1955 – Inception
Sri Rama Lalitha Kala Mandira was founded in the year 1955 by Late Sri G. Vedanta Iyengar, an educationist of high repute and a recipient of Public Service Medal from the then Maharajah of Mysore, His Holiness Sri Jayachamarajendra Wodeyar on 20th July, 1949.
1981 – First Phase of the Institution building
The then CITB allotted a site to the institute at Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bangalore. The sisters struggled hard, devoting their time, energy and resources to construct a building. The First Phase of the Building was inaugurated by Sri Maharajapuram Santhanam on 2nd August, 1981, coinciding with the Silver Jubilee of Institution.
1986 – Second Phase of the Institution building
The second phase of the bulding was completed in 1986 and on 19th January, 1986 the mini concert hall was inaugurated by Sri K.J Yesudas in the presence of His Holiness Sri Chindanandaji Maharaj, Ramakrishna Mutt, Bangalore and Senior IAS Officer Sri Chiranjeevi Singh.
1989 – Open Air Auditorium is constructed
An open air theatre came into existence in 1989 and the same was declared inaugurated by veteran musician Sri Semmangudi Srinivasa Iyer on 8th January, 1989.
2005 – Kala Mandira Completes 50 years of service to music
The Institute has now completed a challenging half-century of its useful role in the world of music. Concerts by reputed musicians from several parts of India were organised at regular intervals all through 2004 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Institution. An attractive souvenir containing several valuable articles from eminent musicians and musicologists was brought out at the inaugural function of the Golden Jubilee Year.
2008 – Sangeetha Vedantha Dhureena award is conferred to Dr. Balamurali Krishna
In the memory of our founder, Late Sri G. Vedanta Iyengar, a memorial award in his name was instituted with the help of His holiness Sri Sri Yathiraja Narayana Ramanuja Jeeyar of Yathiraja Mutt to confer on artists who have excelled in the field of Carnatic music. The fist award was given to Dr. Balamurali Krishna in 2008. The award constitutes of a cash award of ₹ 1 Lakh, a Silver medal and Citation. Many artists have since been conferred with the award.
2012 – 50th Year Punyasmarane of founder Sri G. Vedantha Iyengar
A memorabilia was released commemorating the founder’s 50th year of remembrance after his passing away. The souvenir was released by Dr. Balamurali Krishna, with the blessings of Sri Sri Yadugiri Yathiraja Narayana Ramanuja Jeeyar of Yatiraja Mutt, Melukote on 17th November 2012.
2013 – Lalitha Kala Tarangini is released
Lalitha Kala Tarangini, a newsletter/ magazine that is a repository of articles and information about Karnatak music was first released in the year 2013. The editor Sri S. Anand has been the heart and soul of the magazine and has helped bring out edition after edition of rich and educative musical content. His hard work and dedication has helped Rasikas and readers have a fulfilling reading experience.
SRI RAMA LALITHA KALA MANDIRA 