Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday unveiled a special ₹250 commemorative coin at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi. The coin release honors the 250th birth anniversary of Muthuswami Dikshitar, one of the most influential composers of Carnatic classical music.
The event, organized by the Centre of Excellence for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT (BHU), saw the Finance Minister emphasizing Dikshitar's significant contributions to Indian classical music and the nation's rich cultural heritage. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the coin, with support from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
Who Was Muthuswami Dikshitar?
Muthuswami Dikshitar, along with Tyagaraja and Syama Sastri, forms the revered Trinity of Carnatic music. Born in 1776, his compositions, predominantly in Sanskrit, are celebrated for their devotional depth, philosophical insights, and intricate musical structures. He is credited with composing an estimated 450 to 500 works, many of which remain cornerstone pieces in Carnatic music concerts and reflect India's profound spiritual and musical traditions.
Sitharaman Highlights Cultural Preservation
During her address, Ms. Sitharaman spoke about Dikshitar’s iconic veena, his deep association with Kashi (Varanasi), and his time in the city where he composed numerous works dedicated to Hindu deities and temples. She also interacted with students, explaining the nuances of Carnatic music, the distinctive features of various musical instruments, and the composer's enduring legacy.
The Finance Minister stressed the importance of introducing children to India's rich heritage early on, to help them understand and appreciate their cultural identity. She noted that engaging in cultural programs offers a vital alternative to excessive mobile phone use, fostering an appreciation for music, literature, and other art forms.
The commemorative event also featured captivating Carnatic music performances, including a vocal tribute by renowned vocalist Dr. Sumitra Vasudev and a veena recital by Ramana Balachandhran, accompanied by Ganapatiraman on the mridangam and L Ramakrishnan on the violin. Before the ceremony, Ms. Sitharaman paid floral tributes to Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya, the founder of BHU.
Coin Availability
According to Utkarsh Srivastava of IIT-BHU's public relations department, the ₹250 commemorative coin was available for purchase through the government mint at a price of ₹6,985. On the day of release, the mint's website listed 238 pieces in stock.