Nirmala Sitharaman cries while listening to legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi at a Bengaluru event

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman became emotional at an event in Bengaluru on Wednesday while listening to a song by legendary Carnatic vocalist M.S. Subbulakshmi. A video shared by ANI showed Sitharaman tearing up during the programme, which was held to mark Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary.

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Sitharaman reflects on Subbulakshmi’s musical legacy

Speaking at the gathering, Sitharaman reflected on Subbulakshmi’s enduring contribution to Carnatic music, recalling her dedication, humility and rigorous discipline. She also spoke about the importance of bhakti in the tradition and highlighted how Subbulakshmi’s music brought together different languages and spiritual traditions.

Subbulakshmi’s great-granddaughters perform in Bengaluru

The event was held at Chowdiah Memorial Hall in Bengaluru, with Subbulakshmi’s great-granddaughters, S Aishwarya and S Saundarya, performing as part of the commemorative programme. Sitharaman attended the event as the chief guest.

Aishwarya and Saundarya carry forward family’s musical tradition

Aishwarya and Saundarya have carried forward their great-grandmother’s musical legacy and performed some of her compositions during the celebrations. The programme brought together music enthusiasts to remember Subbulakshmi’s enduring contribution to Indian classical music.

M.S. Subbulakshmi’s journey from Madurai to global recognition

Born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai, M.S. Subbulakshmi went on to become one of India’s most celebrated Carnatic vocalists. In 1998, she became the first musician to be conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country’s highest civilian honour. She also made history in 1966 as the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly.

Subbulakshmi’s devotional music continues to resonate

Her music earned audiences both in India and overseas, while her devotional compositions became especially popular. Subbulakshmi died in Chennai on December 11, 2004, at the age of 88.