The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : A legend called M.S.

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 17, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

A legend called M.S.

Sir, — The passing away of the musical phenomenon that is M.S. Subbulakshmi marks the end of a glorious epoch. She took the soulful ragas from their native environs to the international forum. She was truly the musical ambassador of India who earned name, fame and glory for herself and the nation. Her life is an inspiration to all. Her success was built on the firm foundations of dedication, devotion and discipline.

V. Chandrasekar,
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — It is with utmost sorrow that the music world comes to grips with the demise of M.S. That her departure invited heartfelt condolences from not only musicians and artistes, but also dignitaries and luminaries from all spheres of life bears testimony to the fact that she enthralled millions in the course of a career that scaled the greatest of musical heights.

Sairam Sanath Kumar,
Kochi, Kerala

Sir, — The passing away of M.S. is indeed a great loss. The most fortunate ones are those who have heard her sing in live concert.

Ashok Parthasarathy,
Singapore

* * *

Sir, — Thanks to The Hindu for such an extensive coverage on M.S. amma. Her music is a therapy — it leads us to tranquillity and is the easiest way to feel the supreme power.

G. Deepti,
Hyderabad

* * *

Sir, — The Kanchi Paramacharya while referring to the quote of the great Sage Yagnavalkiar, the Dharmasastra exponent, said: "No penance, yoga, puja or strict vrithas are required; nada upasana on veena in suswara, purity in sruti and laya without deviation — all these ultimately lead to moksha." Is there any doubt that M.S. has attained moksha?

J. Dharmarajan,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — The most precious of all her awards and honours is the great compliment the late Kanchi Paramacharya showered on her — the incarnation of Goddess Saraswathi. During the last three days of Rajaji's life, she was by his side chanting the Vishnu Sahasranamam and singing Bhaja Govindam. That she is no more is unbelievable.

V.E. Venkataramani,
Chennai

* * *

Sir, — "I have a feeling that the three goddesses — Saraswathi, Lakshmi and Parvati — presided over her birth. One has bestowed divine melody on her, another wealth and the third charitable disposition ... she is Saraswathi by birth, Lakshmi by name and Parvati by marriage (married to Sadasivam)," wrote a friend in a letter to T. Sadasivam.

A. Prasanna Kumar,
Visakhapatnam, A.P.

* * *

Sir, — "M.S.' harmonious voice is better than the best" was how Americans described her voice. If music is a universal language, M.S. is the universal vocalist. To borrow Einstein's equation, "if A = success, the forumula is x+y+z," x is M.S.' benevolence, y her bhakti and z her talent.

Rajesh Prabhu
Coimbatore, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Her unruffled voice flowed serenely and moved even those who did not have an ear for music. It had the effect of trans, and her bhajans made people experience instant bhakti.

R.G. Srinivas,
Bangalore

* * *

Sir, — Even in the pinnacle of glory, splendour and excellence, she remained simple and unostentatious.

P.S. Subrahmanian,
Tiruchi, T.N.

* * *

Sir, — Jawaharlal Nehru's admiration for M.S. is well known. The admiration was, in fact, mutual. During a visit to Madras, Nehru was to attend a concert by M.S. As Nehru was ushered into the packed auditorium, M.S., who was rendering a kriti, abruptly broke into Subramanya Bharati's olipadaitha kanninai va va va ... the vibrant song in which the nationalist poet welcomes free India as the bright rising sun on the horizon. The gesture was greeted with a warm applause.

Tirumalai Raman,
Chennai

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Opinion

News Update

Stories in this Section

SUSTAINING THE MOMENTUM

KILLING FOR SAND

Re-engaging organised religion

Bush's tactics unchanged

Venezuela-India ties to centre around oil