Well-known Mirudanga Vidvan honoured
Kalabhooshanam Chelvatamby Maniccavasagar
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DOCTORATE: K. Shanmugam-
pillai receiving the honour.
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ART: The International University for Martial Arts affiliated to New
International Karate Organization, Japan and the Open International
University for Complementary Medicine has conferred the distinguished
Royal Orders of Honorary Doctor award to K. Shanmugampillai, for his
excellent service in the sphere of art and culture.
Mr. Satchaphand Atthakor, Ambassador of Royal Thai Embassy and Prof.
Sir Selva Selvakumar, chairman, Medicine Alternative Institute (Pvt) Ltd
and Vice Chancellor of the Open International University for
Complementary Medicine participated as chief guests while Prof. Dr.
Thanuja Abayanayake, Mrs. Patraniman Atthokas of Royal Thai Embassy and
Ms. Darathee (child protection advisor Germany) were the honoured guests
on this occasion.
Mr. Shanmugampillai, hails from an illustrious family in Inuvil in
the Jaffna district which has produced Musicians, Mirudanga Vidvans and
dancers of international repute.
His father the late Mr. Kandasamy was a reputed Musician of
exceptional ability and his mother the late Mrs. Thangamuttu Kandasamy
was an exceptional person who upheld traditional values.
Shamugapillai learnt Carnatic Music from his father. He also met
several Musicians, Mirudanga Vidvans, dancers and actors from South
India who visited Jaffna to participate in Music recitals conducted at
Hindu temples.
As his house was in the vicinity of Inuvil Kandasamy Temple, he
played Mirudangam for devotional songs. He proceeded to Tamil Nadu and
learnt the intricacies of this art under the influence of the world
renowned Mirudanga Viduvan Katralam Sri Siva Vadivelpillai for two years
in Gurukula system.
On the request of R. Moorthy Iyas who was a popular flute expert
Shanmugampillai came to Colombo to participate in a music recital in
"Colombo Radio" which was situated at Cotta Road.
In recognition of his commitment in the sphere of Mirudangam music,
Mr. Sivapathasundaram was requested to stay in Colombo and play the
Mirudangam at the 'Colombo Radio'.
Mr. Shanmugampillai was promoted to the 'Super grade' Mirundanga
Vidvan in 1952. Soon he was conferred with the title of 'Layavaruthy', 'Kalamanja'
and 'Kalabhooshanam'.
Mr. Shanmugampillai was appointed as an examiner for music
examination conducted by the North Ceylon Music Society. He has produced
numerous musicians and music teachers who have brought fame to Sri
Lanka. After working as an 'A' Grade Mirudanga Vidvan he retired from
service in 1942.
He had the privilege to participate as the Mirudanga artist in the
first cultural programme conducted by Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation
in 1982.
Mr. Shanmugampillai's eldest son Mr. Visvanathan is a Director (Tamil
unit) of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation and a popular TV
broadcaster who was felicitated recently at the SLRC silver jubilee
celebrations. His daughter 'Kalasuri' Vasugi Jegatheswaran is a dancer
of repute and she has presented more than 77 Bharatha Natya Arangetrams
upto now.
Mr. Shanmugampillai's wife the late Mrs. Vijayaluckshmi was a dancer
and a radio artist who rendered tremendous service for the promotion and
development of art and culture in Sri Lanka. |
