Music, for most of us is a medium of entertainment, but for Vidwan R K Padmanabha, one of the top  musicians in Carnatic style, ‘music is not just a medium of entertainment but a subject to be studied academically’.  His music trust Srimad Vadiraja Aradhana Trust runs the Sharada Kala Kendra, a state-of the-art auditorium built at Hulimavu on Bannerghatta Road, which fulfils the aspirations of the music learners.

Vidwan Padmanabha gives personal attention to the students and cares for the personality development of every student. He has been teaching music for decades under the age-old Guru-shishya parampara. His main intention is to spread music all over the state. He arranges concerts, workshops, demonstrations, camps in the rural areas too.

He gives priority to create awareness on the spiritual, social and scientific spheres of life. ‘Gana Chakra’ is one of the popular programmes in which the students perform music on stage to showcase what they have learnt. The motive is to provide stage exposure and practical knowledge of concert music. ‘Chiguru’ is another unique musical concept, which is meant only for college students. To create awareness among women folk he conducts lecture demonstrations and ‘Goshti Gayana every week at Malleswaram, Vijayanagar, Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, N R Colony and other parts of the city.

He has also written 48 musical compositions. In recognition of his achievements, the Rajyotsava Award, the prestigious Ganakalabhushana title from the Karnataka Ganakala Parishat, Purandara Prashasti and other awards have come his way.

He will be organising Tyagaraja and Purandara Aradhanotsava on February 24 at Vadiraja Kala Mandir, Hulimavu on Bannerghatta Road. The programme will begin at 10 am. Hiremagalur Kannan will deliver a lecture on ‘Bhakthi Pantha’ on the occasion. Padmanabha can be contacted on 080-26593454