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'RAJALAKSHMI WAS A GREAT PERFORMER OF CLASSICAL INDIAN MUSIC. Or so friends who know this tradition tell us. A little bit goes a long way but it is truly non-western.' Prof. Milton J. Rosenberg, Nations leading author interviewer. His past guests include- Margaret Thatcher, Colin Powell, Jimmy Carter & Others. May 2, 2002-WGN Radio, Chicago
This website is a tribute to my mother Rajalakshmi and her music.
Rajalakshmi Seetharam was born in Tanjore, India, daughter of the late Subramanya and Chellamal Iyer. She and her husband moved to Bombay at a young age, where they resided for many years. They immigrated to the United States in the early eighties to be with their children and grandchildren. Rajalakshmi passed away on December 6, 1999 in the United States. She was predeceased by her husband Appu in 1995.
Rajalakshmi was a disciple of Sri Venkata Subba Iyer. Rajalakshmi comes third in the direct sishya parampara of the great composer Saint Thyagaraja. She was also well versed in violin. She was a staff artist with All India Radio in Bombay. In addition to teaching music, Rajalakshmi gave hundreds of concerts in India and the United States. She took the most pleasure in her ability to use her music to worship God. Rajalakshmi chose not to continue her professional music career so she could devote all her time to raising and caring for her children and grandchildren.
Rajalakshmi and Appu loved and cherished their children and educated them to become accountants, doctors and engineers. They trained all their children in carnatic music and bharathanatyam. They also encouraged them in sports especially tennis and table tennis. Their daughter Kalavathi was one of the top women’s table tennis players in India and the United States.
Rajalakshmi and Appu were active participants in India’s struggle for independence from colonial rule.
My brothers, sisters and I cared for our parents at home until their passing.
May her music and her spirit live forever.
Kumar Seetharam
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Page Last Updated 01/09/2011 09:49:36 AM
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