Born on March 5, 1913, in Dharwad, the Southern state of Karnataka, Gangubai was from one of the most popular gharanas of Hindustani classical music- Kirana Gharana. She followed khayal style of Hindustani music and carved out her name across the world owing to her influential voice and comprehensive knowledge about the various intricacies of the Hindustani classical music.

Gangubai’s mother Ambabai herself was a vocalist of Carnatic music. She was further trained under the guidance of Krishnacharya and Sawai Gandharva. Born in an orthodox family she showed immense interest in learning Hindustani classical music and faced all odds bravely without losing her determination to excel in the area of music.

During her illustrious career spanning more than 75 years, she performed at various national and international platforms and brought laurels for the country. She had also served as honorary music professor in the Karnatak University.

Her marvelous achievements in the filed of Hindustani classical music fetched her numerous prestigious awards including Padma Vibhusahn and Sangeet Natak Akademi. She was honoured with the country’s second highest civilian award Padma Vibhushan in the year 2002, and was also awarded the famous Sangeet Natak Fellowship in the year 1996.

Even in her death she left a wonderful message by donating her eyes that will help a visibly challenged person to see this beautiful world. Her home state-Karnataka has declared a mourning of two days in her honour.

I am personally at loss as I always saw her as one of those handful of people who are playing a key role in the preservation of rich Indian culture and heritage.