R. Sathyanarayana

🪔 About

Mahamahopadhyaya Dr. R. Sathyanarayana (1927-2020) was a distinguished Indian musicologist, dance scholar, and Indologist from Mysore, India. Born on May 9, 1927, in Ramanagara, he pursued a diverse academic path, earning a Master's degree in Chemistry from the University of Mysore, alongside multiple D.Litt degrees from esteemed institutions including Mysore University, Hampi University, and Gangubhai Hangal Music University. His career, spanning decades, showcased a unique blend of scientific and artistic dedication. From 1949 to 1984, he served as a professor of chemistry at Sarada Vilas College, concurrently imparting knowledge of Karnataka music. From 1951 until his passing on January 16, 2020, he dedicated himself to teaching musicology and danceology. Dr. Sathyanarayana was an internationally acclaimed authority on Indian music and dance, leaving an indelible mark through his extensive scholarly contributions. He authored numerous treatises in Sanskrit on dance and music, including notable works such as "Pundarikamala," "Shruti: The Scalic Foundation," and "Karnataka Sangeetha Vahini." His scholarly legacy comprises over 20,000 printed pages of research papers, books, and translations. He held significant leadership roles, serving as the President of the Indian Music Congress, the Hon. Secretary of the Board for Research in Music and Dance, and the General Editor of the Varalakshmi Academy Publication Series. He also directed the Regional Centre for Research and Development in Music and Dance and founded the Srividya Pratishthaan. Recognized for his profound impact, Dr. Sathyanarayana received several prestigious accolades, including the Padma Shri civilian honour from the President of India in 2018, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship in 2008 for his exceptional scholarship in performing arts. He was also a recipient of the Karnataka Rajyotsava Award and the Rajya Sangeet Vidwan Award. He nurtured many disciples, including his son, Vidwan Dr. R. S. Nandakumar, and Vidwan Dr Srikantham Nagendra Shastry, both renowned Karnataka Classical vocal musicians and scholars. He was a revered guru and a prolific public speaker, inspiring generations of artists and scholars. Awards & Honours: Padma Shri (2018), Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (2008), Karnataka Rajyotsava Award, Rajya Sangeet Vidwan Award.