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Bhaktavalsalan, Kerala’s Legendary Christian Composer and Musician No More
Though Bhaktan, as his close friends chose to call him, will not sing any more, the songs he wrote and sang will be treasured by the churches in Kerala for years to come.
May 16, 2023By Paulson Pulikottil
Bhaktavalsan (aka Bhaktan), famous Malayalam Christian lyricist, vocalist, and music director who wrote more than 250 Christian songs is called home on May 16, 2023, in Bengaluru. He was 74.
Besides writing songs, he set more than 300 songs to music during his fifty years of ministry.
Music was part of his being, whom his childhood friends remember as the undefeatable performer in the carol competitions, school, and college music competitions.
Following his dramatic conversion during college days in 1971, he committed his life to sing only for his savior, which he did until his last breath. Christian Arts Center, the gospel music team that he founded fifty-three years ago was a vibrant part of gospel meetings, church events, and youth rallies in Kerala.
He was the lead singer for Heart Beats the music team of India Campus Crusade based in Bengaluru since its inception in 1976 to 1992. The team trotted the globe performing in UK, Germany, Rome, Canada, Gulf countries and so on.
Though Bhaktan, as his close friends chose to call him, will not sing any more, the songs he wrote and sang will be treasured by the churches in Kerala for years to come.
(With input from Tony D. C. in Thrissur, Kerala).
