Sangeetha Kalanidhi Sri B. Rajam Iyer,
a senior disciple of Sriman Ariyakudi Ramanuja Iyengar, performed at
Vinjamuri Memorial festival held at Ravindra Bharathi, Hyderabad, on September 6, 2001.
Before the start of concert he insisted on speaking about Vinjamuri. The
following is the extempore expression of his admiration for Vinjamuri, in Tamil,
translated into English
B. Rajam Iyer with
Charulatha Ramanujam - Violin, Nemani Somayajulu - Mridangam and Gantasala Satyasai -
Kanjeera
Namah
Sadase’h! My Namaskarams to all in the Sadas. It is my important duty to
speak a couple of words! It was my good fortune that, long time ago, I was with Ariyakudi
Iyengarval in his Gurukulavasam. When I was there, this Mahaanubhavar -
Vinjamuri Varadaraja Iyengar - one with a totally devoted mind- used to come there very
often. It is not at all an exaggeration to say that we all mingled like brothers.
Vinjamuri had such respect for Ariyakudi’s music; it is very correct to say that
Ariyakudi was his Manasika Guru. Allthough he learnt from Tiger and others, he used to be
very respectful and was very humble with my Guru. I had the good fortune of having that
friendship with him. He used to talk to me with great affection. He was a very great
scholar, No doubt. It is not only in Sangeetham but also in Sahityam and in every thing
else. He was scholar with tradition. Thyagaraja Parampara is our abode. Even to think that
this festival is being conducted in his name is very delightful to me. There is no doubt
about it. I express my heartfelt gratitude to SICA for inviting me to participate in this
function and asking me to sing. His family members are here. My association with
Varadaraja Iyengar and with our Guru was a very special and important occurrence in my
life. With that remembrance today, I will sing in the same format as how my Guru used to
sing. In doing so, Varadaraja Iyengar will be pleased, we all will be happy and it would
be our good fortune too; all those meanings are embedded in that. As they say Sampradaya
Suddam, it is all fused in my Guru’s music. Within my capacity, I will try to sing in
that format and I respectfully request you all to listen and enjoy.
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