SMT.RANGANAYAKI RAJAGOPALAN
The field of Veena has lost one of its most melodious and soulful Veena vidushis this morning (Ekadasi, Guruvaram).
Smt. Ranganayaki Rajagopalan is a renowned name and one of the most respected Veena Vidushis and one of the strong pillars of the prestigious Karaikudi Bani.
During my tenure as Vice Chancellor of Tamilnadu Music and Fine Arts University I had the proud privilege of honouring Smt. Ranganayaki Rajagopalan with the JAYAM Award in the year 2014.
I always had great admiration for her extraordinary understanding and execution of the art of Veena as well as her unassuming and selfless dedication to Veena. The world never knew that all these years this great Vidushi (till the the fag end of her life) spent many hours practising Veena despite her physical ailments. I heard her personally and watched her leaning back against the wall and struggling to handle the instrument. It was astonishing that despite physical challenges the music that came out of her Veena was crystal clear, pure and divine.
I pray to God to keep her with Him where she belongs.
