Tirupampuram S. Shanmughasundaram, a noted vocalist in classical music and director of the Tamizh Isai Sangam in Chennai passed away on May 18 at his home in the city.
He was 73.
This veteran traces his roots to the family of Muthu Thandavar, one of the trio known as the Thamizh Trinity ( the Sirkazhi moovar) who had composed songs in Thamizh.
Shanmughasundaram popularised Tamil songs by singing them at all his concerts.
He was responsible for starting many music schools across Tamil Nadu. He also started music colleges, including the one in Tiruvaiyaru.
He was principal of the Government Music College in Chennai.
He also served on academic bodies of a few universities.
Among the many titles given to him was the 'Kalaimamani' award by the TN state government.
Shanmughasundaram was a key organiser of an annual festival dedicated to the life and works of the Sirkazhi moovar and was deeply involved in the research of Tamizh pann.
Tribute
By Dr. M. A. Bhageerathi, Associate Prof., Dept. of Music, Queen Marys College, Chennai
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Photo taken at a recent Pan research conference at Tamil Isai Sangam:
Dignitaries in the photo from right to left:
Dr.M.A.Bhageerathi, Kalaimamani Lepa.Karu.Ramanathan Chettiyar,
Dr.Tiruppamburam.S.Shanmugasundaram, Justice P. R. Gokulakrishnan,
Tiruppanandal.So.Muthukandasamidesigar and Nallai Kumaran
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Dr. Shanmuga Sundaram comes down the lineage of Amirthakavi Kuppaiah Pillai who was with Muthutandavar and wrote down all his compositions.
He hails from Tiruppamburam. He has served as lecturer and then as Principal, Tamil Nadu Government Music College. He was one of key persons involved in starting the Government music schools in all the districts in Tamil Nadu.
He served as Director of the Music College attached to Tamil Isai Sangam from 1998 till his death.
The Tamil Isai Sangam is into serious Pan research studies from 1949. The present day equivalent for the 23 Pans used in Tevaram, is the contribution made by the Sangam prior to Dr. Shanmugasundaram, heading the Pan research.
Dr. Shanmugasundaram headed the Pan research from 1998. For the past seven years he undertook the onerous task of taking up six Pans each year and finding their equivalent ragas.
Hence, for 42 Pans the present day equivalent ragas have been culled out. I am also into Pan research for the past several years, after Dr. Shanmugasundaram inducted me into it and every year I researched and presented at least about two Pans and their equivalent ragas, in the Pan research conference.
Dr.Shanmugasundaram headed the Pan research team. Along with him, were many stalwarts like 'Kalaimamani' Lepa. Karu Ramanathan Chetiyar, Justice P. R. Gokulakrishnan. Scholars like Dr. M. Premeela, Dr. E. Angayarkanni, Dr. Durga, Dr. Rajendran, Nallai Kumaran (disciple of Dandapani Desigar) and Dr. Anandanatarajan were also presenting their views during the Pan research conference.
All oduvars from all the temples and mutts were invited to present their view, which they did. Every year at least 50 oduvars attended the pan research meet.
Dr. Shanmugasundaram gave me an opportunity to perform a Pan isai concert during the December season, a priviledge rarely given to artistes other than oduvars. Last December ( 2009), after my recital, he came on to the stage and appreciated me.
Dr.Shanmugasundaram has done yeomen service to the cause of music by publishing the kritis, with notation of Muttutandavar, Marimuthapillai and Arunachalakavi .
He was instrumental in starting the B. A. degree course in Tamil Isai Sangam, four years ago, which is open to both male and female students, offering vocal, vina and violin as subjects. Till his death, he was talking about the Chemmozi conference to be held in June 2010 and of introducing a M. A. course at the Tamil Isai Sangam.
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