Daijiworld Media Network – Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Jan 27: Highly respected vocalist of Carnatic music, ‘Ganacharya’, Kanchana Narayan Bhat (67), breathed his last due to cardiac arrest on Wednesday January 26. Bhat, who was preparing to leave his home on Wednesday afternoon to perform at a programme, complained of chest pain and collapsed. He was rushed to a private hospital here, where he failed to respond to treatments.

Bhat is survived by wife and three daughters.

Kanchana Narayan Bhat was a stalwart in Carnatic classical music style. He was the disciple of the great Kanchana Venkatasubrahmanya Aiyar. He also was a progressive farmer. He had steadfastly worked to retain and further contribute to the ‘Kanchana’ style of singing, and worked as music teacher for the last 48 years. He had set up Sri Umamaheshwar Music School in the town, and groomed about 13,000 students during this period. His disciples are spread all over the globe.

Bhat steadfastly stuck to the basic principles of classical music, and never allowed his students to meddle with the set principles. He had been conferred with the title, ‘Ganacharya’, by Krishnan Namboodiri, a veteran of classical music, from Guruvayoor. He had completed   67 years of age on Tuesday, and on Wednesday, a felicitation programme and his performance were to be held here.

His cremation was conducted near his farm house on Wednesday night.