Google Doodle: Celebrates Bharat Ratna Recepient Carnatic Musician MS Subbulakshmi's 97 Birthday

Today, Google is celebrating 97th birth anniversary of one of the most popular Carnatic vocalist, MS Subbulakshmi. She was the fist musician ever, who was awarded, India's highest honorary civilian award, Bharat Ratna. Not only that but she was also the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay award which is Asia's highest civilian award, in 1974. Thus, one can imagine the musical gift she unveiled to the world in 40s.

However, today's Doodle on India's Google Search page highlights MS Subbulakshmi with her iconic red and black bindis prominent on her forehead. Moreover, she holds a tanpura and is also accompanied by a couple of other Indian instruments like tabla, mridangam and ghatam. The only thing missing is obviously her vocals which people still listen with immense joy.

Her first public performance was at the age of 13 at the prestigious Madras Music Academy. And with talent as such, her music still is an inspiration to many musicians. Her music has been a guiding light for today's fusion and rock fusion genre as well.

Expressing his respect towards Subbulakshmi's music and herself, Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru once said, "Who am I, a mere Prime Minister before a queen, a queen of music."

Looking at the brief history behind one of the greatest Carnatic musician, Subbulakshmi was born to a musical family. Her mother, Shanmukavadiver Ammal was a Veena player and her grandmother played Violin. She started learning Carnatic music at an early age and excelled in Hindustani music under Pandit Narayanrao Vyas as well.