Music is the language of the soul
“It is the divine power of music that fuels my artistic journey and fills my life with purpose. I am humbled and honored to walk in the footsteps of my father, Papanasam Sivan, and continue the legacy he left behind.”
Background
Kalaimamani Dr. Rukmini Ramani, born on September 07, 1939 is the daughter of legendary composer Padma Bhushan, SangeethaKalanidhi, Brahmasri Papanasam Sivan popularly known as “TamizhTyagaiyar”.
With an illustrious career and service to arts and music, spanning several decades, Dr. Rukmini Ramani has achieved numerous milestones and garnered widespread recognition for her artistic prowess. Her musical journey encompasses a diverse range of roles and accomplishments, reflecting her multi-faceted abilities.
Dr.Rukmini Ramani, a multi-faceted Musician – Composer of over 2000 compositions in Carnatic Music, Lyricist, Performing artist, renowned Music Teacher, Founder of music schools imparting training to more than 500 students, Publisher of Music Books and conducts Choirs, Guide to many students pursuing their Doctoral Thesis. Among her disciples today are accomplished Performers, Researchers, Teachers and Writers.
As a renowned music teacher, Dr. Rukmini Ramani has nurtured the talents of countless students, passing on her vast knowledge and expertise to future generations.
Guide & Mentor
In addition to her teaching endeavors, Dr. Rukmini Ramani is a respected guide and mentor to many students pursuing their doctoral theses in the field of music. Her guidance and scholarly insights have played a pivotal role in shaping the research and academic pursuits of aspiring musicologists.
In recognition of her significant contributions to the field of Carnatic music, Dr. Rukmini Ramani has been honored with the prestigious Kalaimamani award. Her musical legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, and her tireless efforts in promoting and enriching the Carnatic music tradition have earned her a revered place in the annals of Indian classical music.
As a Lyricist :
She was also the lyricist for all songs in the Tamil version of the very popular national serial of Sri Ramanand Sagar’s “Ramayan”, aired on Sun TV, now it is being telecast by Jaya TV and Mahabharatham in Vijay TV. She continues to write Lyrics for Leading Dancers for their Dance Dramas/Operas on any given subject.
As a Professor and Performer of Music :
Dr.Rukmini Ramani is an “A” grade classical vocal artist of All India Radio & Doordharshan, Chennai from 1956 and has given performances in leading cities all over India and abroad – Singapore, Malaysia, Muscat, Saltlake City and many more places in USA.
As Founder Director of the Shivanuugraha Trust, she oroganizes and conducts vocal and Dance competitions, Annual Music and Dance Festivals that receive participation from eminent Musicians and Dancers across the country.
Educator and multifaceted Guru :
Dr.Rukmini Ramani started her career as a Lecturer in the prestigious Kalakshetra in Chennai between 1971 and 1973. Since then, she went on to teach in Ramakrishna Mission’s Sarada Vidyalaya Higher Secondary School for 9 years from 1975 to 1984 and became a Lecturer in the Vocal Department at the Tamilnadu Government Music College, Chennai from 1984 to 1998.
She was selected and deputed to Mauritius as “Karnatic Vocal teacher and Performer” at the Indira Gandhi Centre for India Culture between December 1992 and June 1996by ICCR, The Central Govt. of India. At the centre, she framed the syllabus for Certificate, Diploma & Advanced Diploma courses (Practical & Theory). She arranged a choir group, and taught devotional and national songs in many languages including French. She also composed lyrics, music & organized cultural programmes.
Founder & Director
She is currently the Founder and Director of Sivan Arts Academy, a music school that has 4 branches in Chennai and as a visiting professor, trains more than 500 students in Classical Vocal Music, Instrumental Music (like Violin, Veenai, Mridangam, Keyboard, Guitar and Mandolin) and Bharathanatyam. Examinations are being conducted as per syllabus and certificates awarded to students on successful completion of various courses.
She has also Organized Choir and Composed for dances in Chinese, Sega (South African), Modern & Indian Dances – Vadya Vrunda on the occasion of Independence Day and other National Functions of Mauritius. Participated in the prestigious “Parampara” programme conducted by Government of India. Composed Tamil songs for Tamil Temple Federation, Hindu Mahajana Sangam etc., at Mauritius.
As Publisher:
Dr.Rukmini Ramani has been solely responsible for keeping the music of Sri Papanasam Sivan treasured and alive through notation and publication of several volumes of his books and compositions.
Her compositions have been brought out in print in 7 volumes as “Siva Sakthi Keerthanai Malai” , Kapaleeswarar Pancharathnam, Thiruvarur Pancharathnam, 108 Divyakshetra Krithis with notation and released nearly 32 audio CDs( including “Margam” and “ Anubhavam” – dance CDs with Nattuvangam). Also released CDs for devotional songs (bhajans).