Pandit Puttaraj Gawayigalu was an Indian musician in the Hindustani classical tradition, a scholar who authored more than 80 books in Kannada, Sanskrit and Hindi, a music teacher and a social servant.
17 Facts About Puttaraj Gawai
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Puttaraj Gawai is the recipient of the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honour, awarded in 2010.
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Puttaraj Gawai was born into a poor Kannada Lingayat family in Devagiri in Haveri taluk of Dharwad district of Karnataka.
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Puttaraj Gawai lost his parents when he was 10 months old.
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Puttaraj Gawai mastered carnatic music under the guidance of Mundarigi Raghavendrachar.
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Puttaraj Gawai had mastered many instruments harmonium, tabla, violin and 10 other music instruments.
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Puttaraj Gawai set up a theater company which would not only to help in raising funds to provide free food, shelter, education to disabled orphans but to contribute to the theater culture.
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Puttaraj Gawai has authored over 80 books on spirituality, religion, history as well as biographies of many 'sharanas' of the Bhakti movement of the 12th century.
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Puttaraj Gawai has authored books in Kannada, Hindi and Sanskrit.
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Puttaraja Gawai is one of the pioneers of Veereshwara Punyashrama, a music school dedicated to imparting musical knowledge to people who are differentially able-d.
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Puttaraj Gawai Gavai has given innumerable performances and has been considered one of the pioneering feats of Theatre Movement in the North Karnataka.
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Puttaraj Gawai Kavi Gavai has been serving out society in different capacities and is a catalyst of social and communal harmony.
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Puttaraj Gawai richly deserves any coveted prize and honour like "Padma Vibhushan Award".
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Puttaraj Gawai has taught many students which presently runs to a count of more than 1000 visually impaired.
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Puttaraj Gawai died 17 September 2010, at Veereshwara Punyashrama, Gadag, Karnataka.
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Puttaraj Gawai was buried at the ashram as per the veerashaiva traditions with respectful government honours.
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Pt Puttaraj Gawai has been bestowed with many awards for his contributions to music, literature and social service.