.
Bachchan joining
Hollywood legends as
UNICEF Ambassador

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Donning a new mantle, superstar Amitabh Bachchan today joined the distinguished company of.....more

Centre, UP CM issued
notice on Chief Secy’s
service extension

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam....more

Semmangudi Srinivasa
Iyer passes away

CHENNAI, Oct 31: Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, the ‘Pitamaha’ of carnatic music, died at his residence here today....more

Advani lauds Sardar
Patel’s contribution
in India’s freedom

KARAMSAD (GUJARAT), Oct 31: In a veiled criticism of the Nehru family, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today......more

Fine for not sending
children to school under
education bill

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Parents who do not send their children to school will have to pay heavy fines under a draft bill on an....more

HC refuses to extend
Daler’s anticipatory bail

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Delhi High Court today issued notice for Monday to the Punjab Police on a plea by Punjabi pop...more

ITBP adopts water
conservation as
Theme project

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has adopted "water conservation" as its theme project to be......more

Centre misusing official
machinery, media: Jogi

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, who is in the thick of a controvery over distribution of school......more

Coming to India is like coming home: Sabina .....

DAN ministry expanded to 36 .....

BJP chief welcomes JD(U), Samata merger .....

Bhishmapitamaha of carnatic music no more .....

Bachchan joining Hollywood legends
as UNICEF Ambassador

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Donning a new mantle, superstar Amitabh Bachchan today joined the distinguished company of Hollywood legends Roger Moore and Audrey Hepburn becoming the latest goodwill Ambassador of the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for promoting the rights of children in India and around the world.

"I am extremely pleased to accept this responsibility. I hope that by adding my voice to the cause of children, it will make a difference in the lives of boys and girls here at home and across the region," said an elated Bachchan.

Adding yet another feather to his cap, Bachchan was recently made ‘brand ambassador’ of his Home State of Uttar Pradesh for attracting investment in the industrial sector.

As UNICEF Ambassador, Bachchan will periodically speak out on issues critical to the lives of children such as HIV/AIDS, polio eradication and the need for all girls to have an opportunity to go to school, a UNICEF release here said.

"Bachchan’s tremendous appeal to young people makes him an ideal goodwill Ambassador. When he speaks, people from all walks of life, from the youngest to the oldest, listen carefully. Our hope is to leverage his powerful connection with the people of India to make a difference in children’s lives, as he has already done for polio," UNICEF representative in India,Maria Calvis said.

Bachchan had contributed significantly to the Government’s pulse polio immunization programme this year by appearing in a series of award-winning television and radio commercials. These spots played an instrumental role in convincing parents to immunize their children.

A research survey of 10,000 respondents conducted in Uttar Pradesh in February 2003 indicated that 67 per cent of the people who brought their children to the polio booth were exposed to the Bachchan spots. 92 per cent cited the Bachchan spots as having an influence on the decision to get their child immunized.

Only 164 polio cases were reported in India this year, the lowest number ever recorded, as against the figures in 2002 in which 1600 children contracted polio.

"India is closer than ever to eradicating polio. Let us finish the job and rid our country of this terrible disease forever," Bachchan said.

UNICEF is celebrating a 50 year history of goodwill Ambassadors this year. Beginning in 1953 with Danny Kane, UNICEF has collaborated with world-renowned personalities from sports, music and the performing and film arts - including Audrey Hepburn, Roger Moore, Vanessa Redgrave, Susan Sarandon and Harry Belafonte.

The Ambassadors play a unique role in communicating the vision and values that guide UNICEF’s work for children through their world-wide appeal. (PTI)

Centre, UP CM issued notice on Chief Secy’s
service extension

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: The Supreme Court today issued notices to the Centre, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and others on a petition, challenging the extension of service to state Chief Secretary Akhand Pratap Singh, who is retiring today.

A bench of Mr Justice N Santosh Hegde and Mr Justice B P Singh also issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh Government and Chief Secretary Akhand Pratap Singh when the petitioners’ counsel Prashant Bhushan mentioned about the filing of the petition in public interest.

The Court, however, declined to pass an order restraining the Chief Minister from granting extension in service to the Chief Secretary.

"We appreciate your sentiments but any action or decision of the Government is always subject to judicial review and there was no question of passing any stay order," the Court told Mr Prashant Bhushan.

The petitioner Mr Sharat Chandra Pradhan, a journalist, had challenged the grant of extension on the ground that a case of disproportionate assets had been registered against Mr Singh on a complaint given by a former legislator.

The petitioner said the UP IAS Officers Association has also identified him as one of the three most corrupt officers of the state.

On September 17, Union Minister of State for personnel wrote to the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister that the Centre had earlier sought consent of the State Government for instituting a CBI inquiry into the disproportionate assets case against Mr Singh. In spite of this, the Chief Minister on October 13 requested the Prime Minister to grant extension in the tenure of Chief Secretary by three months, the petitioner alleged.

According to the petitioner, the Cabinet Secretary had put up a note, opposing grant of extension but the Prime Minister ordered the extension. (UNI)

Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer passes away

CHENNAI, Oct 31: Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, the ‘Pitamaha’ of carnatic music, died at his residence here today.

He was 95. He is survied by three sons, two daughters, grand children and great grand children.

The veteran vocalist was unwell for the past one week and he breathed his last peacefully at 1010 Hrs, family sources said.

All the family members were by his side when the end came, the sources said.

Born on July 25, 1908, at Semmangudi village in Thanjavur district, Mr Iyer started training of carnatic vocal music at the tender age of eight. He recited his first music performance at a temple in Kumbakonam in 1926.

Since then, his rise to fame was quite meteoric and he became one of the frontline vocalists by the late 1930s. In 1947, he became the youngest artiste to receive the prestigious ‘Sangeetha Kalanidhi’ award, given away by the music academy.

Mr Iyer’s performance at the Congress session in 1927 brought him to centrestage.

Among his most celebrated pupils were renowed vocalist ‘Bharat Ratna’ M S Subbulakshmi, T N Krishnan, T M Thiayagarajan, T S Narayanaswamy and Kadayanallur Venkataraman.

He belonged to the Thyagaraja Sishya Parampara (musical lineage) and in particular the Umayalpuram school, which was acknowledged as one of the most authentic in the rendition of the compositions.

During his illustrious career spanning more than seven decades, Mr Iyer held several notable positions. In 1939, he was appointed the ‘Asthana Vidwan’ (resident musician) of the royal travancore palace in Kerala.

After joining the Swathi Thirunal music academy in Thiruvananthapuram in 1941, he became its principal and also served as chief producer of carnatic music at All India Music, Chennai.

Mr Iyer played a major role in reviving the compositions of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal as the text was available for many of them, but there was no indication of the tune. He, along with others, brought out two publications, which gave notation to more than 200 of Swathi Thirunal’s compositions.

A doyen among carnatic vocalists, he was recently felicitated by President A P J Abdul Kalam at a function at music academy here. (UNI)

Advani lauds Sardar Patel’s contribution
in India’s freedom

KARAMSAD (GUJARAT), Oct 31: In a veiled criticism of the Nehru family, Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani today said it was "unfortunate" that only one family was taking the credit for gaining Independence for India and that Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contributions had been sidelined.

"Lakhs of people had contributed towards the country’s Independence, but unfortunately it is believed that only one faimly has fought for India’s freedom," he said speaking on birth anniversary of Patel, who was conferred the Bharat Ratna conferred in 1991.

"Lakhs of people have sacrificed their lives and many others had undergone severe torture in the jails during the freedom stuggle", Advani said, adding that "it was unfortunate that only one faimly was taking credit for India’s freedom."

Advani, who was participating in a function to hand over the Bharat Ratna to Sardar Patel trust here, said he did not want to comment on the reasons why the leader was given the award after 50 years of Independence.

"But it is sad the way iron man of India was sidelined for all these years", he said.

Lauding Patel’s contribution in unification of Independent indiI, Advani said "it is unparalleled how Patel unified them (the states) into one country.

Deputy Prime Minister said of such immense importance was Patel’s contribution that people even today "wish that he was present among us".

The grandson of Sardar Patel, Bipinbhai Patel, also handed over a Charkha, a shawl and a tea set of sardar patel to the trust. (PTI)

Fine for not sending children to school
under education bill

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Parents who do not send their children to school will have to pay heavy fines under a draft bill on an ambitious compulsory primary education programme of the Government.

The draft ‘free and compulsory education bill 2003’ circulated to political parties, says employment or engagement of a child preventing him or her from attending school is not permissible and no fee or any other charges should be levied on any child for attending an "approved" school run by Governments.

The progressive measure, which is a follow up to a Constitution amendment making education a fundamental right, also makes it obligatory on the part of elite schools to admit 20 per cent of their children belonging to "below poverty line" group.

A person violating the provisions will be punished with a fine which may extend to Rs 500 and in case of continuing violation, with an additional fine of upto Rs 50 for each day.

"No Court shall take cognizance of an offence under this act except on the complaint of the competent authority/ attendance authority or any other person authorised in this behalf by the local authority by general or special order", said the bill aimed at providing free and compulsory education to children in the age group of six to 14 years.

In case of children, who are without parents or guardians, the local authority within whose jurisdiction the child resides shall be deemed to be its guardian.

Though the draft bill says it would be the duty of every parent to send their child to an approved school, it has given certain exemptions.

The "reasonable excuses" for the children not attending the schools are (a) there is no approved school within the prescribed distance from the residence, (b) the child is receiving education in a recognised school, and (c) child suffers from any disability which prevents him from attending a school.

Once a child is admitted to school, it shall be the duty of the teacher along with parents or guardians to ensure continued attendance of children enrolled in the school.

Failure to report absence of any child in their schools would be deemed to be a professional misconduct of a teacher and action would be taken against them, the draft bill says.

The attendance authority, known as panchayats and municipal authority, shall have powers to direct recognised but not substantially aided schools to give admission, in a manner as prescribed, without any fees or any other charges to children below poverty line from the local body area.

However, this would not apply to a school which has not yet completed five academic years since the start of its functioning and the upper limit for admitting such children would be 20 per cent of the total strength of the school.

On the steps to be taken on violation of attendance order, the bill said if a parent or a guardian did not comply with the attendance of a child in a school, the attendance authority shall refer the case to a conciliatory body.

The conciliatory body would discuss the issue with the parents and attempt to convice the parents to send the child to school and also attempt to redress the situation which is preventing the parents from sending the child to school.

The bill also envisages the government to delegate its functions to a local authority within the geographical area of jurisdiction by notifying it in official gazette.

To establish a fund to enable the Government to meet its obligations under the act, the bill also calls for appropriation in the budget and vest the authority with powers to charge cess on any item or transaction or activity for funding the education of children. (PTI)

HC refuses to extend Daler’s anticipatory bail

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Delhi High Court today issued notice for Monday to the Punjab Police on a plea by Punjabi pop singer Daler Mehndi seeking extension of his anticipatory bail while refusing to extend the protection which expires tomorrow.

Justice S K Agarwal issued notice, returnable on November 3, to the State Police, which was investigating an alleged immigration racket against the singer and others, on the petition seeking extension of anticipatory/ transitory bail and police protection while refusing to pass any order without hearing the prosecution.

The Judge, who had earlier granted a ten-day protection from arrest to daler, also observed that the petitioner should now approach the Supreme Court or the Punjab and Haryana High Court with the request.

The singer, through counsel R P Bansal, had sought police protection for himself and his counsel in view of demonstration and incidents of stonethrowing when he appeared before the Punjab Police, which had on October 15 issued non-bailable warrants against him, on October 27 as directed by the High Court.

On October 23, the High Court had granted ten-day anticipatory bail to Daler, against whom the Patiala Court had issued the NBW in connection with an alleged immigration racket.

Granting the protection in order to enable the singer to approach an appropriate Court for a regular bail, Justice S K Agarwal directed him to appear before the State Police in Patiala on October 27 at 1030 Hrs.

In event of his arrest during that time, the petitioner was ordered to be released on furnishing a personal bond of Rs five lakh and a surety of the like amount.

The Court told Daler to cooperate in the investigations, deposit his passport with the trial Court and not to leave the country without its permission and keep the police informed about his place of stay.

The Judge granted anticipatory bail in view of his background and the fact that there had been bad blood between him and his brother.

The Patiala Court had on October 15 issued non-bailable warrants for Mehndi, his wife Daljit Kaur and four others in connection with the alleged immigration racket.

The Punjab Police had already arrested Mehndi’s estranged brother Shamsher Singh Shera, the prime accused in the visa racket case, registered on a complaint by one Bakshish Singh on September 19.

Counsel for Delhi state Anil Soni had opposed Daler’s anticipatory bail plea, saying that if the High Court granted him bail, it would open the "pandora’s box" and Courts would be flooded with such petitions seeking protection where crime had allegedly been committed in the other states. The Court should only give interim or transit bail but not regular anticipatory bail in such matters.

Daler’s counsel R K Jain had alleged that his client was being hounded because his celebrity status was not liked by "certain people".

The counsel also claimed that the petitioner had been implicated in the case probably because the complainant was not able to recover money he allegedly paid to Shamsher Singh.

The Punjab Police submitted an affidavit, saying that it had received 31 new complaints against Daler ever since his alleged involvement in human trafficking had come to light.

The State Police said fresh complaints had been pouring in and they had so far received 31 such complaints against the petitioner.

Punjab Police counsel Atul Nanda questioned the conduct of the petitioner in trying to mislead the Court by giving a "wrongly" translated copy of the FIR and also countered the petitioner’s claim that he had no links with his brother.

The serious charges required his custodial interrogation, which was also needed to affect the recovery of passports of various complainants, he said.

Material collected during the course of investigation unfolded a larger conspiracy having national and international ramifications, he said and added that the petitioner and his co-accused had been cheating the innocent youth of the country by promising to send them abroad by illegal means.

It was further contended that the petitioner had deliberately not approached the competent Court (Patiala Court which had issued non-bailable warrants) even though his wife had moved the Sessions Court in Punjab. (UNI)

ITBP adopts water conservation as Theme project

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has adopted "water conservation" as its theme project to be implemented in areas along the Indo-Tibetan border.

Director General of ITBP R C Agarwal, speaking at the inauguration of the exhibition and debate competition yesterday organised by the force in connection with its 42nd annual raising day, said it aimed to highlight the importance of fresh water and its role in conservation of fresh water sources in the Himalayas.

The competitions on the theme of "international year of fresh water" was earlier inaugurated by the Minister of State for Home Affairs I D Swamy who said "it is the youth who are competent to bring revolutionary changes in the attitudes of the people regarding the correct use of fresh water, water harvesting and water pollution."

The debate saw participation by 17 schools from the capital. Natasha of Army Public School and Varabarun of Mann public school were declared the winners.

The best exhibition award was bagged by Mann Public School which also won the "panchachuli cup" for overall performance. (UNI)

Centre misusing official machinery, media: Jogi

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi, who is in the thick of a controvery over distribution of school bags with his picture, today hit back at the BJP-led coalition at the Centre for misusing the official machinery and media for the coming assembly elections.

Jogi, who met Chief Election Commissioner J M Lyngdoh at the Nirvachan Sadan, said of late BJP and a few other political parties had been flooding EC with "frivolous, false and fabricated" complaints alleging misconduct not only by the Congress but also the State Government.

After an hour-long meeting with the CEC, Jogi told reporters that he has urged the commission to look into the alleged misuse of official machinery by the BJP for electioneering purposes.

Apparently irked over the Commission’s directive to the State Government to remove two collectors, the Chief Minister urged the Commission to hear both parties before taking any action.

"It has been my purpose to bring to the notice of the Commission, certain glaring incidents of miscarriage of justice. Understandably, this could be due to the gross misrepresentation of facts by the complainants.....Such lapses and miscarriage of justice could not have occurred if the Commission had followed the principle of natural justice", he said in a 10-page memorandum to the Commission.

A large number of Congress workers gathered outside the Commission shouting slogans in support of Congress and against BJP. EC officials had a tough time controlling them as some of them sat in front of the main entrance blocking the way for sometime.

Asked about the opposition allegation about distribution of school bags, Jogi said that soon after the Commission’s directive, the State Government not only stopped distribution of school bags but also its storage across the state.

"As the executive head of Government, I can assure you that this was strictly complied with," he said in the memorandum.

On complaints about two collectors travelling with him, the Chief Minister said that he had been provided with ‘Z-plus’ security which necessitated the officials to travel with him. The collectors did not participate, directly or indirectly, in any political function, he said.

Replying to questions on complaints about hoardings, Jogi said while the hoardings put up by the Government had been removed, the Congress party had put up its own hoardings.

There was no reason why the argument used by the Commission with respect to hoardings should not be extended to every other audio-visual media of broadcasting and publicity, including the state-run media, he asked. (PTI)

Coming to India is like coming home: Sabina

LUCKNOW, Oct 31: When John Lennon sang "imagine there’s no country, it isn’t hard to do, nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too...", little did he know the significance his golden verses would hold decades after he fell to a crazy fan’s bullet outside his New York apartment in 1980.

Taking a leaf from Lennon’s classic hit, a 35-member Pakistani team from Foundation Public School (FPS), Karachi, has come to India, border hostilities, Kashmir, allegations and counter allegations notwithstanding.

The contingent, comprising five teachers, are in the city of nawabs to participate in the International Sports Olympiad ‘Exspo 2003’ that rolled out to a colourful start yesterday after being inaugurated by ‘Rustam-e-Hind’ and Rajya Sabha MP Dara Singh. The event is being organised by City Monstessori School (CMS), Lucknow.

Talking to UNI, Sabina Ahmad Barry, FPS teacher and team leader, said "coming to India is like coming home."

"We are overwhelmed by the love and affection showered on us and there is a strange sense of nostalgia. We wish we were one country," she added with a glimmer in her eyes.

Misha Mallick, a class IX student in the team, said it was hard to figure the divide in 1947, as India and Pakistan have at common culture, language, cuisine and social norms.

"It rarely occurs to me that I am in an ‘alien’ country. The people, architecture and the smell of the air reminds me of Karachi," she quipped. Politicians have made a mess of things and the future generations hold the key to peace and mutual development, she added.

FPS sports coach, Murad Hussain, who has roots in Kolkata regrets that politics has only acted as a deterrent to people-to-people contact between India and Pakistan.

Recalling the difficulty the Karachi school students and teachers faced in getting visas for their India trip, Ms Barry said the visa was issued after much persuasion and that too far a limited period.

"We have been strictly directed to return by November 5 without a day’s delay," she added saying this kind of approach did not augur well if we wanted lasting peace in the region.

"It is time we give peace a chance and reflect on what we have gained since 1947 with only animus between the two great Asian countries," averred Mr Hussain.

"Some vested powers in the developed world do not want us to forge a friendship as we form the largest markets for their weapons," he observed.

"Amitabh Bachchan and Hrithik Roshan are just as famous in Pakistan as this side of the border, while Sachin’s willow reigns supreme with the cricket nerds," chirped Muhammad Umair joined by Babar Asad, students of the Karachi school. They hoped India and Pakistan resumed criketing ties which could act as a bond in these times.

"Sports will go a long way in softening the hardline approach. This can then lead to a more mature view of the ground realities that need to be addressed urgently rather than the stockpiles of missiles," said Owais Awan, a class X pupil.

"Indian films and soaps are very popular in Pakistan and are trendsetters in fashion for our youth," said Mariam Khawar, a class X student.

Another FPS teacher Saleem Gurdas invited the Indian students to Pakistan.

"War, hostilities and lobbying at international forums for an upper hand...Politicians of both the countries have tried all they can do, but all along it was the common man that has sufferred the most," said Ms Barry.

The Pakistan team leader appealed to the Media to help bridge the gap between hearts that have stayed lorn far too long.

Against the backdrop of Pakistan’s response to India’s latest peace proposals on Wednesday, there is no telling that people of both the countries want things to ease out for the better. (UNI)

DAN ministry expanded to 36

KOHIMA, Oct 31: The 240-day old Neiphiu Rio-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) ministry was expanded today with the induction of four cabinet ministers, while a minister of state was elevated to cabinet rank.

With the fresh induction, the strength of the ministry rose to 36, with 33 cabinet ministers and three ministers of state.

Governor Shyamal Datta administered the oath of office and secrecy to the newly inducted ministers in a function held at the Darbar Hall of the Raj Bhawan. The council of ministers, opposition Congress members were present besides senior Government officials.

The newly inducted Cabinet Ministers are — Mr Tokheho Yepthomi, Mr T R Zeliang, Mr Kaito Sumi and Mr Doshehe Sema, while Minister of State for Geology, Mining and Excise Mr Kipili Sangtam was elevated to cabinet rank.

The four ministers were among the seven MLAs, who had defected from the Congress on June 27, ahead of the DAN Government’s first budget session, and floated a new platform ‘the Nagaland Congress’. They subsequently joined the Nagaland Peoples Front(NPF), the major constituent of the ruling coalition.

Mr T R Zeliang, representing Jalukie constituency under newly created Peren district, and Mr Tokheho Yepthomi, representing Aghunato under Zunheboto district, were ministers in the previous Congress regime under Mr S C Jamir.

This will be the first time for both Mr Kaito Sumi and Mr Doshehe Sema to serve as ministers. Mr Kaito Sumi is the representative from Satakha constituency under Zunheboto district, while Mr Doshehe Sema represents Atoizu constituency under Zunheboto district.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio told reporters immediately after the swearing-in ceremony that the ministry was expanded to give equal representation to all the tribes.

"I will entrust and distribute equal responsibilities to all the ministers so that they can serve the people of the state," Mr Rio commented.

On the distribution of portfolios to the newly inducted ministers, he informed that it would be allocated soon. (UNI)

BJP chief welcomes JD(U), Samata merger

CHENNAI, Oct 31: BJP today welcomed the merger of the Janata Dal (United) and the Samata Party saying the unification was ‘good’ for the National Democratic Alliance.

"The BJP welcomes the merger of the JD(U) and the Samata Party, who are partners of the NDA. The coming together is more conducive for the functioning of the NDA also," party president Vankaiah Naidu told reporters at the Meenambakkam airport before leaving for Delhi this morning.

Ruling out the possibility of repealing of POTA, Naidu said he could not understand the ‘provocation’ behind the DMK to demand its repeal. POTA was very much necessary for the security of the country and ‘there is no question of repealing it’, he said.

"It is not a political issue but a national issue and the legislation was passed in the joint session of Parliament after considerable discussions. It was not a hasty legislation’, Naidu said.

Naidu said the 15 months experience "tells us that the country needs some safety measures and that is why the Government considered this aspect and has given more powers to the review committee.

There is no question of taking away states‘ rights’ and in the larger interests of the country, the amendments have been brought to the legislation, he said.

He appealed to the DMK, one of the partners of the NDA Government at the Centre, to think about larger national interest and cooperate with the Government. ‘I am sure the DMK will realise the importance of the legislation and try to understand the situation’.

He also asked the State Governments to use POTA effectively against terrorist organisations and against those indulging in terrorist activities. ‘This is the considered view of the party and there is no change in our view on this’, Naidu said. (PTI)

Bhishmapitamaha of carnatic music no more

CHENNAI, Oct 31: ‘Semmangudi’ Srinivasa Iyar, called the Bhishmapitamaha of carnatic music, was a link between the past and the present styles of the traditional classical music of south India and a giant who strode the field like a colossus for decades.

He was born on July 25, 1908 at Tirukkodikaval village in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu at his maternal uncle, violin maestro Krishna Iyer’s residence.

A versatile Raga exponent, he had the credit of setting the tune to the Swadhi Thirunal’s (the late Tranvancore king) Krithis (verses).

Quiet apart from his native genius, ceaseless industry and sincere commitment to his heart, Semmangudi was the last of the Titans of a bygone era.

Having learnt the art of carnatic music from such luminaries like ‘Gottuvadyam’ Sakharama Rao and Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer, he came to prominence in 1948, when he was conferred with "Sangitakalanidhi" award.

He was then the youngest to receive the Covetted award, that too the very next year after his own Guru Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer receiving such an honour.

He was the Chief Producer of All India Radio for many decades and had given concerts all over the country.

Uncompromising in values, Shrewd in judgement of genuine worth, Semmangudi never approved of "adulteration" of pure carnatic music with any other form.

Beginning to learn the classical art at the age of eight, Semmangudi had his early training under his cousin, a violinist, Narayanaswamy Iyer, before moving to Kumbakonam to stay at Gurukula of Sakharama Rao, who introduced him to Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer.

"Cheenu" as he was popularly called by his fans, was put to intensive training leading to his voice acquiring a razor sharp, velvet smooth strength, piercing in "Madhyamasruti".

His debut as a concert singer came in 1926 and his "Patnapravesam" (entry to city) coincided with the birth of Madras Music Academy in 1927, when he sang at the Indian National Congress Convention.

Though a traditionalist, Semmangudi introduced many novelties on the concert platform. Several ragas and kritis were made popular by him.

Maharani Sethu Parvathi Bai, of Tranvcore and her Diwan late C P Ramaswamy Iyer, acknowledging the genius in him, had appointed him as the principal of the Swati Thirunal music college, Thiruvananthapuram, which post he held till 1963.

Semmangudi was conferred with Padmabushan, "ISAI Peraringyar" (of Tamil ISAI (music) Sangam, "Kalaimamani" (instituted by Tamil Nadu Government) and "Kalidas" Samman of Madhya Pradesh Government among others.

Though he had brushes with controversy with some eminent muscians like Balamurli Krishna, he always gave his opposition in a witty and ironical manner.

He had the rare distinction of giving concerts at all India Radio, Chennai, when it commenced its broadcast and during its silver jubilee. (PTI)

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