Noted Carnatic vocalist Neyyattinkara Vasudevan dead

Thiruvananthapuram, May 13 (UNI) Noted Carnatic vocalist Neyyattinkara Vasudevan died at his residence here today.

He was 68 and is survived by wife and two sons, according to his family sources. Contributing in a big way to popularise Swathi compositions, his music is a combination of tradition and innovation. Neyyattinkara Vasudevan was so popular for his charming disposition.

Vasudevan was born in 1940 in humble surroundings at Neyyattinkara near here. After finishing his high school studies, he joined the Swathi Thirunal Music College at Thiruvananthapuram because of his ardent love for Carnatic music.

He was recognised as ''Ganabhushanam'' in 1960 and ''Sangeetha Vidwan'' in 1962. Vasudevan had served as Assistant Professor in RLV College of music at Tripunithura. In 1974, he joined All India Radio (AIR), Thiruvananthapuram as an 'A Grade' artist. He retired in the year 2000.

Vasudevan was honoured with many awards, including the Padmasree in 2004 and the Swathi Puraskaram in 2007.

He was also awarded the Sangeeth Natak Academy for Carnatic Music in 2000 and the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award in 1982. He was also awarded the Sangeetha Nataka Academy Fellowship in 1989.

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