Culture: Music Awards; Sangita Kalanidhi award
Violin maestro R.K. Shriramkumar has been conferred the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi award for the year 2025 by The Music Academy, Chennai — one of the highest honours in Carnatic classical music.
About the Award
The Sangita Kalanidhi is regarded as the highest recognition in Carnatic music, given annually to an outstanding musician in recognition of lifetime achievement and contribution to the art.
The awardee typically presides over the Music Academy’s annual conference and concert series held during Chennai’s famous December Music Season.
About R.K. Shriramkumar
R.K. Shriramkumar is a renowned Carnatic violinist from the celebrated Rudrapatnam lineage of musicians in Karnataka.
He has accompanied generations of legendary vocalists and musicians, including Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer, M.S. Subbulakshmi, D.K. Pattammal, and contemporary stars like T.M. Krishna, Bombay Jayashri, and others.
His deep musical scholarship and expertise — particularly in the compositions and musicological work of Subbarama Dikshitar and Muthuswami Dikshitar’s tradition — have greatly contributed to his selection.
Significance of the 2025 Award
Shriramkumar’s selection coincides with the 250th birth anniversary of the composer Muthuswami Dikshitar, adding special cultural significance to the honour this year.