M.M. DanDapaaNi DEshikar - (August 27,1908 - June26, 1972 ) Dandapani Desikar was a supremo for decades in the field of devotional tamil songs and dominated several fields of activities like singing of tamil devotional songs, teaching, films, etc. He enjoyed a rich, absorbing voice and style best suited for tamil devotional pieces and he appeared just when Tamil Isai also was in its stride. Born at the pilgrim centre, Tiruchengattangudi near Nannilam, of Muthiah Desikhar, he studied at the pial-school at Poovanur and learnt Thevaram and music under his father as well as Manicka Desikhar, Sattayappa Nayanakarar and Kumbakonam Rajamanickam Pillai. He was very popular and widely respected for his attainments, musical compositions and contribution to the spread of tamil music. He made his debut at Tirumarugal, noted for its Saivite shrine and for its brilliant nagaswaram maestro Natesan. He was teacher from his eighteenth year at the Okkur Lakshmanan Chettiar Thevara Patasala for ten years and was Professor and Head of the Department of Music, Annamalai University for fifteen years. He was giving concerts. He has published on behalf of the Annamalai University and the Tamil Isai Sangam, songs of Bharati, Padinalvar, Thevaram, Divya Prabandam and Tirupugazh in 'Isai Tamizh Paamalai'. He has included his own compositions also. He has acted in a number of films like Pattinathar, Vallala Maharajan, Manickavachakar, Thayumanavar, Nandanar and Thirumazhisai Alwar. His chaste pronounciation, sweet voice and steady tempo, spiritual and devotional songs and devout rendition helped him and the films in gaining high popularity. Honours and titles include 'Isai Arasu', 'Pandisai Pulavar Kone', 'Thevara Mani', 'Sangita Sahitya Siromani', 'Tirumurai Kalanidhi', 'Thandaka Vendhu', 'Pannisai Vendhan', 'Isai Pulavar', 'Kalaimamani' from the Tamil nadu Eyal Isai Nataka Mandram, 'Isai Perarignar' from the Tamil Isai Sangam and 'Sangita Natak Academy Award'.