UN to issue stamp to commemorate MS Subbulakshmi's birth centenary
In a statement, India's Permanent Mission to the UN said that the UN Postal Administration will issue a stamp to honour the legacy of India's Carnatic music legend M.S. Subbulakshmi to mark her birth centenary, which falls on 16th September. The event will coincide with the celebrations of India's 70th Independence Day which will be celebrated at the UN Headquarters this year.
Who is M. S. Subbulakshmi?
Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi was born on 16 September 1916 in Madurai. Also known as M.S., she was a classical Carnatic vocalist. M.S. also acted in a few Tamil films like Sevasadanam, Sakuntalai, Savithiri and Meera. She was the first musician ever to be awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna and the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay award in 1974.
Subbulakshmi's performance at the UN
In October 1966, M.S. Subbulakshmi was invited by the then UN Secretary General late U Thant to perform at the UN General Assembly. She became the first Indian artist to perform at the UN and this year marks the 50th anniversary of her performance.
A.R. Rahman to perform for UN diplomats on August 15
To commemorate India's 70th Independence Day, Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman will perform at a special concert in the UN General Assembly hall on August 15. He is the second Indian after M.S. to perform at the iconic UN hall. Minister of State for External Affairs M.J. Akbar will represent India at the UN events which are being organized with the support of Sankara Nethralaya.
Other events being held to mark India's Independence Day
On 15th August, India's Consul General Riva Ganguly Das will be ringing the closing-bell at Times Square's NASDAQ stock market and Indian Consulate will host a flag-hoisting ceremony. A parade will be organized in Manhattan on 21 August by the Federation of Indian Associations of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut which will be headlined by Yoga Guru Ramdev and Bollywood actor Abhishek Bachchan.
Photo exhibition on Subbulakshmi's life and times
The Permanent Mission of India to the UN is organising a photo exhibition from August 15-19 at the UN headquarters to mark Subbulakshmi's birth centenary. It will depict various facets and moments of her life and provide a rare glimpse into the music legend's achievements.
