Karaikudi
R.Mani is one of the cultural ambassadors
of India, as a Mridangam player and an innovator in the field
of Rhythm in South Indian Classic
music.
Mani was born on 11/09/1945 at Karaikudi to Sri.T.Ramanatha Iyer and Smt.Pattammal.
Mani
had his initial training in Mridangam under Karaikudi Sri.Rangu
Iyengar and later under Sri. T.R.Harihara Sharma and Sri.K.M.Vaidyanathan.
Mani received his first award when he was 18,at National level
from Dr.Radhakrishnan, the President of India.Mani who has been
keeping himself away from various
awards,titles etc,which came on his way from 1963.From when he won his first
award he accepted now the "Sangeet Natak Academy" National
Award for 1998.
By
his total dedication and involvement in the art a new dimension emerged in
Mridangam playing through Mani which later came to be known as Karaikudi R.Mani
style (BANI) which has become so acclaimed and attractive that even artists
and students belonging to other school have started adopting this style. Mani has under
him directly,around 1200 disciples all over the world.
Sruthilaya a novel percussion ensemble founded by mani, has been giving Performances all
over the globe. This is a troupe Consisting of top ranking artistes in percussion
instruments of india with Mridangam in the forefront collaborating with similar
artists of the Australian Art Orchestra in the Jazz form, headed by MR.Paul
Grobowsky, Australia and with MR.Eerohameenniemi of
Nada,Finland. Sruthi
Laya Seva Trust and Sruthi Laya Kendra founded by Mani, a premier
institution dedicated exclusively for the cause
of Music
and
musicians,first
of its kind
to be run by a percussionist,is now having sub-centers all over the globe i.e
in 4 cities in India (Chennai,Mysore,Chalakudi and Hyderabad),Australia,U.K
and Germany. Layamani
Layam, a bi-monthly magazine on music and Dance of
which Mani is
the Chief Editor,is having an international circulation. Mani was
the pioneer in projecting Mridangam as capable of recognition as
a main instrument on the dais,by successfully staging solo concerts.
Mani has played in concerts to all the leading musicians of South
India. Mani has innovated a new dimension of presenting Rhythm
in a visual form on the dais through Bharathanatyam.
He has founded an institution named "Sruthi Laya Kendra
Natarajaalaya" with
Smt Rajeswari Sainath a Niece of Karaikudi R.Mani a leading Bharathanatyam
exponent as its Director which produces ensembles bringing Melody, Rhythm and
Dance together.
Mani has still on the mission with multiplied determination and enthusiasm,
of propagating the value of Rhythm in music and the role of Mridangam in
Rhythm. |
