The Hindu : National : Parliament homage to M.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Dec 14, 2004

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National

Parliament homage to M.S.

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, DEC. 13. Parliament began its proceedings today with an obituary reference to the renowned Carnatic music exponent, Bharat Ratna M.S. Subbulakshmi, who died in Chennai on Saturday. A minute's silence was observed in both Houses after the presiding officers read out the obituary references.

In the Lok Sabha, the Speaker, Somnath Chatterjee, said: "A Magsaysay award winner, Subbulakshmi, who was popularly known as `M.S.' took Carnatic music to aesthetic heights." Recalling her early days and short tryst with films, he said: "M.S. was the first woman to be awarded the `Sangitha Kalanidhi,' a prestigious title of the well-known Music Academy of Chennai."

The obituary reference made a mention of the various milestones in her career spanning several decades. "In her illustrious career, which spanned over five decades, she mesmerised a generation of Carnatic music lovers. M.S. received a large number of awards during her illustrious career. India's top civilian honour, Bharat Ratna, was conferred on her in 1998. The void caused by her demise would never be filled. While she is not physically with us, her melodious voice will always continue to inspire us."

Reading out the obituary reference in the Rajya Sabha, the Chairman, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, said: "Her melodious voice provided spiritual solace and divine peace to many hearts. A legendary figure in Carnatic music, Shrimati Subbulakshmi was known for her simplicity and devotion. She brought international fame to our nation when she was invited in 1966 to render a concert before the U.N. General Assembly."

It also took note of the various awards conferred on her. "She was a recipient of the Magsaysay Award. The nation's highest civilian award, Bharat Ratna, was also conferred on her. M. S. reached her iconic status with the film Mira in 1945. Her admirers included eminent personalities like Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. In the passing away of Shrimati M. Subbulakshmi, the country has lost not only a shining star of Carnatic music, but it is an irreparable loss to the entire world of classical music."

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