Saturday, April 03, 2010
On 3rd April, Sri Swamiji traveled to Cleveland, Ohio. Sri Swamiji inaugurated the 33rd Thyagaraja Aradhana and Music Festival of Cleveland in Waetjen Auditorium, Cleveland State University. Pujya Sri Swamiji honoured several Carnatic classical music artists and dance teachers. Smt. Sudha Raghunathan (of Gana Sudha CD fame) was honoured with title “Sangeetha Rathnakara”. Smt. Charumathi Ramachandran was honoured with title “Sangeetha Kala Sagaram”. Smt. Radha Viswanatham (daughter of Late M.S. Subbulakshmi) was awarded the title “Kala Chandrika”. Smt. Sudha Raghunathan in her acceptance speech profusely thanked Pujya Sri Swamiji for the title and Blessings. Son of Smt. Radha Viswanatham, speaking on behalf of his mother recalled the visit of the legendary Carnatic singer M.S. Subbulakshmi to Mysore Ashrama in 1980.
After the inauguration, Sri Swamiji played “Omkarathma Raga Sagara” – a one hour meditation music concert. In the brief opening address, Sri Swamiji spoke on the quality and effect of music in making a person more cultured. In the concert, Naga Swaravali, Kuvalayabharanam and Ganamurthy Ragas were extensively played. The packed auditorium profusely applauded Sri Swamiji’s music. After the conclusion, Dr. V.V. Prakasa Rao, Chairman, Datta Yoga Center, USA announced the institution of “Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Award” and “Matha Jayalakshmi Award” from Datta Yoga Center and Yoga Sangeetha institutions. He announced a contribution of $ 25,000
