajata’. Their efforts to produce this piece 52 years after Smt. M.S’ performance is proof of the impact that the late Subbulakshmi Amma has on aspiring musicians today.
Smt. M.S Subbulakshmi and her works will continue to motivate several young artists for generations to come. Her music has united us beyond time and given us the much-needed hope. She spread the message of love, compassion and respect for all through her timeless art.
YouTube Link to the video production of young Chennai artists as a tribute to Bharat Ratna Smt.M.S. Subbulakshmi: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DHp9KP6UtQ