Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Sitharaman Hails Subbulakshmi’s Genius, Discipline and Devotion in Bengaluru
Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about the famous singer M. S. Subbulakshmi in Bengaluru.
The event marked the 110th anniversary of Subbulakshmi’s birth.
Sitharaman said devotion, or bhakti, is the living soul of Carnatic music.
She praised Subbulakshmi for working hard and practicing with great discipline.
Even after becoming famous, Subbulakshmi continued to think of herself as a student.
Sitharaman recalled that the singer worked through the night to learn the pronunciation of a devotional song for Mahatma Gandhi.
Subbulakshmi also gave concert earnings to charitable and cultural causes.
Her music reached audiences across India and beyond barriers of language, region, caste and religion.
A video from the event showed Sitharaman becoming emotional while listening to Subbulakshmi’s music.
Nirmala Sitharaman described bhakti as the “living soul” of Carnatic music at an event marking M. S. Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary.
Sitharaman praised Subbulakshmi’s rigorous training, humility and continued dedication to learning music.
She recalled that Subbulakshmi worked overnight to master the pronunciation of the bhajan “Hari Tum Haro” for Mahatma Gandhi.
Sitharaman highlighted Subbulakshmi’s philanthropy, including donations to charitable and cultural causes and restoration projects.
Subbulakshmi received the Bharat Ratna in 1998, the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1974 and performed at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.
- Who
- Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman spoke about legendary Carnatic singer M. S. Subbulakshmi.
- What
- Sitharaman praised Subbulakshmi’s musical genius, discipline, devotion, humility and philanthropy.
- When
- The event was held on Wednesday, September 16, to mark Subbulakshmi’s 110th birth anniversary.
- Where
- The gathering took place in Bengaluru.
- Why
- The event commemorated Subbulakshmi’s legacy and contribution to Indian music and culture.
- Birth
- M. S. Subbulakshmi was born in Madurai on September 16, 1916.
- Death
- She died in Chennai on December 11, 2004, at the age of 88.
- Musical tradition
- Sitharaman described bhakti as the “living soul” of Carnatic music, sustained by diverse languages and spiritual traditions.
- Bharat Ratna
- Subbulakshmi became the first musician to receive India’s highest civilian honour in 1998.
- Ramon Magsaysay Award
- She became the first Indian musician to receive the award in 1974.
- United Nations performance
- She became the first Indian musician to perform at the United Nations General Assembly in 1966.
- Upcoming biopic
- Rashmika Mandanna is set to play Subbulakshmi in the upcoming biopic “MS - A Legacy On Screen.”
