| S VENKATESHWARAN |
The 443rd Monthly Panchami Carnatic Music Concert was
organised in a grand and devotional manner by Nanganallur Sri
Thyagaraja Sangeetha Samajam (NSTSS) Wednesday, May 6,
2026, at Ranjani Hall, 15th Street, Nanganallur.
Before the concert, a condolence meeting was held at 6 pm to
mourn the demise of Sri Ramanathan, who spearheaded the
Nanganallur Sri Thyagaraja Sangeetha Samajam for the last
four decades.
Sengottai Sri Rajamani, senior mridangam artiste and trustee of
the Samajam, spoke emotionally about his long association and
experiences with Sri Ramanathan and requested everyone to
observe two minutes’ silence to pay respect to the departed
soul.
TV fame and dramatist, Sri T.V. Varadarajen paid a rich tribute
to Sri Ramanathan and recalled his contributions towards
Carnatic music and cultural activities.
Renowned vocalist Neyveli R. Santhanagopalan shared his
close association with and memories of Sri Ramanathan before
beginning the concert. Smt. Ranjani of Ranjani Hall and
president of the trust also shared her experiences and
requested the rasikas to continue their support to the Samajam
and its activities.
The Carnatic music concert began at 6.30 pm and witnessed
an overwhelming response from music-lovers. Neyveli R.
Santhanagopalan delivered an excellent and mesmerising
performance that kept the audience engaged throughout the
evening. His soulful rendering of classical compositions
received huge appreciation from the gathering.
The concert was enriched by accompanists Sri V.V. Ravi on the
violin, Mannarkoil Sri J. Balaji on mridangam, and Madipakkam
A. Murali on the ghatam, whose performances added great
vibrancy to the musical evening.
The hall remained packed with rasikas till the very end of the
concert, reflecting the admiration and respect for the artistes
and the efforts of the Samajam in promoting Carnatic music
and cultural values.
Trustees, including Mr. Kudanthai Mali and Mr. Ganesh, were
present during the occasion. Family members of Sri
Ramanathan, daughter, Smt. Lata, along with her son, Sri Ravi
G, and daughter-in-law, Smt. Kalpalathika, were also present.
At the conclusion of the event, prasadam was distributed to all
the attendees.
