The
one-line communique of the then President K R Narayanan that the President is
pleased to award the 'Bharat Ratna' to M S Subbulakshmi, was greeted by doyens
of Indian music as well as the rasikas.
She was in fact the first
musician to be awarded this distinction. When the President spoke to her over
the phone before making the announcement, eye-witnesses said MS was rendered
speechless but conveyed that she accepted the award "in all humility".
However, her moment of joy was
tinged with sadness as she had lost her husband Thyagaraja Sadasivam, a freedom
fighter, just a couple of months ago.
"My husband's soul will
rejoice in heaven over the honour given to me", she said about her friend,
philosopher and guide.
Prominent personalities in the
field of classical music congratulated her on being conferred the highest
civilian award. Renowned vocalist Pandit Jasraj said the event was a moment of
glory for classical music in the golden jubilee year of India's independence.
Doyen of Carnatic music
Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer expressed joy over the award saying "the music
world and Tamil Nadu have been honoured" by the decision.
"It's a matter of pride
and prestige that a woman Carnatic singer from Tamil Nadu has become the first
from the music world to get this honour", he said.
Violinist Dr M Rajam said the
news of Dr Subbulakshmi getting the Bharat Ratna was "wonderful" and
she truly deserved it.
Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv
Kumar Sharma described Subbulakshmi as the "voice of the nation. She is a
living legend, whose music has influenced four generations. By honouring her,
the government has done a great service to Indian classical music," he
said.
Her contemporary D K Pattammal
said she was overwhelmed with joy by the news, adding that Subbulakshmi richly
deserved it.
RR
MS and Bharat Ratna
