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M. S. Subbulakshmi
M.S.Subbulakshmi was born on 16 September 1916 in Madurai; popularly known as M.S., She was one of the most famous Carnatic singers.
Her 1st album was released when she was only 10 year old. She was trained in classical Carnatic music under the guidance of Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer. She also learned Hindustani classical music.
M.S.Subbulakshmi had a command on Kannada classical music but Apart from this she also sang classical music in different languages like in Tamil, Sanskrit, Gujarati Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, etc. Apart from a marvellous singer she was an actress too. She performed in many films like Meer & Sevasadanam, Savitri. She also performed in Far East, New York (Carnegie Hall), Canada, London, Moscow, etc.
M.S.Subbulakshmi had tremendous contributions in the field of classical music; works include Suprabhatam, Kurai Onrum Illai, Bhajagovindam, Hanuman Chalisa, Vishnu Sahasranamam, etc. Her most famous & outstanding composition was the song Vaishnava Janato that bring tears to all listeners. M.S. was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1988 the 1st musician ever to be awarded in music field. She died on 11 Dec, 2004 in Chennai.
Bharat Ratna Award
The highest civilian award of the Republic of India is known as BHARAT RATNA. It came into existence on 2nd January 1954. The award was in recognition of extraordinary performance in the field of literature, science, public services, and arts only. This award belongs to all people of India without any discrimination of sex, race, and age. Previously award belonged to only limited criteria but in December 2011 the criteria were changed to include all fields of human endeavour.
Maximum 3 nominees may be awarded per year and recommendations for the same are specially made by the PM to the President. A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion in the shape of a peepal leaf are the only two things being given to the recipients; no money is granted with the award.
In the Indian order of precedence, the Bharat Ratna award comes in the seventh position. But Bharat Ratna recipients are constitutionally prohibited to use the award name as the title as per Article 18 of the Constitution of India.
Since 1954, 44 distinguished individuals have been awarded this prestigious and highest civilian award in the country.