Renowned veena artist Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh has been chosen for the prestigious Sangita Kalanidhi Award by The Music Academy, Chennai — the highest honour in Carnatic music, conferred annually since 1942. Kumaresh is a sixth-generation musician credited with globalising the Saraswati Veena. She is the founder of the Indian National Orchestra and pioneered the 'CUPPA' (Carnatic Music Understanding for Popular Public Appreciation) series. She will preside over academic sessions of The Music Academy's 100th annual conference, to be held December 15, 2026 to January 1, 2027. This is the first time in three decades that a veena player has been selected for this honour.
Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026 Announced for Veena Exponent Jayanthi Kumaresh
AQuick answer
Veena artist Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh chosen for Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026 by The Music Academy, Chennai — first veena player in 30 years.
Key facts
- Veena artist Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh has been chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi Award by The Music Academy, Chennai — the highest honour in Carnatic music, conferred annually since 1942.
- Kumaresh is a sixth-generation musician credited with globalising the Saraswati Veena and is the founder of the Indian National Orchestra.
- She pioneered the 'CUPPA' (Carnatic Music Understanding for Popular Public Appreciation) series.
- She will preside over academic sessions of The Music Academy's 100th annual conference, to be held December 15, 2026 to January 1, 2027.
- This is the first time in three decades that a veena player has been selected for this honour.
Mains angle
Q: Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh was chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026. Discuss the role of such honours in preserving classical traditions and globalising the Saraswati Veena.
Answer (50 words):
The Music Academy, Chennai selected veena exponent Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh for the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026, Carnatic music's highest honour conferred since 1942. A sixth-generation musician credited with globalising the Saraswati Veena, she founded the Indian National Orchestra and pioneered the CUPPA series, becoming the first veena player honoured in three decades.
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Who has been chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026 by The Music Academy, Chennai?
Explanation · Correct answer A
Renowned veena artist Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh was chosen for the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026, the highest honour in Carnatic music, conferred annually since 1942 by The Music Academy, Chennai.
Source: Deccan Herald
Frequently asked questions
Who received the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026 and by which institution?
**Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh**, a renowned veena artist, was chosen for the **Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026** by **The Music Academy, Chennai** — the highest honour in Carnatic music. The award has been conferred annually since **1942**.
What is the significance of Jayanthi Kumaresh winning the Sangita Kalanidhi Award 2026?
This is the **first time in three decades** that a veena player has received the Sangita Kalanidhi Award. Kumaresh is a **sixth-generation musician** credited with globalising the **Saraswati Veena** internationally.
What is the CUPPA series pioneered by Jayanthi Kumaresh?
**CUPPA** stands for **Carnatic Music Understanding for Popular Public Appreciation** — a series pioneered by Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh to make Carnatic music accessible to wider audiences. She is also the founder of the **Indian National Orchestra**.
When will The Music Academy hold its 100th annual conference where Jayanthi Kumaresh will preside?
The Music Academy's **100th annual conference** is scheduled from **December 15, 2026 to January 1, 2027**. As the Sangita Kalanidhi Award recipient, Dr. Jayanthi Kumaresh will preside over its academic sessions.
How long has the Sangita Kalanidhi Award been given and what does it recognise?
The **Sangita Kalanidhi Award** has been conferred every year since **1942**, making it over **80 years** old. It is considered the **highest honour in Carnatic music** and is awarded by **The Music Academy, Chennai** to a distinguished Carnatic musician each year.
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