Padma Bhushan Dr.K.J.Yesudas's 50th Year Completion Music Program

On behalf of M/S Tharangini, Lakshman Sruthi, V Records & Raj events we wish to extend our heartfelt greetings and welcoming you all for this wonderful event.

Theivam thandha veedu, athisaya raagam, vizhiye kathai ezhuthu, senthazham poovil, en iniya pon nilavae, kannae kalaimanae, amma endrazhaikkaatha uyirillaiye .… this is just a sample list of countless hits from the evergreen singing legend ‘Padma Bhushan’ Dr.K.J.Yesudas , whose singing served as lullabies for the past five decades and will remain the same for us forever.

Music came as divine grace and paternal inheritance to K.J. Yesudas, one of India's foremost exponents of classical carnatic vocal music and leading playback singer in all Indian languages. His classical concerts, Divine devotional concerts and film music concerts continue to captivate millions of listeners at home and abroad.

we are very happy and proud to inform you all that a grand gala musical star night has been planned by M/S Tharangini, V Records & Raj events to felicitate ‘Padma Bhushan’ Dr.K.J.Yesudas, who has completed 50 plus years of successful singing career with more than 50,000 songs to his credit.

This much awaited program is going to enthrall you all on 25^th January 2015, Sunday by 4.05 pm at Nehru Indoor Stadium and scores of leading Indian film fraternity, actors, actress, prominent music directors, singers, directors, producers, technicians and distinguished personalities from various fields will decorate the show and honor Shri.K.J.Yesudas.

Brief about ‘Padma Bhushan’ Dr. K.J.Yesudas

Kattassery Joseph Yesudas was born on January 10th 1940 in Fort Kochi, the ancient port city of Kerala. His father Augustine Joseph was himself a well-known singer and stage actor who rode the Kerala stage like a colossus for over a quarter of a century. Eldest of the four sons and one daughter of the Joseph couple, Yesudas took to music at a very early age. His first Guru was his beloved father himself, who lovingly and painstakingly led little Yesudas through the basic precepts of Carnatic Music while he was hardly five years old.

From there, the budding singer took lessons under several musical wizards in and around Cochin and Chennai namely Kunjan Velu Aasan, P.X.Joseph, Sivaraman Nair, Ramankutty Bhagavathar, K.R.Kumaraswamy, Chemmangudi Srinivasaiyer, Chembai Vaidyanahtha Bhagavathar, and Pallavi Narasimha Achariya. He nurtured his native talents with discipline, dedication and determination.

At the St. Sebastian's High School, Pallurthi, Kochi, Yesudas was the top singer for several consecutive years in 1957; he stood first in the school state level youth festival in Carnatic vocal. In 1958, he was the recipient of gold medal in vocal singing at the all Kerala Catholic Youth Festival held at Ernakulam. After School, Yesudas joined R.L.V. Music Academy, Tripunithura near Cochin for the Ganabhooshanam course, which he 

completed with a double promotion and distinction in 1960. Meanwhile, the young singer joined the Sree Swathithirunal Music Academy, Trivandrum, for higher studies. But he could not complete the course due to financial problems at home.

On 14th November 1961 Yesudas recorded his voice for a film for the first time. It was a verse written by Sri Narayana Guru, the sage of the backward classes of Kerala. " Jaathi Betham Mathadwesham Ethumillatha Sarvarum Sotharathwena Vazhunna Mathruka Sthaanamaanithu." The lyrics of the simple song conveyed a great meaning. It read: This is a model place where all the people live like brothers and sisters unaffected by the difference of caste and the enmities of religion". Truly a message in national integration . For Yesudas, for Kerala and for India, it was an auspicious day and an auspicious beginning.

Offers started pouring in after the release of a few more film songs and K.J. Yesudas never looked back after that. He became the favorites of the elders, darling of the middle aged, craze among the youth and an idol for the teenage generation.He was invited to give concerts in every town and village of Kerala and also toured every part of India and the world since. He has performed in almost every major city in the world and has sung in many Indian and Foreign Languages.

In 1968, he was invited by the Soviet Government to perform as a cultural delegate in various parts of U.S.S.R. While in Russia, he sang a Russian song over Radio Kazakhstan, which was widely appreciated by local fans.

He's one of the few Indian Artists to have performed at the Royal Albert Hall, London; and the Sydney Opera House, Sydney, respectively in 2001 and 2006.Yesudas is the recipient of The Kerala State Award for Playback Singing, 23 times since 1970. In 1987, he requested the State Government not to consider him for future awards in order to provide opportunities for the new generation of singers.

In 1965 when China attacked India and a war broke out he sung in various centers to raise funds for the war efforts. Again in 1971, when the war over Bangladesh broke out, he took to the streets in an open truck and traveled the entire length and breath of Kerala collecting funds to help the nation, to tide over the crises. A large sum of money was thus collected. Yesudas later presented the money to Mrs.Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister at a special function in New Delhi. Mrs. Indira Gandhi congratulated and thanked the singer for taking the message of India's integrity and national pride to the people on the street through the medium of his singing and for bringing the sentiments of the people of Kerala to the capital in the form of their collective contribution towards war-chest, and at a time when the media such as television and radio were not as big as it is now.

In 2004 after the Tsunami attack Yesudas invited people of all religions and organized a YAGA in Chennai for the good cause of everyone.

The grateful Nation remembered to honor Yesudas when the time for the Presidential awards came in 1975. The President conferred on him the title of Padmashree on Republic Day that year, on the request of the Prime Minister.National recognition also came in the form of the National Award for the best playback singer in India, SEVEN TIMES .The first time he won the award, in Malayalam for the film,extolling the importance of Hindu- Muslim Friendship. The lyrics of the song read thus read: Man created religions. Religions created God. Between man, religions and Gods the earth was divided, the hearts were divided." Among the seven awards, he received one in Hindi and Telugu respectively.

National integration through the medium of music became the hallmark of his career quite early in his life when he broke the confines of the Malayalam film world to sing for Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada films. Thousands of songs sung by him became instant hits bringing people together despite the barriers of region and language. Many of his songs carried worthy messages of love and brotherhood among people of different religions.

He has sung more than 50,000 songs till date, in various languages (In films and albums).

Dr. K.J. Yesudas has sung for all the legends in the film industry such as M.G.Ramachandran, Shivaji Ganesan, N.T.Ramarao, Amitabh Bachan, Sanjeev kumar, Sathyan, Prem Nazir, Mammooty, Mohanlal, Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan till date, and even singing for many of the current stars in many of the languages.At the international level Yesudas has contributed his share to bring people of various lands together on many of his tours in Europe, America and the Middle East and Far East. Music lovers in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Bangladesh throng along with his country men to listen to his voice.

At home, Yesudas was nominated to head the Sangeetha Nataka Academy of the State in 1970 as the youngest ever person to occupy the office. Dr.Yesudas strived to help suffering artists through exchange of music and drama between Kerala and other states in yet another effort to bring people together through art and culture.His efforts to spot and promote fresh talent took concrete shape when he established the "THARANGNISARI" School of Music, Thiruvananthapuram. Boys and Girls from all walks of life converge on this centre for music and learn vocal and instrumental music in Hindustani ,Carnatic and Western styles.

He even started a Voice Bank System, where young talents were allowed to record and send their tapes to a bank system, which would filter and select the best. In some ways what we call today's Reality Show Talent hunt, was done without the help of Television and Radio during the early 1990's.

The audio cassette revolution of the 70's found its echo in southern India mainly through the foresight and planning of Yesudas. Towards the end of that decade he finalized plans for the establishment of a recording studio in the capital city of Kerala. THARANGNI STUDIO and THARANIGNI Records thus became the first recording centre in the state and Malayalam film songs and albums came out on music cassettes for the first time through THARANGNI with added attraction of Stereo Mixing and Stereo Music.

Yesudas has taken the message of "One Religion, One Caste for all Human "expounded by Shri Narayana Guru seriously to his heart. His symbolic pilgrimages to the Ayyappan Temple at Sabarimalai and his efforts to storm through the narrow consideration at the Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor are all aimed at this noble cause. He performs classical concerts in Temple, Church , courtyards regularly and strives to bring people of all religions together through the mesmerizing medium of his melodious renderings.

The list of awards and titles he received were just amazing and he was awarded the PadmaSri in 1975 and the Padma Bhushan in 2002 by the Central Govt. for his priceless musical contributions.

Yesudas is happily married to Prabha his better half for 38 years and has been blessed with 3 sons Vinod, Vijay, and Vishal. All three are excelling in their own professions, with only the second among them, Vijay Yesudas following his father's footsteps into the singing field by singing in all major film industries as well.

Awards & Titles

* Gana Gandharvan - 1968, In Kerala, Mahakavi Sri.G.Sankara Kurup gave the title.

* The Kerala State Award for Best Male Playback Singer - 24 times since 1969.( Total State awards - 43 times) 

* National Award For Best Male Plackback Singer - 1972, 1973, 1976, 1982, 1987, 1988, 1991.

* Padmashree - honored with “Padmashree” award by the President of India in 1975. 

* KALAIMAMANI - Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram conferred on him the title “KALAIMAMANI” in 1986.

* Doctorate - conferred by Annamalai University in 1989.

* Latha Mangeshkar Award - given in 1993 by Government of Madhya Pradesh.

* National Citizen’s Award - 1994, presented by late Rev. Mother Teresa.

* Padmabhushan - honored with “Padmabhushan” award by the President of India in 2002.

* Sangeetha Kala Sigamani - 2002, by Indian Fine Arts Society, Chennai.

* Ranjini Sangeeta Kala Rathna - 2002, by Sri Ranjini Trust, Chennai. Justice Mr.K.S.Bakthavatsalam presented the award.

* Sapthagiri Sangeetha Vidwanmani - 2002, by Sri Thyagarajaswamivari Temple, Building Trust, Tirupathi.

* Udupi Asthana Vidwan - 2002, title given by the Vidyadeesha Theertha Swamiji of Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt.

* Swathi Ratnam Award - 2002, by Malayalee Club of Chennai on 6th Maharaj Swathi Thirunal Sangeetha Nrithotsavam.

* Sangeetha Kala Sudhakara - 2002, by Sri Vidya Deesha Theertha Sripadaru of Sri Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.

* Korambayil Ahammed Haji Foundation Award - 2003, 2003 for spreading Religious Harmony.

* J.C. Daniel Award - 2003, by Kerala Government for lifetime contribution to Malayalam Cinema.

* Lifetime Achievement Award - 2004, by Film Fare at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Chennai.

* Cutticura Gallopoll Award For Best Male Playback Singer - 2004, by Vanitha magazine (Fortnightly).

* Wisdom International Award - 2005.

* Lifetime Achievement Award - 2005, given in Newyork, U.S.A. by the North Indian Film Industry.

* Nandi Award  for best Male Playback Singer - 2006, given by the Andhra Pradhesh Government.

* Udayashankar Memorial Film Award - 2006, by Kannada Chithra Sahitya Rathna Sri.Udayashankar Memorial trust.

* Lifetime Achievement Award - 2007, Presented by Advaita, Bangalore.

* Honorary Membership - 2008, by the VANCOUVER SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, Canada.

* Film Fare Award - 2009

* Doctorate - 2009, by Mahatma Gandhi University.

* Sathyam Memorial National Film Award - 2009.

* Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award - 2010.

* Vanitha Film Award - 2010.

* CNN IBN Lifetime Achievement Award - 2011, at Delhi.

* FEFKA AMRITA Film Award -2011.

* Harivarasanam Award - 2012, at Sabarimala Sannidhanam. 

* Limca International Award - 2012, Man of the year.

Social Activities Launched / Involved:

* Divyakarunya Trust, of which he is the Founder Chairman, gives all sorts of social, educational & medical assistance to the poor and needy. 

* HRIDAYATHALAM, which is a project of this Trust, for the poor Cardiac Patients waiting for Heart Surgery for want of ample funds, was launched by him in 2010 on the occasion of his 70th birth anniversary, has already given new life to 303 heart patients, who might have otherwise lost their lives for want of money for this live saving surgery. 

* HRIDAYATHARANGAM, which is another project of the same Trust, for which he took initiative, aims at providing Cochlear Implantation to the poor deaf & dumb children. Twenty one implantations have already been done. On July 18, 2010, a group of Surgeons and audiologists performing Cochlear Implantation in Kerala joined hands with Dr. K.J. Yesudas to bring life to his project. They, in unison, pledged support for Hridayatharangam and offered to do Cochlear Implant surgery at an all-inclusive cost of approximately Rs.5,85,000 making it the lowest cost of this very exclusive procedure in the country. 

(The normal cost of a cochlear implantation surgery is Rs.14,00,000/-) 

Kerala Government has nominated him as the Ambassador of the State for the deaf and the dumb. 

* In accordance with the provisions for PIL (Public interest Litigation), he has filed a petition before the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala at Ernakulam to move the Central Government to include the right for medicine as one of the fundamental rights like the right for air, right for water, right for food, right to travel, etc., 

* As the patron of the "Janapaksham Movement' , he has written an Official Memorandum, Conducted Meetings & Many more awareness Programmes with the State Government of Kerala to develop Vizhinjam International Sea Port Project , which is the best way to achieve the all-round development of the State and of the country.

Contributions To International Understanding

During his tours in Europe, America, Middle East and Far East, he highlights the need for international co-operation. Music lovers in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Bangladesh throng along with his countrymen to listen to his voice.

Contributions To Inter-religious Fellowship

He has taken the message of ‘One Religion, One Caste, One God for all Humans’ expounded by Sri. Narayana Guru, seriously to his heart. His symbolic pilgrimages to the Sree Ayyappa Temple at Sabarimala and his efforts to storm through the narrow consideration at the Sree Krishna Temple at Guruvayoor are all aimed at this noble cause. 

He performs classical concerts in the courtyards of mosques, temples and churches, and strives to bring people of all religions together through music. 

Many of his songs have carried sublime messages of love, goodwill and brotherhood. 

In 2004, after the Tsunami attack across the Indian coastal areas, he invited people of all religions and organized a YAGA in Chennai for the good cause of every one.

Contributions For The National Integration

In 1965, when China attacked India and war broke out, he sung in various centres to raise funds for the war efforts. 

In 1971, when war over Bangladesh broke out, he took to the streets in an open truck and travelled the entire length and breath of Kerala, collecting funds to support the nation and to tide over the crisis. A large sum of money was thus collected and presented to Mrs. Indira Gandhi, the then Prime Minister of India at a special function in New Delhi. Mrs. Indira Gandhi congratulated and thanked him for taking the message of India’s integrity and national pride to the people on the streets through the medium of singing and for bringing the sentiments of the people of Kerala to the capital in the form of their contributions towards the war-chest. 

National integration through the medium of music became the hallmark of his career quite early in his life when he broke the confines of Malayalam film world to sing in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu and Kannada films. Thousands of songs sung by him became instant hits breaking the barriers of regional and linguistic parochialism and creating harmony among the people.

Contributions For The Promotion Of Music

* Founded ‘THARANGINI’ School of Music at Thiruvananthapuram. Courses are offered in Hindustani, Carnatic and Western music – vocal and instrumental. 

* Founded Voice Bank System, which invited the youth in the early 1990s to record their voice and send it, to be filtered and selected. This is similar to the current Reality Show Talent Hunt. 

* Founded ‘THARANGINI STUDIO’ and ‘THARANGINI RECORDS’ with Stereo Mixing and Stereo Music Facility, which is the first recording centre in Kerala State.