M.S Subbulakshmi

Unit : 7

Q1. Give Details of M.S achievement.

Q2. Describe the meeting between M.S and Helen Keller.

Introduction

Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi was an Indian Singer from Madurai, Tamil Nadu. She was the first Musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna. She was the first Indian who performed in United Nations General Assembly in 1966. Most of the people known her as M.S.

General Assembly of the United Nations in New York

In October 1966, M.S was invited to sing in the great hall of the General assembly of the United nations in New York. This was one of the greatest honours for her. International audience appreciate her performance and stood up at last to give her honour. M.S has carried great music with her to international level. She becomes one of the great ambassador of India.

Gandhiji’s views

Gandhiji was spell bound by her performance. He used to invite her every evening for singing hymns. This was another greatest achievement of M.S. She sang “Vaishnav Jana to tene Kahiye” which was appreciated by Gandhiji a lot. The feelings that she put into it , brought tears to the eyes of everyone who listened to her. She has also sang “Raghupati Raghav Raja ram” and made it nation’s favorite hymn.

Death of Gandhiji

One day when M.S was listening to evening;s Radio on 30^th January 1948, then it was interrupted by an announcement: The father of the nation had been shot dead. After this announcement the song “Hari Tum Haro jan ki pir” which was recorded in her voice was started. By listening this shocking news M.S fell unconscious with sadness. She was not even able to hear that song.

Meeting with Helen Keller

It was great experience of M.S to sing in front of deaf, blind, famous American writer Helen Keller. Helen has learned to read and write as well as to speak. She talked with people through her fingertips. When M.S sang in front of her, she put her fingertips on the throat of M.S to sense the vibration or music. She appreciate her performance and commented on her music.

“You make such a beautiful music”

This was greatest achievement for M.S because world famous writer who is not able to hear can feel her music. Mostly people are praising her talent by listening through their ears but this was strange experience for her to sing in front of deaf. It was such a great Tribute for her.

Madaras Music academy

M.S inherited singing talent from her mother Shanmukhavadivu,She was a famous Veena player. M.S gave her first performance when she was only 10 year old. She was invited to sing in Madras Academy where only the most famous singers were invited.

All India Music conference

In 1943, M.S first time sang to a national audience at the All India Music Conference in Bombay. Everyone has praised her singing at this national conference.

Charitable work

M.S used to contribute her money for charitable cause. She has helped thousands of poors, suffering people through her music. She has used her money for building hospitals, schools and libraries.

Hindi film: Meera

M.S has acted and sang in one the most famous Hindi film “Meera”. The film was popular everywhere mainly for her song. She acted perefectly the role of immortal devotional poet from Rajasthan.

Edinburgh Festival

In 1963, M.S sang at Edinburgh Festival in Europe. All Europeans including expert critics like her singing. She has also given special concert in London.

America

In 1977 M.S sing in Indian Temples which were being built in American cities. Many people liked her singing. They came from different culture and spoke different language, but they can feel the music of M.s with their heart. That’s why M.s never felt like singing in foreign countries. She felt like singing in madras because at both these places she received equal amount of love, appreciation. No matter what the language is.

Awards won by M.S

i)              Padma Bhushan: 1954

ii)             President of India’s Award: 1956

iii)            Made president of Madras Music Academy

iv)            Magsaysay Award: 1974

v)             Padma Vibhushan: 1975

vi)            Universities have given doctoral degrees

Conclusion

M.S is still living in the hearts of people through her immortal singing talent. She has never give up her singing practice, even at the age of 65 or more. She and her daughter used to practice music together. She is not only good by voice, but good by nature also. It was her goodness and purity of soul that attracts people.