Wed Dec 31 17:34:52 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary:

The Hindu e-Paper reported on December 31, 2025, that The Music Academy released “Musical Writings of U. Ve. Sa,” an English translation of U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer’s writings on music and musicians. The book, comprising 18 articles, was translated by Justice Prabha Sridevan, who highlighted the challenges of translating Iyer’s ancient Tamil and specialized musical terms. The release was presided over by N. Murali, president of The Music Academy, and Sangita Kalanidhi designate R.K. Shriramkumar received the first copy. P. Saravanan, the editor of Iyer’s works, also attended the event.

Here’s a news article based on the text:

The Hindu e-Paper: Newly Translated Writings of ‘Tamil Thatha’ on Music Released

Chennai, December 31, 2025 – “Musical Writings of U. Ve. Sa,” an English translation of the musical works of U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer, affectionately known as ‘Tamil Thatha’ (the grand old man of Tamil), was released today by The Music Academy. The book, a collection of 18 articles exploring musicians and music, offers a valuable glimpse into the perspectives of a prominent Tamil scholar on the classical art form.

The release ceremony was led by N. Murali, president of The Music Academy, with Sangita Kalanidhi designate R.K. Shriramkumar receiving the first copy. P. Saravanan, editor of U. Ve. Swaminatha Iyer’s complete works, was also present.

Justice Prabha Sridevan, the translator of the collection, which includes extensive pieces on renowned musicians like Ghanam Krishna Iyer, Gopalakrishna Bharathi, and Maha Vaidyanatha Sivan, spoke about the challenges of the project. “Although his Tamil is simple, it is also ancient, and there are many specialized terms that required research,” she stated, explaining the eight-month effort required to complete the translation. She also revealed that Iyer had secretly learned music from Gopalakrishna Bharathi, author of Nandan Charithiram, against the wishes of his Tamil teacher, who feared it would detract from his Tamil studies.

“Musical Writings of U. Ve. Sa” is now available through The Music Academy and promises to be a significant resource for scholars and enthusiasts of Carnatic music and Tamil literature.

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