Gayatri Sankaran Biography 
Dr. Gayatri Sankaran is a Carnatic musician and vocalist from Andhra Pradesh, who is visually challenged. She is also a Violinist and Veena exponent. For her outstanding contributions to Carnatic music she has been awarded Padma Shri by Government of India and Kalaimamani award from Government of Tamil Nadu. She is the first visually impaired woman to receive Padma Shri, the fourth highest Indian civilian award. She got opportunity to learnt music at Kalakshetra of Rukmini Devi Arundale, who was once impressed by her singing talents while she was a disciple of Allamaraju Someswara Rao. She has also trained under renowned musicians like K. J. Yesudas and Lalgudi Jayaraman. She has also worked in All India Radio as a Carnatic musician and light music singer.
She was born in Samalkota, Andhra Pradesh. Later she moved to Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai where she spent for a long time. She was initiated to music at the age of three by none other than her mother - Subbulakshmi Gurunathan. She also learnt under Allamaraju Someswara Rao, followed by Kalakshetra of Rukmini Devi Arundale. She also secured diploma and post graduate diploma in vocals and violin from Kalakshetra, followed by learning from Pakkala Ramados, K. J. Yesudas and Lalgudi Jayaraman.
Gayatri Sankaran started her career as a violin player for concerts where she accompanied many vocalists. In 1988 she joined the All India Radio as a staff artist and later completed PhD from the University of Madras also. Now she is settled in Tiruvanmiyur where she teaches many students. An empanelled artist of ICCR she is a recipient of numerous awards. She received Padma Shri from Indian President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam in 2006.
Published: N/A
Updated: January 28, 2016
