Indira Sivasailam Endowment Concert 2018

The recipient of the 9th Indira Sivasailam Endowment Medal in 2018 is Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh, a legendary Saraswathi Veena player. A 6th generation musician, she hails from the illustrious Lalgudi family. She came under the tutelage of her guru Vidushi Padmavathy Ananthagopalan and later she had the opportunity to seek guidance under Veena virtuoso, Padmabhushan Dr. S. Balachander. She earned her PhD in Analytical Study of different Banis and playing techniques of Sarswathi Veena. Jayanthi's style truly brings out the voice of the Veena, in terms of originality in content, technique, virtuosity and expression that transcends the boundaries of language and region.

As a pioneer in her field, Jayanthi has presented Veena to audiences in every corner of the world for over 30 years. She has shared the heritage of Indian Classical Music within and outside India, united musicians of our nation under one umbrella, and inculcated an interest in this instrument among the present generation of youngsters.