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News Round UpJune 02, 2009
Musician, composer S. Rajaram dead
 

The former head of Kalakshetra, S. Rajaram passed away in Bangalore on June 1.
He had settled there after his retirement from Kalakshetra in Chennai.

It is said that Rajaram came to Kalakshetra in 1953 along with his grandfather, Mysore Vasudevachariar who travelled to Madras to join the institute at the instance of Rukmini Devi Arundale.

Rajaram went on to take charge of the institution after the demise of Sankara Menon.

Rajaram was active even in Bangalore - he had played an active role in the 2008 production of 'Sri Krishna Jananam' which was produced by Bharatakalanjali ( with part funding by ISKCON). Rajaram had sourced the verses from 'Srimad Bhagavatam', composed additional verses and also composed the music for this dance drama that was choreographed by former Kalakshetra principal, Prof. Janardhanan.

Vasudevachariar helped in setting the 'Ramayana' to music on the suggestion of Rukmini Arundale but he managed to complete only four 'kandas' in his lifetime.It was left to Rajaram to finish this project.

Like his grand father, Rajaram was an accomplished musician and Sanskrit scholar.

He worked for AIR and retired as Senior Station Director in Hyderabad in 1983 and on Rukmini Devi's invitation, took charge as Principal of Kalakshetra in 1984.

He became its Director in 1985 and kept a low profile but let Rukmini's ideals guide him in the managing this famed institute which had been taken over by the government.

He scored the music for many Kalakshetra productions during his time here.
Rajaram is survived by his wife, two daughters and a son.
The family can be reached in Bangalore at No. 44, 11th Main, 27th Cross, Banashankari II Stage, Bangalore - 78
Phone no. 080 - 2671 1321, 0-94488 78615.
 

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Tributes

Tribute by Rainer Pusch, saxophonist, composer and arranger

I had the chance to study Carnatic music with S. Rajaram in the 90s. I never met another person with this kindness, patience and tolerance. I will never forget the lessons I got in his bureau in Kalakshetra. Besides learning many kritis he composed 2 songs for me: "Sree Rama" in Nasikabushani Raga and "Deem Deem" in Kedaragaula Raga.

He always encouraged me and he gave me the energy to move to Chennai for 2 years with my wife and daughter 10 years ago to continue my studies. I was just preparing another journey to India, during which I wanted to meet him again when I got the news this morning that he passed away I was overwhelmed by the sadness which came over me.

Now, more than ever, I know that I have to continue what he wrote me in a letter once: "One pursues Karnatic music to achieve one of the two goals i.e. (a) to become a professional musician (b) for self- realization. I feel that the second goal is worth pursuing. He said "Donīt give up Karnatic music, go on practicing, one day you will experience bliss." I will never forget this beautiful man

Rainer Pusch email: contact@rainer-pusch.com


Gayatri Balagurunathan, Chennai-based dancer writes

I am deeply saddened by the passing away of S. Rajaram, ex-director of Kalakshetra. I have known him since when I was young and attending my part-time classes in this campus. He was a gentle person with a sweet disposition for everyone. He had a special corner for me always. I had the blessing of learning vocal music under him. I used to attend classes at his home in the Kalakshetra campus.

I have never seen him getting angry or using harsh words. He used to be patient while teaching the difficult sangathis and swarams. I learnt many krithis of his grandfather, Mysore Vasudevachar and later when my mother, Krishnaveni Lakshmanan presented a lec-dem on Vasudevachar krithis, this knowledge came handy.

My mother has been a close associate of Rajaram sir in Kalakshetra. He had composed many dance dramas for my mother - like Panchali Sabatham, Thrayee Sakthi and Sanaatanaa to name a few.

I still remember his warm hug and smile as he congratulated me for the success of my performance in 'Andal Charitram': this was my first main role in a Kalakshetra production. He said that I had excelled my amma in my role! That was a great moment for me in my life.

I recently met Sir in Bangalore during 'Krishna Jananam', a Bharatakalanjali production at ISKON Temple. He was cheerful and spirited on seeing all of us. He had composed the music for the same. I was lucky to have known him personally. It is a great loss for us dancers as he was a boon to many of us. I pray for his 'atma' to rest in peace.


By Balaji Ramanathan (son of Shri. M D Ramanathan)

We are shocked to hear the demise of Shri.Rajaram Sir. It is a great loss not only to Kalakshetra, but to the music world.
There was always an aura of 'Shanti' around him. He was easily approachable and particularly, was instrumental in retrieving my father's compositions in Kalakshetra. I have had the good fortune of several close interactions with him and will cherish those memories.
Our heartfelt condolences to his family and may his soul rest in peace.


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