A half-century of rhythm: T.R. Chandran from Thrissur, a constant at Chembai Sangeetholsavam
As Chembai Sangeetholsavam celebrates its golden jubilee, T.R. Chandran has been a regular at the fete since 1977; his wife, Sathi, is also a dedicated music teacher. Music keeps the light alive for this visually couple
T.R. Chandran and his wife, Sathi, have dedicated their lives to music, despite both of them being visually impaired since birth. The couple reside in Thrissur's Thrissur district, where Chandran has been a steady presence at the Chembai Sangeetholsavam at Guruvayur since 1977. This year marks the festival's golden jubilee, making his 49-year involvement truly remarkable.
A graduate of Chembai Memorial Music College, Palakkad, Chandran taught at Guruvayur Devaswom’s Sree Krishna Higher Secondary School for 29 years before retiring in 2006. Even after losing his sight completely, he never missed a day of teaching, traveling by bus from Thrissur to Guruvayur. Apart from schooling, he taught music to numerous students at home and continues to do so. Chandran is also skilled in playing the Nadaswaram.
For Chandran, the Chembai festival holds immense significance. He first performed at the festival in 1977, singing a composition by Swathi Thirunal. He describes the mental satisfaction and energy he gains from singing at the festival as unparalleled. "For those five minutes, I forget all the difficulties of life and immerse myself in the Lord," Chandran remarks.
His wife, Sathi, a Ganabhushanam graduate of S.R.V. Music College, taught music at Pengamukku High School for 31 years, but her eyesight also deteriorated over time, leading her to become bedridden due to illness. Despite her condition, Chandran's aspiration remains steadfast: to continue offering his musical prayers before Guruvayurappan at the Chembai Mandapam.
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