Voruganti Ananda Mohan: A Musical Legacy of Devotion
In a world where tranquillity often beckons in the later years of life, Voruganti Ananda Mohan stands out for his unwavering passion and commitment to music. At 90 years old, Voruganti continues to be a stalwart advocate for classical music through his esteemed cultural organization, Sangeetha Ksheera Sagaram, established in 2002 in Hyderabad. His journey transcends personal achievements, portraying a tale of selfless dedication to fostering the musical talents of others.
Championing Emerging Musicians
Voruganti has been a consistent supporter of emerging musicians while attracting renowned artists from across India and abroad to impart their skills to young talents in Hyderabad. Despite offering only a modest honorarium of ₹2000 without covering airfare or accommodation expenses, artists eagerly embrace his invitations to perform.
The Musical Maestro
Voruganti’s musical journey originates from his rigorous training at the Government College of Music and Dance under the guidance of Uppalapati Ankaiah. Rather than bask in his own musical prowess, Voruganti chose a path that prioritized the promotion of fellow musicians over self-promotion.
Cultural Pioneer
Voruganti’s cultural impact extended to founding the renowned Thyagaraya Gana Sabha in Chikkadpalli, Hyderabad, introducing classical music culture to the Nawabi city. This endeavor blossomed into a vibrant cultural hub, with his guru, Uppalapati Ankaiah, inaugurating its first performance with a spellbinding concert on June 4, 1966.
Life’s Journey
Born on May 30, 1935, in Triplicane, Chennai, Voruganti’s early life was a tapestry of relocations due to historical events. His journey through different cities and roles culminated in his return to Hyderabad post-retirement in 1993, igniting the spark for creating Sangeetha Ksheera Sagaram alongside his wife, Prabhavathi, as a tribute to their guru, Ankaiah.
A Testament to Love and Music
The love story of Voruganti and Prabhavathi is a testament to their shared passion for music, culminating in a lifetime of musical dedication that formed the backbone of Sangeetha Ksheera Sagaram. Despite the loss of his beloved wife in 2014, her spirit continues to guide the organization towards greater heights.
Preserving Musical Traditions
Voruganti’s reflections on the changing landscape of music education highlight his concerns about the commercialization of gurus and the scarcity of dedicated teachers in music colleges. He emphasizes the essence of quality and commitment in music education, contrasting the past’s devotion-driven learning with emerging trends towards quick fame over sustained artistic growth.
Legacy of Talent Promotion
Voruganti’s commitment to nurturing young talent remains unwavering. Actively scouting for promising singers on online platforms like YouTube, he envisions extending Sangeetha Ksheera Sagaram’s legacy well into the future. With aspirations to reach the age of 108, Voruganti aims to provide a global platform for talented artists, fueled by his personal pension and unyielding passion for music.
Celebrate the remarkable journey of Voruganti Ananda Mohan, a beacon of musical devotion and a guardian of India’s rich cultural heritage.