Celebrating India’s rich classical music heritage, the Government of India has honoured Shri Seshampatti T. Sivalingam from Tamil Nadu with the Padma Shri for his outstanding contribution to the field of Art.
A renowned Nadaswaram maestro, Shri Sivalingam has dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of this ancient wind instrument, which holds a sacred place in South Indian temple traditions and Carnatic music. With a career spanning several decades, he is known for his technical brilliance, soulful renditions, and deep commitment to the purity of tradition.
Hailing from a family of musicians, Shri Sivalingam rose to prominence through his performances in prestigious music festivals, temples, and cultural platforms across India and abroad. His music is celebrated for blending devotional fervour with classical mastery, bringing the divine resonance of the Nadaswaram to audiences of all ages.
Beyond the stage, Shri Sivalingam has mentored many young musicians and worked actively to ensure that the Nadaswaram art form is passed on to future generations. His efforts have played a critical role in keeping this unique aspect of Tamil Nadu’s musical heritage alive in the modern era.
Upon receiving the honour, Shri Sivalingam said, “This award is a blessing. It belongs to the music, my gurus, and the cultural soul of Tamil Nadu.”
Musicians, cultural institutions, and rasikas across the nation have praised the recognition, calling it a “timely tribute to one of India’s greatest torchbearers of traditional temple music.”
By conferring the Padma Shri on Shri Seshampatti T. Sivalingam, the nation honours a musician whose breath has carried the legacy of the divine for generations to hear.
