Sree Ramaseva Mandali to conclude founder S V Narayanaswamy Rao’s birth centenary celebrations

Bengaluru: Celebrating a century of cultural legacy, the Sree Ramaseva Mandali (SRSM) Trust is set to conclude the birth centenary of its founder, S V Narayanaswamy Rao, with a grand valedictory ceremony on Sunday.

The event, which marks his 101st birth anniversary, will be held at the SVN Memorial Hall in Nettigere, off Kanakapura Road.

A life dedicated to art

Founded in 1939 by a then 14-year-old Rao, the Mandali began on a Chamarajpet footpath and grew into a "Temple of Music".

Rao, a visionary Kalaa Poshaka (patron of art) became synonymous with the iconic month-long Ramanavami concerts at the Fort High School grounds, bridging the gap between sacred tradition and classical performance.

The highlight of the valedictory function will be the presentation of the prestigious "S V Narayanaswamy Rao Birth Centenary Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award". The trust will honour nine luminaries who have rendered exceptional service to the fields of Indian classical music and culture.

"Art and culture are the glue of society," the Trust noted, emphasising their commitment to sustaining the tradition Rao established.

The ceremony starts at 9.30 am and is expected to draw connoisseurs and students of Karnatik music from across the city.