Columnist
R. Yagnaraman

When the 21st century
dawned many of the
epoch-makers who had
distinguished themselves in their
chosen vocations during the last
century, and were in their eighties
and nineties, were still with us;
we could meet and talk to them.
Suddenly there has been a marked
change in the situation, over the past
couple of months. In quick succession,
many stalwarts have departed, making
us feel the passing of an era.
R. Yagnaraman, the legendary
‘sabhanayaka’ — General Secretary
of Sri Krishna Gana Sabha, Chennai
— was one such impact-making
personality. His work and contribution
assume special importance and
relevance in the context of the
changed circumstances of the last
century that required new initiatives
and strategies for the preservation
and promotion of the performing arts.