By Samudri
Mridanga vidwan Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan was honoured in July 2014 with the New Jersey Assembly proclamation for promoting Carnatic music abroad.
The citation said Vaidyanathan, born in a family of percussionists, began training at the age of six from his grandfather and uncle. With his inherent sense of rhythm, disciplined practice and urge to excel in the art of playing the mridangam, he was showcased in concerts even as a high school student. He underwent rigorous training with mridangam maestro Karaikudi Mani and with dedication and hard work became a much sought after percussionist for leading musicians in India and abroad.
Vaidyanathan has performed at such major venues as Lincoln Center in New York and Kennedy Center in Washington DC. Vibrations, the symphonic ensemble he launched performs multiple genres of music on a global level. He promotes music through his position as Faculty Member of SIFAS in Singapore and as a mentor of young musicians who established the Tiruvarur Talavadya Vidyalaya in Chennai, the official proclamation added.
Tiruvarur Vaidyanathan was honoured by Upendra Chivukula, deputy speaker of New Jersey State Assembly. Divya Yeluri, founder director of Nrithya Madhavi School of Dance, in New Jersey, and Venu Yeluri participated in the ceremony.