The 46th remembrance day of renowned scholar Dr. V. Raghavan was observed with the launch of his Sanskrit mahakavya, Sri Muttusvāmi Dīkṣita Caritam, at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Chennai, on 17 April 2025. The event was organised by the Dr. V. Raghavan Centre for Performing Arts.

The book, authored by Kavikokila Dr. V. Raghavan and translated and transliterated into English by vidushi  Sumithra Vasudev, offers more than a biographical account of the illustrious composer Muthuswami Dikshitar—it also explores the rich cultural, devotional, and aesthetic milieu of 18th and early 19th-century South India.

Prof. Srinivasa Varakhedi, Vice Chancellor of the Central Sanskrit University, was unable to attend the function in person but sent a message lauding the efforts of Dr. Raghavan’s children, Bharatanatyam exponent and scholar Nandini Ramani and Kalidas Raghavan, for continuing his legacy with commitment and meticulousness. He praised the book for not only chronicling Dikshitar’s life but also placing it within a broader cultural and historical context. K. Srinivasa Rao, Secretary of the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, appreciated the work and highlighted Dikshitar’s remarkable synthesis of music, devotion and erudition. He also remarked on how the composer’s works continue to inspire generations of musicians and rasikas.Mridangam maestro Umayalpuram K. Sivaraman brought a special moment to the event by opening his address in Sanskrit, a language in which Dr. Raghavan was deeply proficient. The gesture, coming from the veteran mridanga vidwan, was a heartfelt tribute to the scholar’s enduring legacy. Sandhya Purecha, Chairman of Sangeet Natak Akademi, also sent her good wishes for the programme.

The formal function was followed by Sri Dikṣita Krti Manjari, a thematic concert where each vocalist presented a verse from the mahakavya followed by a related composition of Muthuswami Dikshitar. Sumithra Vasudev opened the concert with Maha Ganeso avatumam followed by Sree Maha Ganapati in Gaula, and concluded her segment with Dr. Raghavan’s Chandrasekaram Ashraye in Keeravani, introduced by the verse Sankaram Sankaracharyam.

Following Sumithra was Gayatri Girish. She rendered Guho mama Sri gurunatha adimo and followed it with Sree Nathadi Guruguho in Mayamalavagowla. Amritha Murali presented Tyagarajaya namaste in Begada, prefaced by a verse on Lord Tyagesa that philosophically explored the cosmic inhalation and exhalation of Lord Hari and the emergence of the self. Next was K. Gayatri, and she presented Kadambari Priyayai in Mohanam, preceded by verses on the consort of Lord Sundaresa. Concluding the segment was Girijashankar Sundaresan, and he rendered Hiranmayim Lakshmim in Lalitha, prefaced by Lakshmim Hiranmayim anisham bhajami, invoking the goddess of wealth. All the vocalists were ably supported by R. Hemalatha on the violin and N.C. Bharadwaj on the mridangam.

The book release and musical tribute offered a fitting homage to both Dr. V. Raghavan and Muthuswami Dikshitar on the latter’s 250th birth anniversary, celebrating their shared legacy of scholarship, devotion, and cultural refinement.