Dwaram Lakshmi

Dr. Dwaram VJ Lakshmi (born 9 June 1960) is an Indian Carnatic and light classical vocalist, composer, researcher, and teacher. An A-grade artiste with All India Radio and Doordarshan, she has performed over 5,000 concerts across India and abroad—including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Dubai, Malaysia, and Singapore.^[1] She has authored more than a dozen books and holds two doctoral degrees in music. Her accolades include awards such as the Kala Ratna (Hamsa Award) conferred by the Government of Andhra Pradesh.^[2]

Dwaram Lakshmi
Born	Nellore, India
Origin	Tirupati, India
Genres	Indian classical music
Occupations	Singer

Early life and background

Born in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, Lakshmi was raised in a distinguished musical family and is the granddaughter of violin maestro Padma Shri Dwaram Venkata Swamy Naidu.^[1] Her earliest training came from her parents, Dwaram Bhavanarayana Rao and Dwaram Venkata Varadamma. She later studied under Madhura Gayaka Sri Pemmaraju Suryarao and further honed her Carnatic skills under Padma Vibhushan M. L. Vasantha Kumari. She also studied Hindustani music under Pandit J. V. S. Rao.^[3]

Career

Lakshmi has performed at major venues such as the Madras Music Academy, Narada Gana Sabha, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Tyagaraja Aradhana at Tiruvaiyaru.^[4] She frequently presented devotional and classical concerts for the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) during Srivari Brahmotsavams and Annamacharya festivals.

She has also been featured on AIR’s Radio Sangeet Sammelan and Doordarshan’s National Programme of Music. Her style combines technical depth with emotive presentation, earning praise from critics for balancing melody and technique.^[5] Her performances are noted for their clarity and adherence to tradition.^[6]

Her devotional discography includes recordings of:

• Balakanda of Valmiki Ramayana
• Tiruppavai by Andal with commentary in multiple languages
• Tiruvengadam Pasurams by the Alwars
• Annamacharya keertanas like Twameva Saranam Mama and Sri Hari Padaalu

Publications

Dr. Lakshmi is the author of more than a dozen books and over 150 research articles. Some of her notable works include:

• *Suprasiddha Vaggeyakarulu* (ISBN 978-93-5391-162-1)
• *Sangeeta Vyasa Malika* (ISBN 978-93-5391-845-3)
• *Adhyatma Ramayana Keertanas* (ISBN 978-93-5396-013-1)
• *A Hand Book of Indian Music* (ISBN 978-93-5391-646-6)
• *Analytical Study of Thiruppavai Pasurams* (ISBN 978-93-5406-029-8)

Awards and recognition

Her contributions to Indian classical music have been recognized with numerous awards:

• Kala Ratna (Hamsa Award), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (2025)^[1]
• M. S. Subbulakshmi Memorial Award, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (2017)^[2]
• Ugadi Puraskaram (2017)^[1]
• Purandara Prasasti, conferred by TTD (2023)^[4]
• Nada Sudhanidhi – Vijaya Tyagaraja Sangeetha Sabha, Visakhapatnam (2016)^[7]

Philanthropy and musical initiatives

In 2020, she founded the Dwaram Lakshmi Academy for Musical Services, a registered trust that organizes lectures, workshops, and music festivals aimed at preserving and propagating classical music. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the academy held online programs and global musical prayers.^[4]

She also launched the Dwaram Bhavanarayana Rao Memorial Trust, which annually awards the "Sangeetha Sastra Shiromani" title to outstanding music scholars.

Research and scholarship

Dr. Lakshmi holds two doctoral degrees in music. One focused on the *Adhyatma Ramayana Keertanas* of Munipalle Subrahmanya Kavi, and the second analyzed the compositions of Subbaraya Sastry. Her research is recognized for blending scholarly analysis with performance practice.^[3]

She is credited with simplifying and revitalizing the teaching of Ragam Tanam Pallavi and is noted for her dual grounding in both Carnatic and Hindustani traditions.^[3]

Legacy

Dr. Dwaram Lakshmi continues to contribute to India’s cultural heritage through teaching, performance, research, and social outreach. Her work has influenced students across India and abroad, and her legacy continues through the efforts of her academy and publications.^[1]