A purist to the core, he stood like a rock protecting the pristine legacy of Carnatic music. His music rich in tradition and knowledge, his style of rendering raga alapanas, kalpana swaras mesmerized millions including senior vidwans. He who inspired several musicians during his life time continues to be an icon for the younger generation even today.

"He was an outstanding musician, a guru par excellence and an exceptional administrator who elevated the Swati Tirunal Academy to great heights during his tenure. He also popularised the works of great composers like Maharaja Swati Tirunal, Sri Sadasiva Brahmendra by publishing them in book forms. We musicians owe him a lot and this Sangeetanjali is our own small way of paying our tribute to this master musician” said Kalyani Sharma, architect of the programme.

The event began with the golden voice that reigned the Carnatic music world for over seven decades. Yes, the recorded voice of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer’s 'Vatapi' krithi in Hamsadvani raga set the mood for the function.

This was followed by a few musicians, friends and relatives sharing their own experience and perception of the musical legend with the audience.

Among them were S. Swaminathan, son of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer who attended the function with his wife Visalakshi Swaminathan ; Kalki R. Kannan, Lakshmi Kannan and musicians Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Anantarama Bhagavathar of Naadabrahmam, Kalyani Sharma and G. Balasubramaniam .

After the enlightening accounts, a riveting documentary on the life of the great musician was also screened.

Soon followed the actual Sangeethanjali by Gurus and Sishyas of Mumbai. Nearly hundred artistes - 14 gurus with their numerous disciples along with violin and mrudangam artistes - paid their musical tribute to the Sangeetha Pithamaha by rendering krithis that were either Semmangudi's favourites or popularised by him.

The Sangeetanjali concluded with the same voice that launched the programme, Semmangudi Maama’s recorded voice again, rendering ragamalika slokas and Mangalam.