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Dr. Balachandran – 2025

T. R. Mahalingam Centenary Award Citation To-day, we gather to honour the incandescent genius of Thiruvidaimarudur Ramaswamy Mahalingam, Flute Mali, a revolutionary artist whose audacious technique and spiritual depth transformed the bamboo flute from a mere accompanying instrument into a majestic vehicle for high art. Mali’s legacy is a call to flautists to strive for technical excellence combined with profound bhava (emotional content). It is in this spirit that we proudly confer the T. R. Mahalingam Centenary Award upon “Kalaimamani” Dr. Prapancham S. Balachandran, an artist whose four decades of dedicated practice, performance, and propagation have ensured the vitality of the Venu tradition. Hailing from a family of musicians and tracing his initial musical roots to Thanjavur, Dr. Balachandran represents the continuity of the Carnatic flute’s most celebrated lineage. Dr. Balachandran’s artistry is a powerful reflection of his advanced training under the guidance of Sangeetha Kalanithi Dr. N. Ramani for over 35 years. As one of the senior flag-bearers of this prestigious baani (style), he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to disciplined orchestration and the refined Gayiki (vocal style) of flute playing. His concerts, renowned across major stages in India and abroad, are distinguished by his virtuosity in executing intricate alapanas and rhythmic korvais, always ensuring that the music aligns perfectly with the Sahityam (lyrics). Beyond the stage, Dr. Balachandran’s contribution extends into the academic and institutional realms. His commitment to the flute’s evolution led him to profound research, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Madras on