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The title of 'Sangeetha Sagara Rathna' was conferred on veteran Carnatic vocalist D K Pattamal by the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Math, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi, at an impressive function organised by the Coimbatore-based Rajalakshmi Fine Arts in Chennai on December 1, 2003.
The function was held at the Music Academy. The Rajalakshmi Fine Arts is a wing of the Rajalakshmi Trust founded by Dr T Sathish Kumar in memory of his mother.
Presenting the title, the Sankaracharya said Carnatic music had a special role to play not only in the culture of the country but also had a special place in te the hearts of the Gods and Goddesses.
The Sankaracharya said pure Carnatic music, for added emphasis he stressed the word 'pure', was one of the best ways to establish links with the Gods and to invoke them. It was only in the case of learning music and the vedas, that the word 'paramparai' (tradition) was used, and not in other fields, he added.
 He wished the performing artistes in the fields of classical music and dance forms the best in their careers and in pursuit of knowledge and perfection. Carnatic music had an integral part in Bhakti and therefore must be encouraged, he felt.
The chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in Coiimbatore, B K Krishnaraj Vanavarayar, said Coimbatore had become an important centre in the field of classical music and dance. Top artistes rendered performances in Coimbatore throughout the year, he said pointing out that the Rajalakshmi Fine Arts was rendering excellent service in this regard.
Dr T Sathish Kumar, founder-trustee, said there were over 600 members in his organisation in Coimbatore who enjoyed the performances of various artistes in the fields of classical music and dance. His organisation released a pack of Rajalakshmi audio CDs on the occasion.
 Noted danseuse Vyjayantimala Bali said D K Pattammal was a source of inspiration to her and many others in the field of Carnatic music and dance. She recalled the kindness and affection showered on her and other students by the Pattammal-Easwara Iyer duo.
Kaviperarasu Vairamuthu, recalling her rendering of patriotic and devotional songs, said D K Pattammal laid great stress on lyrical value, the correct pronunciation and emphasis, resulting in a sweet combination of lyrical beauty and melody. It was amazing that she had retained her popularity for over half a century, while present day performers in the fields of music and dance struggled to retain their popularity even for a few years. What was more outstanding than her achievements was her simplicity. "True greatness lies in simplicity", Vairamuthu pointed out.
Playback singer S Janaki said Pattammal's pronunciation of Telugu compositions was exemplary. She said DKP was a source of inspiration to her in the early days.
 Dr V V Srivatsa, musicologist, and ENT specialist Dr S Kameswaran, also felicitated
DKP.
The function began with invocation by noted vocalist Sudha Ragunathan. It concluded with a vocal concert by N Vijay Siva, who sang a few of DKP's favourite songs.
Popular vocalist Nithyashree (DKP's grand-daughter) and her husband Mahadevan presented bouquets and mementoes to the dignitaries on the dais.
(R Rangaraj)
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