Jananeethi condoles the sad demise of

Philip V. Francis

Philip V. Francis, 43, one of the most gifted and celebrated artist of his genera

and internationally acclaimed musician who was honoured by

the Government of India having  been given the diplomatic status

as the Cultural Ambassador of India met with a tragic accident

on 26^th February 2008, and subsequently breathed his last

at the Heart Hospital, Thrissur on 4^th March 2008.

He is survived by his wife and a 30months old son.

Philip, a disciple of great master in Ghazal Ustad Fayyaz Khan,

pioneered in Kerala percussion styles popularized by Ustad Nazir Khan,

Ustad Inam Ali Khan and Ustad Hidayat Khan.

He had taken up an assignment from the Indian Council for Cultural Relations

for four years for teaching tabala at Guyana in West Indies.

Philip was, for more than fifteen years, a close associate of Jananeethi.

He has presented ghazal music as welcome songs at many of its programmes.

 He was infused with deep sense of human rights and

was totally devoted for humanitarian concerns.

We miss you, Philip though you live in us

as long your voice resounds in memories.

- Jananeethi Family -

March 05, 2008