Tributes

In the recent past there have been many composers who have contributed substantially to the growth of compositional music and thereby enlarged the reach of carnatic music itself. Twentieth century can very well be termed in Carnatic music as the century of growth and spread of compositional music. Names like Pattanam Subramania Iyer, Koteswara Iyer, Raswami Sivan, Papanasam Sivan, Periasami Dhuran, Bharathiar are still ringing fresh in our memory.

With all this there are only a few who have attempted to compose in all the 72 mela ragas evolved in Carnatic Music. Smt. D. Pattammal who was with us till recently is one among these few. Having been associated with her, along with giants like Sri. S. Kalyanaraman , Sri T.R. Subramaniam, I am deeply aware of the total dedication of Smt. D. Pattammal in this work and the well deserving success that she achieved in the process. Couched in simple words, the lyrics in the Melaraga compositions had deep inner meaning soaked in Bhakti apart from contributing to lilting music. Each composition contributed to the clarity in understanding of the raga itself. This is an achievement with special reference to the Vivadi ragas, where the approach to composition making cannot by definition be pedestrian.

Not being satisfied with this, Smt D. Pattammal embarked on compositions based on Janya ragas. This again had been a stupendous effort and it is her single minded devotion and persevearance which gave her the deserving success.

It must be mentioned that Smt. D. Pattammal did all this, despite not enjoying good health. She took head on every adverse situation to accomplish what she finally did. She was an example of the inner strength fighting the outer frailty with resounding success.

I should not fail to mention that her family was solidly behind her in these efforts. Late Dr. Dandapani, her husband, who was a veterinary doctor , has also etched permanently his name in classic music by issuing the book - "Ragapravaham, which contains the details of more than 5000 ragas, classifying them in the appropriate Mela raga - right upto 72 Mela ragas. Smt. Pattammal's children, other relatives, friends, admirers have all contributed to her success. I consider it a great honour that I was reckoned as a family member, and got the opportunity to be associated in a small way in her great endeavours. She will be ever remembered by the music fraternity with gratitude.