The invocation, Sharade Sharade Vidyadayini, rendered by fellow foundation member Srinivasan, set a serene and uplifting tone for the Saraswathi Puraskaram 2025, organised by The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation at its Alwarpet premises. Vishakha Hari, the renowned Harikatha exponent and Carnatic vocalist, was honoured with the Saraswathi Puraskaram 2025 by the Foundation on Saturday, 20 September 2025.

Nandita Krishna, President of The C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, delivered the welcome address, providing background on the award and speaking about the rich musical heritage of the grove located on Eldams Road. The Chief Guest for the occasion, Soumya Swaminathan, scientist and chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, presented the award to Vishakha Hari. In her remarks, she reflected on the work of the Foundation and the significance of biodiversity. She also shared her personal admiration for Lalgudi Jayaraman’s music and Vishaka Hari’s distinctive style of storytelling.

Sujatha Vijayaraghavan, distinguished writer and scholar in dance, music, and literature, delivered the presidential address. In her speech, she highlighted the timeless legacy of Harikatha and hailed Vishakha Hari as a true trendsetter—one who has broken barriers with her distinctive narrative style and innovative integration of Carnatic music into Harikatha. She acknowledged Vishakha’s remarkable contributions to the art form and extended her wishes for her continued success.

Vishakha Hari who gave her acceptance speech, shared a spiritual experience associated with the award that moved the audience, and concluded by expressing gratitude to her gurus.

Following this, there was a Harikatha performance by Vishakha’s disciple, Vignesh Chandrasekharan. Dressed in a vibrant orange and pink kurta, he brought an energetic and refreshing presence to the stage. He began with a viruttam in raga Nata, setting a brisk and lively tone for the performance. He spoke on the different forms of Devi, linking them to the avatars of Vishnu and Siva, before presenting Swati Tirunal's Mamava Sada Janani in raga Kanada.

Vignesh shared fascinating anecdotes and experiences of various devotees, including Lionel Blaze, Madurai Srinivasan, Annamacharya, Kavi Kaala Megha Pulavar, and Bharatiyar. His repertoire also featured compositions by Muthuswami Dikshitar, Ananda Vittaladasa, and Krishna Premi Swamigal, along with a poem by Kaala Megha Pulavar and a verse from Bharatiyar’s Panchali Sabadam of Bharatiyar. He concluded with a soulful rendition of Karunai Deivame by Madurai Srinivasan in raga Sindhubhairavi, praying to Devi for her blessings for the Navaratri festival.

Vignesh’s performance bore the clear stamp of his guru’s style. His speaking was lucid, and his bold, resonant singing voice held the audience’s attention throughout. The violinist Madurai T. Kishore and T. Karthik on the mridangam provided excellent support. While Vignesh succeeded in drawing the audience into the stories, a touch more vishranti (pause) and silence between segments might have elevated the overall experience, allowing deeper reflection. The hall, adorned with images of Devi and other deities, added to the spiritual ambience, making the event an ideal start to the festive season.

By

Amritha Saravanan