Sudha Raghunathan is a noteworthy Indian classical vocalist of Carnatic tradition. She began her training in the Carnatic music under the tutelage of her mother, Smt Choodamani, when she was only 9 years old. Later on she received training for a brief period from Sri. T. V Viswanathan and Sri. B.V. Lakshman. In the year 1977, Sudha Raghunathan came under the umbrella of the celebrated Padmabhushan, Sangeetha Kalanidhi, Dr. M. L Vasantha Kumari and received tutelage from them. She bagged this opportunity after winning a scholarship from the Indian Government, which is given to young artistes for advanced training in music. Dr. M.L Vasantha Kumari inspired her to take up music as career. For near about a decade Sudha Raghunathan received training from Dr. M.L Vasantha Kumari.
Early Life of Sudha Raghunathan
Sudha Raghunathan was born in Bangalore to a Tamil Brahmin family. Later her family moved to Chennai. She completed her education from Good Shepherd Convent. She has successfully completed her Masters Degree in Economics. She also holds the distinction of being awarded the Most Outstanding Student of the Ethiraj College, Chennai for 3 years in succession.
Career of Sudha Raghunathan
Throughout her professional career, Sudha Raghunathan has performed at almost all the major cities in India. At the invitation of esteemed institutions abroad, she has pioneered concert tours all over the world. All over the world her performances received rave appreciation from the musicians from the Carnatic and the Hindustani music realms. Acknowledging her talent Sudha Raghunathan has been included as a Top Ranking artiste of the All India Radio, Chennai. She has been performing on a regular basis on AIR and Doordharshan. Sudha performed at Hassan, Karnataka for the Radio Sangeeth Sammelan series of concerts directed by the AIR. To her credit she has released commercial cassettes and compact discs of classical and devotional music produced by many leading recording companies. The banners include, Amutham Inc.(New York); AVM Audio; MusicToday; Vani Recording Co.; HMV; INRECO; T-Series; Geethanjali, etc. Sudha Raghunathan has fetched the unique privilege of being the Astana Vidushi of the Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetam, Sringery; the Andavan Ashramam, Srirangam; the Ahobila Mutt.
Achievements of Sudha Raghunathan
•Sudha Raghunathan has fetched many accolades throughout her professional career.
•Gaana Sudha Amrithavarshini by Kaanchi Mutt in 1999
•MLV Memorial Award in the year 1998 and Vasantha Gaana Vaarithi in the same year
•Bharat Jyoti, Bharathiya Vidhya Bhavan, New York in 1998 Gaana Kuyil, Valmiki Manram, Madras in the year 1998
•Woman of Golden Substance, Rotary club, Chennai in 1998
•Udhavum Oli, Vasantha Memorial Trust for Cancer Cure and Care, Coimbatore, in the year 1998
•Bharatha Sangeetha Bhushana, Sri Bharathalaya, Chennai in 1997
•Sangeetha Choodamani, Sri Krishna Gaana Sabha, Chennai in 1997
•Yogam Nagaswamy Award, The Music Academy, in 1997
•Ariyakudi Ramanujam Iyengar Award, Sri Ragam Fine Arts, Chennai in 1996
•Sangeetha Bhushani, Indian Fine Arts, Austin, Texas, USA in 1996
•Thennisai Thilakam in the year 1996, The Federation of Tamil Sangams, North America and Tamil Nadu Foundation -USA, Tamil Conference, Stamford, Connecticut; For the Sake of Honour Award in the year 1995
•Gana Kala Bhushani, Sankarabharanam Trust in the year 1995
•Swara Raga Laya Ratna, The Academy of Indian Music, Melbourne, Australia, in 1994
•Gaana Sudhakara from Sakthi Arutkoodam, in 1999
•Vasantha Gaana Vaarithi by the Carnatic Music Association of Ohio, Michigan, U.S.A in 1998
•Rasika Kala Ratna at Sydney, Isai Kalai Illavarasi at Canberra, Lalitha Swara Gana Varidhi at Perth
•Saptaswara Vani, Saptaswara Sabha, Karaikal, in 1994
•TOYI (Ten Outstanding Young Indians) Award, The Indian Junior Chamber, in the year 1994
•Rasika Priya Ratnam, Jagadguru Sri Chndrasekharendra Saraswathi Spiritual Centre, Chennai, in 1993
•Sangeetha Saraswathi, The Mahasannidhanam of Sringeri, in 1993
•Youth Excellence Award, Maharajapuram Viswanatha Iyer Trust, in 1992
•Ugaadi Puraskar Award, The Telugu Academy, in 1992
•V.S.T Award For Excellence and the title Isai Peroli, Kartik Fine Arts, Chennai, in 1991
•Yuva Kala Bharathi, Bharat Kalachar, Chennai in 1989
•Amudha Isai Vani, Tamil Sangam, New York, in 1988
•Bharat Jyothi in 1998 from The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New York.
•Padma Shri Award in the field of Carnatic music (vocal) in 2004
Other Activities of Sudha Raghunathan
On July 20th, 1999, Sudha Raghunathan launched a trust for social welfare activities. The trust has been named as the Samudhaaya Foundation. The trust covers a wide spectrum of activities ranging from music to education and charitable causes. For the first project of Samudhaaya Foundation, it collected a huge sum and donated it to the Kargil Defence Personnel Relief Fund. She has also donated money for helping the deprived, ailing and destitute. This foundation has also helped the victims of Gujarat earthquake and cyclone in Orissa by raising funds.
Personal Life of Sudha Raghunathan
Sudha Raghunathan is married to Mr. Ragunathan and they have two children.