Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Aug 24: Karnataka home minister Dr G Parameshwara felicitated Hindustani vocalist and reality show star Vidwan Yashwanth M G, who recently entered the Golden Book of World Records. The felicitation ceremony was held at Dr G Shankar Women’s College, Udupi.

In a remarkable feat, Yashwanth set a world record on June 4, by singing 270 songs of legendary playback singer Dr SP Balasubrahmanyam non-stop for 24 hours. The event, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana, began at 3 pm on June 3 at the Town Hall, Mangaluru, and concluded at 3 pm the next day, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Dr SP Balasubrahmanyam.

Rising to fame after winning ETV’s Yede Tumbi Haduvenu in 2006, Yashwanth went on to captivate audiences through popular shows such as Zee Kannada’s Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Udaya TV’s Sangeetha Mahayuddha, where he emerged winner in 2010. Holding a Vidwat in Hindustani Sangeet, he trained under eminent gurus including Keerthisesh Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar.

Alongside his music career, Yashwanth has excelled academically with postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University, Mysuru. A former NCC Army Officer with the 18 Karnataka Battalion in Mangaluru, he voluntarily retired to dedicate himself to music and Vedic studies.

His accolades include the Government of Karnataka’s Yuva Gayaka Prashasti (2005) and multiple national recognitions. In 2018, his full-length rendition of the national song Vande Mataram entered the world record books. With over 3,000 concerts across India and abroad and more than 5,000 students trained under his mentorship, Yashwanth continues to inspire as both performer and teacher.

Felicitating him, Dr Parameshwara lauded Yashwanth’s contributions to Indian music and culture. Former MLA K Raghupathi Bhat, Karnataka Athletic Association vice-president Mahesh Thakur, and Congress leader Muniyal Uday Shetty were present.