Padma Shri Pandit M. Venkatesh Kumar, the legendary Hindustani classical vocalist, enthralled the II PUC students through his trademark husky, vibrant classical singing style. His immaculate and divine vocal concert was a part of “SWARA RAAGA SUDHA – 2016”, an Indian Classical Music Eve organised by Expert P. U. College, Valachil.
He was accompanied by Prof. Narendra L. Nayak, Chairman, Expert Educational and Charitable Foundation on the harmonium; Shri Keshav Joshi, top grade tabla artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan on the tabla. Shri Mrityunjaya, seasoned artist (invitee) and Patil Mukta Sidgonda, II PUC student (H-2 Batch) of Expert P. U. College provided support on the tanpura.
In his three hour long concert, Pandit Venkatesh Kumar presented several bandishes and bhajans in different raags like Shuddh Kalyan, Durga, Bhupali – to name a few. He even sang vachanas in Kannada and encouraged the students to sing along. “Raghupathe”, “Mautambaaz”, “Maata Bhavaani”, “Toredu Jeevisabahude”, “Kamale Kamalaalaye” and “Pranati Ide” were some of the compositions presented by him.
Mrs. Ushaprabha N. Nayak, Vice-Chairperson, Expert Educational and Charitable Foundation felicitated the artists by presenting mementos to them.
Mrs. Ushaprabha N. Nayak, Vice-Chairperson, Expert Educational and Charitable Foundation; Ustad Rafique Khan, Trustee; Mr. G. Muralidhar Shenoy, Cluster Head, Canara Robeco Asset Management Company Limited, Mangalore; Dr. N. K. Vijayan, Principal; Mr. N. Gurudutt, Vice-Principal; Mr. M. Rathnakumar, Resident Manager and Biology H.O.D. graced the programme.
Kaveri B. P. I PUC student (E-1 Batch) welcomed the gathering while Mr. M. Rathnakumar, Resident Manager and Biology H.O.D. proposed the formal vote of thanks.
Kadeejathul Hibha Haneef, I PUC student (H-1 Batch); Ayesha Mahreen, I PUC student (G-1 Batch) and S. M. Santosh, I PUC student (F-1 Batch) introduced the artists while Sahana Manjappa Girthimalli I PUC student (H-1 Batch) compered the event.
Dr. Viju B. Kammath, Faculty, Chemistry Department and Programme Director of “SWARA RAAGA SUDHA – 2016”, co-ordinated the programme.
