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        All the lovers of classical music are delighted to note that Padma Bhushan, Kalaimamani Trichur V Ramachandran has completed 50 years of service to the cause of music.

        Trichur V Ramachandran was born at Trichur town in Kerala in 1940. His father V B Vaidyanatha Ayyar was a Chief Justice of Cochin High Court. His mother was Kamalambal, who was a great connoisseur of music and who influenced and guided Ramachandran in the field of Karnatak music right from his childhood days.

        He vividly recalls his mother Kamalambal singing Geetha Govindam every morning at 4.30 am and this factor has left a lasting cultural influence on Ramachandran. He took his B.Sc degree in Chemistry from the Kerala University. He had his initial musical training under Varkala Subramania Bhagavathar and Tirupunithura R Krishna Ayyar and made his debut in 1954 at the age of 14. He gave his first recital over the radio at the age of 19 in 1959.

        Trichur V Ramachandran had his Gurukulavasa for five years under GNB from 1960 to 1965, fully imbibing the letter and spirit of G N B bani. During this period, Ramachandran used to accompany GNB in all his public performances in different parts of India. After GNB's death in 1965, Ramachandran underwent intensive training under Dr M L Vasanthakumari for two years from 1965 to 1967 as a recipient of Government of India's Cultural Scholarship.

Very soon Ramachandran established himself as a front rank vocalist in the field of Karnatak Music. Early in his career he had the distinction of having top ranking violinists like T N Krishnan and Lalgudi Jayaraman as his accompaniments. Likewise he had the good fortune of having great Mridangam players like Palghat Mani Iyer and Palani Subramania Pillai as his accompanying percussionists. He told me that the most memorable recital was given by him in the early phase of his career without a mike at Bombay Shanmukananda Hall in 1972 accompanied by V V Subramaniam on the Violin and Palghat Mani Iyer on the Mridangam.

        Trichur V Ramachandran is endowed with a vibrant, rich and resonant voice — a rare combination of the rich volume and coverage of Ariyakudi Ramanuja Ayyangar and the ringing tone of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bagavathar. His bracing, resonant and vital voice and his personal style rich with brisk Brikas and pleasing delivery of Kritis — these unique elements make all his recitals a satisfying and thrilling experience to all his Rasikas and admirers. His unique style, regulated tempo and masterly delivery always delight all his audiences. His mellifluous voice can traverse the three octaves and the three kalas with ease. His command of Ragalakshanas is indeed amazing, enabling him to reveal the quintessence of the Ragas at the very outset. His singing is always crisp and his 'Sangatis' are always measured, marked by majesty of thought and loftiness of expression. With his rich improvisation, the happy blending of his own style with the 'bani' of his great master GNB and his majestic voice, Trichur V. Ramachandran always keeps the audience totally spellbound and absorbed. He has an unlimited repertoire of songs and like Lord Hanuman steadfastly following Lord Rama, Ramachandran is a staunch follower of Sampradayam in his manner of presentation and style of singing. He keeps up an unflagging grip and tempo at all his concerts. He has been giving outstanding concerts all over India and abroad for more nearly five decades. As the great dancer V P Dhananjayan rightly puts it, 'Trichur V Ramachandran is a good bridge between the older generation and the younger generation. Without compromising his music and without deviating from the Classical mould, he is able to cater to young listeners'.

        Trichur V Ramachandran is married to Charumathi who is also a disciple of Dr M L Vasanthakumari. Their marriage which took place in February 1973 in Madras was also marked by a unique episode which will always have an abiding place in the cultural history of South India — on that auspicious and joyous day the incomparable Trinity of Bhataratna M S Subbulakshmi, Padma Vibhushan D K Pattammal and Padma Bhushan Dr M L Vasanthakuamri sang together the traditional Oonjal song to the ecstatic delight of the Cosmic Gods and the terrestrial audience present on that occasion!

        Trichur V Ramachandran has been my personal friend for more than three decades. He has given several full fledged recitals accompanied by great artistes during the Navaratri Festival at my residence from 1982 to 1996. In his great music I have often found solace in my being transported to another world for a while where I could forget my immediate cares and worries. It is not escapism; it is escapism not from reality but into reality; my temporary cares are put aside in the contemplation of the everlasting. Trichur V Ramachandran's music has its own truth to tell; and there is nothing negative in it, for it brings a new awareness, a new sense of being alive. I would like to pay my tribute to the power of his music in the immortal words of Shakespeare:

        To his music plans and flowers

        Ever sprung ; as sun and showers

        There had made a lasting spring !