MANIPAL ARUNA KUMARI M.A., World's First Blind Veena Artist of Excellence.
Born on 26-02-1967. Father : Prof. V.SHAMA BHAT ; Mother: HIMAVATHI S.BHAT.At the age of 7, she lost her eye sight due to retinal detachment. Her parents suggested her to study Music. She first studied Vocal music from Vidwan Sri. Udupi Vasudeva Bhat, which was continued by Smt.Lalith Ballal and Vidwan Sri Sooralu Parameshwara Bhat. She then began to learn Veena under Veena Vidhushi K.R.Lakshmi Iyengar, Violin from Sri.K.Raghavendra Bhat. She had her higher traing from the well known Vainika Sri A.Ananthapadmanabhan, AIR, Thrissur, for more than 10 years at Thrissur.
Her academic Excellence:
Veena Junior grade : High Distinction
Veena Senior grade : I Rank
Veena Vidwath(P.G.Level): II Rank
B-High Grade : All India Radio
Vocal Carnatic Classical :
Junior grade : II Rank
Senior grade : High Distinction
M.S. in Sociology : I class
Got many scholarships from Central govt and other associations.
Few Awards:
1. Sangeetha Nrithya Academy, Bangalore in 1988
2. Dhanammal Prize for Veena by Madras Music Academy in 1990
3. Neelam Kurshid Kanga Award for outstanding Blind lady in 1988
4. Perishapally award, Hyderabad
5. Karnataka Rajyothsava District award 2007
6. many awards for various, NGO's & associations
7. INDHIRA GANDHI MAHILA SHIROMANI AWARD 2008 by Internationa Integrity Peace & Friendship Society at Bangalore. Released one Veena Fusion CD - "ARADHANA"
She has given more tha 300 Veena classical & Fusion Music concerts all over India. Now she has her own Music Troupe called " SHIVA SHAKTHI" with budding well known artists.
FOR ALL HER ACHIEVEMENTS, SHE OWE'S HER CREDIT TO HER DEAR MOTHER ( who expired last year) and her FATHER ( THEY WERE HER TWO EYES) AND OFCOURSE ALL HER GURUS.
