In the death of Somnath Damodar Chari last night, Ribandar has lost an illustrious son who was always ever so humble and extremely affable. His last rites will be held today at noon in the Ribandar crematorium.
Born in 1935 Somnath Chari received his initial training in Bhakti Sangeet tradition of Goa from his father Damodar V. Chari, and later from Manohar Buva Shirgaonkar. He also received training in Indian music from Shripad Madiye of Kirana Gharana. He was also adept in playing various musical instruments like Pakhawaj, Tabla, Violin and Harmonium. He obtained Sangeet Visharad from the Akhil Bharatiya Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, Miraj. Somnath Chari was a very accomplished theatre artist, who composed music for many stage plays, and gave several noteworthy performances in various presentations of Marathi Natya Sangeet. He had authored a book on the traditional Goan Bhajan Parampara. A biography titled Bhajan Charya Somnath Chari Jeevan and Karya was penned by Raju Naik. A graded artist of All India Radio and Doordarshan Somnath Chari taught music as a faculty member at several institutions in Goa. To his credit are a large number of recordings of traditional music. For his immense contribution to the field of devotional music of Goa, Somanth Chari h was conferred the Goa State Cultural Award, the Bhajan Samrat Puraskar, and several other titles. He also received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for his contribution to the traditional music of Goa. May the soul of our dear Somnath Chari who always was a thorough gentleman on and off the stage rest in eternal peace. Aires Rodrigues Advocate High Court C/G-2, Shopping Complex Ribandar Retreat, Ribandar – Goa – 403006 Mobile No: 9822684372 Office Tel No: (0832) 2444012 Email: [email protected] Or [email protected] You can also reach me on Facebook.com/ AiresRodrigues Twitter@rodrigues_aires www.airesrodrigues.com
