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Life marked by indomitable spirit
DR. RAJALAKSHMI Santhanam, who passed away recently, was a friend of people of all ages. She will be missed by her many associates in different walks of life, who will remember her for her varied interests.
Rajamma, as she was fondly addressed, was an astonishing personification of courage, enthusiasm and worldly wisdom. For those who knew of the tragedies that hit her, it is a lesson to learn about her outlook to life and an unfailing spirit that underlined every activity into which Rajamma plunged herself, with great involvement.
One of the very early winners of the gold medal for vocal (women) at the Music Academy, Rajalakshmi Santhanam's major passion in life was Carnatic music.
The latter part of her life was filled with musical activities, not only in the practical side where she devoted to teaching (which she did without charging a fee) and performing, but also more towards pursuing in-depth studies.
Her skill in vocal music led her to assisting many young and senior dancers for whom she provided vocal accompaniment and Nattuvangam, both in India and abroad.
Sadhana Stage, one of the pioneers in forming an all-woman theatre group provided an outlet for Rajamma's skill in dramatics. Her interest brought her in contact with Dr. Raghavan and his Samskrita Ranga. This writer had many a wonderful moments with Rajalakshmi Santhanam, who participated in quite a few of the troupe's Sanskrit plays, presented in Chennai, Delhi and Ujjain. Rajalakshmi Santhanam always expressed her desire to be among young and energetic groups such as this one and she fondly recalled her stage experiences. An enthusiastic student, she completed her higher studies late in life, at the age of 76 and managed to win two doctorate degrees for her theses on Music and Vaishnavism, the second in May last!
Being a multifaceted personality, Rajalakshmi Santhanam always had the generosity of mind to encourage the young and the talented. In 1975, when Chennai Doordarshan Kendra was inaugurated, this writer remembers with warmth, Rajamma's enthusiastic efforts in introducing her in the media probably as one of the first comperes of a variety of programmes.
Eyes fill with tears, recalling the last meeting this writer had with Rajamma in January, when she came home to bless the new born grandchild in the family. Although she looked fragile and weak, her voice had the same ringing quality. "Don't forget me for your next play, `Malavikagnimitram'. I will be able to do the role of Parivrajika!" Indeed Rajamma was a combination of great mental strength and principles, a person who lived with tremendous spirit.
NANDINI RAMANI
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