Manipal Arunakumari

Manipal Arunakumari is a Blind Musical Veena Artist of excellence from Karnataka state of India.

Born in 1966, she lost her vision at the tender age of 7 years (1973) due to bilateral retina detachment (pathological myopia). All medical treatments such as surgery, eye grafting, allopathic, homeopathic systems were of no use according to the experts in the field.

However, her parents suggested her to learn Carnatic classical music to stand on her own legs.

The initial strong foundation in vocal music was laid by the well known Vidwan Sri. Udupi Vasudeva Bhat, which was later continued by Smt Lalitha Ballal and Vidwan Sri. Sooralu Parameshwara Bhat. She began learning the challenging Veena under Veena Vidushi Smt. K.R.Lakshmi Iyengar in 1978. She was initiated to violin by Vidwan Sri. K.Raghavendra Bhat. The sincere, affectionate coaching from her teachers and constant full time practice and listening to cassettes, CD’s, radio etc., made her to attain the otherwise impossible achievements.

She has a website, so check it out!