1929-5-31
Thiruvattar,
Kingdom of Travancore,
British India
(now in Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India)
Singer, musicologist, writer
Leela Omchery (31 May 1929 – 1 November 2023) was an Indian classical singer, musicologist and writer. She is known for her contributions to classical music and was a recipient of the Padma Shri award from the Government of India for her contributions to Indian classical dance and music.[1]
Early life
Leela Omchery was born on 31 May 1929 in Mankoyikkal tharavdu in Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district in Tamil Nadu to Parameswara Kurup and Lakshmikutty Amma.[2] She started learning music from an early age under a Karnatic music guru, Thiruvattar Arumugham Pillai Bhagavathar, along with her younger brother, the late Kamukara Purushothaman, a classical and playback singer in Malayalam.[3] Hailing from a family of musicians, she had the opportunity to hone her musical talents under the guidance of her grandmother and mother who were musicians in their own right.Template:Citation needed
After early schooling in Kanyakumari, she obtained a graduate degree in Carnatic music from Government College for Women, Thiruvananthapuram and continued her studies in Hindustani music at Punjab University, obtaining another graduate degree.Template:Citation needed Her Master's degree came from Meerut University and she got her PhD in music from Delhi University.[4]
Career
Leela Omchery was working as a Professor in Kamukara School of Music, Dance and Research Studies, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala and as Professor and Principal of Trikalaa Gurukulam in Delhi.[5]
Omchery was the President of Dakshina Bharati (a south Indian Women’s Organization) and Vice President of Swaralaya, Delhi.Template:Citation needed
Omchery was an accredited Supervisor and Guide to Ph.D and M.Phil candidates from various universities including Delhi, Kerala, Calicut, Baroda, Nalanda, and Mumbai. She was also a member of the Selection Board of AIR, Doordarshan, ICCR, IGNCA, SNA (Delhi), the Ministry of Culture and IGNOU.Template:Citation needed
Omchery also worked as the Associate Professor and Head, Karnatak Music Section, Faculty of Music & Fine Arts, University of Delhi (1964–1994). She served as Editorial Staff of Indian Music Journal, Vageeshwari, (1975–1994).Template:Citation needed
Omchery also wrote some short stories.Template:Citation needed
Personal life and death
Omchery was married to writer Omchery N. N. Pillai and resided in New Delhi. The couple had two children, S.D. Omchery and Deepti Omchery Bhalla, a classical dancer.[6]
Leela Omchery died on 1 November 2023, aged 94.[7]
Works
English
| Title | Publisher | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Music and Allied Arts (5 volumes) | Sandeep Prakashan, Delhi | 1990 |
| Gleanings in Indian Music | Sandeep Prakashan, Delhi | 1991 |
| Immortals of Indian Music | Gyan Books, Delhi | 1998 |
Malayalam
| Title | Publisher | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Abhinaya Sangeetham | Bhasha Institute, Kerala | 1981 |
| Paadavum Padhavum | D.C. Books, Kerala | |
| Keralathile Laasya Rachanakal | D.C. Books, Kerala | 2003 |
| Chinakkara Koothu Paattukal | Mudra Books, Delhi | 2008 |
| Leela Omcheriyude Pathangal | Poorna Books, Kerala | 2009 |
| Karuna Cheyvanenthu Thamsam Krishna | D.C. Books, Kerala | 2011 |
| Vettam Mangiya Kovil Paattukal | Poorna Books, Kerala | 2012 |
On Other Topics
- Leelanjali (Short stories)
- Jeevitham (Drama)
- Parthivan Kanavu – Translation from Tamil
- Katha Bharathi – Translation from Tamil
- Aaharavum Aarogyavum
She is also credited with over 200 published articles.
Awards and recognitions
- Padmashri by Government of India in 2009
- Kendra Sangeet Natak Academy Award for the contribution to Traditional Music (Sopaana Sangeetham) and popular music of Kerala in 2003
- Marunaadan Malayaali Award for Excellence in the field of Traditional music and Arts, Delhi in 2008
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship in 1990[8]
- Sangeeta Kulapathi from Kalaadarppanam, Kerala in 2003
- Sangeet Kovida from Gayatri Fine Arts, Delhi in 2003
- Kalaacharya from Akhila Kerala Maaraar Mahaa Sabha, Kerala in 1990
- Sangeeta Sarva Bhouma from Astika Samaj, Delhi in 2006
- Award for overall contributions to Music and Culture, Panchavaadya Trust, Delhi in 2006
- Senior Fellowships/Associate ship for Research Projects from various prestigious national organizations like Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), University Grants Commission (UGC), Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts and Culture (IGNCA), SNA (Delhi).
References
- ↑ Padma Awards. Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India(2015). Retrieved July 21, 2015.
- ↑ ഡോ. ലീലാ ഓംചേരി അന്തരിച്ചു(2023-11-01). Retrieved 2023-11-02.
- ↑ Archived copy. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
- ↑ Academic Record | PROF. DR. LEELA OMCHERY. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
- ↑ Career | PROF. DR. LEELA OMCHERY. Retrieved 2 May 2014.
- ↑ Noted musician Leela Omchery, who sang a tribute after Gandhi assassination, dies. Onmanorama. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
- ↑ Leela Omchery, classical music pioneer dies aged 94
- ↑ Classical Music. Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Kerala. Retrieved 24 February 2023.
Further reading
- Gleanings of Indian Music and Art{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. MLBD(1991). ISBN 8185067775
- Studies in Indian Music and Allied Arts (5 Vols.){{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. MLBD(1990). ISBN 8185067600
- Karuna Cheyvanenthu Thamsam Krishna{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. DC Books(2012). ISBN 9788124019221
External links
Template:Padma Shri Award Recipients in Art Template:Padma Award winners of Kerala