Royal Carpet Carnatic Composers: NS Ramasvami Iyer

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karnATik

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Famous Carnatic Composers - NSRI

NS Ramaswami Iyer - Shri. N.S. Ramaswamy Iyer was born in Nagapattinam in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu, to Shri. Sambasiva Iyer and Smt. Sivagami in 1888. His father, Shri. Sambasiva Iyer, worked as the deity decorator at the Kaayaroganar temple in Nagapattinam. As the eldest son in the family that had limited means he had to discontinue education after high school and he took up a job as an assistant in Southern Railways. While he had gained basic knowledge of Sanskrit and Tamil languages through his schooling, he expanded his knowledge of both these languages by himself through sheer passion. His mastery of the English language was no less either. His love for Sanskrit language at a young age presented opportunities for him to take part in classical dramas, “Kathakaalatshebam” (musical divine story rendering), and bhajan performances. His musical knowledge was self-taught and further developed through these activities.

Shri. N.S. Ramaswamy Iyer retired early from his Government job. Due to lack of pension facilities and the need to support his young children through schooling he had the need to continue to earn. This need coupled with his passion towards music naturally led him to be a musical vocal teacher for young students. He started composing music during his spare time between his classes. He composed 140 Sahithyas in Tamil and Sanskrit, praising the supreme being in all forms and dimensions. He paid special attention to ensure his compositions adhered to the sastras, shruthilaya and norms, while delivering songs that were enjoyable by everyone. Shri. Kanchi Mahaperiyava having listened to few of his Sahithyas commended the depth in the meaning and message conveyed by his songs.

Shri N.S. Ramaswamy Iyer attained lotus abode in 1967 at the age of 79. A book containing 119 of his songs were published in 2001 by his children and was widely distributed.

The descendants of Shri N.S. Ramaswamy Iyer would like to convey their sincere thanks to Mr. Lakshman Ragde bringing Shri N.S. Ramaswamy Iyer’s songs to Karnatik.com and etching his composition in digital memory forever.

Lyrics contributed by Lakshman Ragde from the above-mentioned book, and corrections, photo, and bio provided by his grandchildren, including Ganesh Muthukrishnan. Please contact us to reach him.

Mudra: Srirama

Compositions:

updated on 03/15/2021