Draft:Seshampatti T. Sivalingam

Seshampatti T. Sivalingam is a celebrated Indian Nadhaswaram artist with a career spanning over six decades. Known for his contributions to Indian classical music, Sivalingam has been instrumental in preserving and propagating the art of Nadhaswaram, an ancient South Indian wind instrument, both in India and across the world.

Early Life and Training

Born in Seshampatti, a village in Tamil Nadu, Sivalingam began his training at the age of 7 under his father, Shri Seshampatti P. Thirthagiri. His early exposure to renowned musicians like Karaikuruchi Arunachalam and T. N. Rajarathinam Pillai inspired him to pursue advanced training. Despite familial resistance, Sivalingam moved to Thanjavur and studied under Shri Keevalur N.G. Ganesan. Later, he earned a Vadhya Visharadh degree from the College of Carnatic Music, Chennai, and trained under Shri Keeranur Ramaswami Pillai and Shri Thiruvarur Latchappa Pillai as a Government of India Scholar.

Career and Contributions

Sivalingam developed a distinctive style, gaining acclaim for his authentic rendition of raaga alapanas. He has performed in prestigious sabhas like the Music Academy, Krishna Gana Sabha, and Narada Gana Sabha. An empaneled artist with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), he has toured extensively, performing in countries such as the United States, Australia, and Mauritius, and has represented India at international events, including World Tamil Conferences and ICCR festivals.

As a top-grade artist for All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan, Sivalingam has performed for over five decades and judged competitions for prominent platforms. He has released several acclaimed music albums with labels like Sangeetha and Cosmic and has trained international students, spreading Carnatic music globally.

Sivalingam has dedicated his life to preserving the tradition of Nadhaswaram, an instrument considered divine and integral to temple festivals and weddings in India. His performances and albums have created a lasting body of work, preserving this tradition for future generations.Through international tours and events, Sivalingam has promoted Indian classical music and Nadhaswaram worldwide. He has trained numerous students from across the world, inspiring the next generation of Nadhaswaram artists and earning a recognition globally for the Nadhaswaram as an important wind instrument.

Awards and Recognition

Sivalingam's exceptional contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including:

Padma Shri (2024)

Sangeetha Kala Vibushan (2024) from Shanmugananda Sabha, Mumbai

Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (2011)

Kalaimamani Award (1996) by the Government of Tamil Nadu

TTK Award (2016) from the Music Academy

Isai Perarignar (2021) from Tamil Isai Sangam

Sangeeta Choodamani (2015) from Krishna Gana Sabha

Lifetime Achievement Awards from Karthik Fine Arts and Humor Club Triplicane

He is also an Asthana Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam and an empaneled artist with ICCR since 2000.