B. Shankar Rao
B. Shankar Rao (born 10 May 1922) was an Indian flautist who specializes in classical carnatic music.
B. Shankar Rao | |
|---|---|
| Born | 10 May 1922 |
| Died | September 13, 2020 (aged 98) |
| Genres | Classical, Indian classical music |
| Occupation(s) | Flautist, music teacher |
| Instruments | Flute, vocals |
Biography
After obtaining his initial music training from his sister Smt. Balaamba he got the opportunity to learn flute from the flute mastero T. R. Mahalingam (popularly known as Flute Mali). His music was also influenced from his interactions with Veena Rajarayaru and Anooru Suryanarayana. Over the years he has enthralled audience both in India and abroad with his characteristic style of flute techniques reminiscent of Mali.
Vidwan B Shankar Rao worked as a Post Master for most of his life but his passion for Carnatic classical music made him come home often from his place of posting. Finally he settled in Bangalore. He has given many flute concerts not only in many places in India but also abroad. He has received many accolades and awards throughout his music career. The prestigious Rajyothsava award was conferred on him in the year 2008.
He has been instrumental in setting up and running the 'Prapancha',[1] institution, which aimes at educating and influencing the young about flute and classical carnatic music. Apart from teaching music and giving concerts he was also actively involved in research collaboration with Divakars speciality hospital in Bangalore, aimed at studying the influence of carnatic music on human health.[2]
Awards
He has been bestowed with the title 'Venugana Visharada' by Dr. A. N. Krishna Rao (fondly known as Anakru) and was honoured with the title of 'Sangeetha Kalarathna' by the Bangalore Gayana Samaja in 2002. In 2008, the Govt. of Karnataka honoured him with the prestigious Rajyotsava Prashasti for his achievements and services in the field of carnatic music.He was also awarded the "Vayoshrestha Samman" in October 2017 by Honourable President of India, Shri. Ram Nath Kovind.[3]
Other notable recognitions:
1. 28.02.2010: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRao was felicitated by Sri JayaramaSevaMandali on the occasion of Guruvandanaprogramme
2. 15.07.2011: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRao was felicitated by Swanadashrama, an organization dedicated to spirituality and social service
3. 19.11.2011: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated by ShivashankariSamskruthikaSabha,a cultural organization devoted to promoting music and culture and was conferred the title of “VenuSammohaka”
3. 18.02.2012: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated bySree Rama Centre of Performing Arts(SCOPA) and conferred the title of “VenuganaShiromani” 4. 26.04.2012: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated by His Holiness Sri SriSachidanandaSaraswathiMahaswamy of AdishankaracharyaSharadaLakshminarasimhaPeetham, Srimath, Hariharapura, Karnataka
5. 23.02.2013 Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated by Sri MahaganapathySangeethaSabha,Bangalore
6. 24.02.2013: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated by Mysore MulakanaduSabha(Regd)
7. 15.03.2013: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated bySreeRaghavendraSangeethaSevaPrathisthana,Bangalore and conferred the award “VyasaPrashasthi”
8. 01.03.2015: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated byNadahamsa Academy of Music on the occasion of their 17th Anniversary and conferred the title “VenuganaKalagnanaNidhi”
9. 31.05.2016: Vidwan.B.ShankaraRaowas felicitated by NadabrahmaSangeethaSabha,Mysore and conferred the title “Venu Brahma”
10. 25.01.2017: Vidwan B.Shankra Rao was felicitated by “Nadajyothy sri Thyagaraja Bhajana Sabha”, Malleswaram,Bangalore and conferred with “Life Time Achievement Award
References
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 3 April 2009. Retrieved 7 August 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 21 September 2008. Retrieved 1 August 2008.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "YouTube video of President Kovind presenting Vayoshreshtha Samman — National Awards for Senior Citizens in New Delhi on October 09, 2017".