---
title: "M. S. Subbulakshmi: Carnatic Vocalist | Model Diplomat"
description: "M. S. Subbulakshmi was the first musician awarded the Bharat Ratna and sang at the UN in 1966. A key GS1 art-and-culture figure for UPSC aspirants."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/m-s-subbulakshmi"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- M.
- S.
- Why is M. S. Subbulakshmi significant for the General Studies art-and-culture syllabus?
- What honours did M. S. Subbulakshmi receive?
- How did M. S. Subbulakshmi contribute to cultural diplomacy?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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## Timeline

1. 16 September 1916

   Subbulakshmi\*\* (Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, – 11 December 2004) was an Indian Carnatic vocalist whose career bridged the worlds of classical music…

2. 11 December 2004

   Subbulakshmi\*\* (Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi, 16 September 1916 – ) was an Indian Carnatic vocalist whose career bridged the worlds of classical musi…

3. 23 October 1966

   The episode of greatest relevance to foreign-policy and civil-service study is her concert at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on , on the occ…

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Example

On 23 October 1966, M. S. Subbulakshmi sang at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on United Nations Day, an early landmark of Indian cultural diplomacy on the principal multilateral stage.

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