Shrimathi Yamuna Aarumugam 1

Music, the very word can have a positive impact on one’s mind. Such are its effects on human psyche that is said to have the ability to move souls. YAMUNA AARUMUGAM, the dynamic and versatile singer and guru, has carved a niche for herself in the field of Indian Classical Music in Malaysia and emerged a brilliant singer with an imaginative splendor that goes beyond mere technique. A superb presence refined artistic sensibilities and a passionate representation of the tradition has made Yamuna a true exponent of Carnatic Music in Malaysia.

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Born to Shri Arumugam Avanu Krishnarajuloo who himself was a prominent figure among the Indian Community and an Electrical Engineer by profession and Shreemathi Lakshmi both steeped in pedigree Carnatic Music, she was groomed in her initial years in Carnatic Music by her parents.

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Under the tutelage of Kumari Thilagawathy Sokalingam from the Central College of Carnatic Music Adyar, Chennai, Yamuna took to the path of pursuing her music seriously which added substantively to her repertoire. She was soon into concert performance and competitions in her teens. Being the first Malaysian to have done Sangeetham Arangetram

in 1986, she had the rare privilege of enrolling herself as the disciple of THE LEGEND SANGEETHA KALANIDHI DR M.L. VASANTHA KUMARI of Chennai, India, who was also the Chancellor of Mahila University of Thirupathi, Andra Pradesh, India. From hereon there was no looking back. Going deeper insights into the richness and beauty of this great art from a Guru who was demonstrably mastered every aspect of Carnatic Music, Yamuna’s career took wings.

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She has been growing from strength to stature ever since. Harnessing a facile and mellifluous voice with a rare charisma which invariably draws a large listening audience to her concerts, her mellifluous voice has the depth and resonance which makes one think of her guru, The Great MLV. In reorganization of her outstanding contribution to the field of music and excellence, The Sangeethalaya Malaysia being the oldest and renowned organization for Carnatic Music, honored her with the prestigious “SANGEETA ISAI KALAI VANI” award in 2006 and “THE MALAYSIAN INDIAN ACHIEVEMENT AWARD” in 2009. She was also honored with the title “ISAIARASI” and “TAMIZH ISAI VANI” by various other religious organizations locally.

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Being the youngest artist ever in Malaysia and the first from the State Of Perak, to receive the “SANGEETA ISAI KALAI VANI” today Smt. Yamuna occupies an important place in Carnatic Music’s hierarchy and makes bold to becoming along with an exclusive band of colleagues in the profession to be reckoned with and remembered well to be the next millennium. She is well known among medias and as given many lectures demonstrations on various aspects of music. Being the Guru and Director of “SAPTHASWARA SANGEETHALAYA” one of the most dynamic and prestigious academy in Malaysia, she takes great pleasure in fostering the younger generation into music and has good number of students to a credit from various part of the country.

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“SAPTHASWARA SANGEETHALAYA” is not another school but a place for shaping young minds through a holistic approach. The guru is doing her best to inculcate traditional values. It shows right from dress code, as the boys and girls surround you in a colorful swirl of pavadai-chattai, davani, sarees and veshthi-jippa. Many children are from families that do not have a musical background. However on seeing the positive changes brought about by a disciplined lifestyle, their families have extended their fullest cooperation to the children’s endeavors, so what makes this fine art academy unique?

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We have it in the students own words. There is no clock watching. Classes can go on for hours and any time is music time, thanks to teacher’s accessibility process emphasize some of the senior disciples of the academy.

The methodology is different too. The training is holistic, aimed at shaping fine young minds into future musicians and scholars. The two great personalities who are great help, support and inspiration are none other than Violin Vidwan Shri G. Manikantan and Mirdhangga Vidwan Shri Krishnan Perumal.

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THE RISE OF SAPTHASWARA SANGEETHALAYA to its present status bears testimony of the guru’s hardwork. She was painstakingly endeavored to raise the standard of the fine arts in the Northern region of Malaysia. Sapthaswara Sangeethalaya has achieved great recognition locally and extremely impressive track record accomplishing great projects such as Sunthara Tamizh Isai in 2003, Sobhillu Sapthaswara 2004

The first Sangeetha Saamrajiyam 2005 patronized by Datuk Veerasingam and the second in 2006, third in 2007, fourth in 2008, and the fifth in 2009 which was all patronized by Datuk M. Kayveas. The 1^st Carnatic Music Convention was held in 2008, where the special guest was professor Dr. Dwaram Lakshimi from Mahila University, Thirupathy, Andhra Pradesh, India.

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Today Sapthaswara Sangeethalaya is one of the most established Carnatic Music and Fine Arts Academy in Malaysia. Theory and Practical examinations are conducted by examiners from Overseas clearly indicate that the academy has reached standards comparable to some of the best musical institution in India. The Honorable Parents & Students who had been always with the Guru in good moments and also in bad have laid strong pillars and foundation towards the establishment and advancement of what we all get to see today.

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The Guru who is blessed with a mellifluous voice has won the hearts of numerous fans not only locally but all over the world. The Guru expresses her gratitude towards parents and students for being very understanding whenever there is a cancellation or replacement of classes. The fact that the Guru is busy most of the time with concerts and performance, the parents least doubt her teaching abilities and caliber. Smt. Yamuna’s achievement and single minded dedication has made her a role model. And today there is no looking back as the Guru and students further ascend the ladder of the musical delight wisdom